'Woodlawn' a Right Message for the Right Time

"Woodlawn" is the latest faith film looking to score at the box office and in people's hearts.

Hollywood's Mark Burnett and Roma Downey are part of the team behind this epic football feature, which is based on the real-life struggle of school integration in the segregated South.

CBN News spoke with the couple, known for the popular Bible television series, for an exclusive preview of the film that stars Oscar-winning actor Jon Voight, Sean Astin, Sherri Shepherd, and newcomer Caleb Castille.

Castille plays Tony Nathan, who made history in college football. Burnett described the film to CBN News.

"This movie centers around a black football player on a white team around an incredible game in Alabama at Legion Field," Burnett said. "And you look at it, and you think, 'Wow, it's this historical piece 40 years ago.' But actually the message is as relevant today as ever."

The 1973-74 season at Birmingham's Woodlawn High School was a time of forced integration, but it was also a time of spiritual awakening. Downey said she was moved by how that is portrayed in the film.

"We have a scene in Woodlawn where the chaplain says who is going to stand up for Jesus, and they all stand up. I was watching it in my bedroom and I just wanted to stand up on the bed and say I want to be counted," she said.

This story is so much bigger than football. It's the gospel message played out on the big screen at a time when people need it most.

"We have all seen in the last 12 months crazy things happening in cities across America and a movie like this comes at the right time with the right message," Burnett said.