It can be easy, for some, to assign little value to “things” that have no voice and have yet to be proven in life. Such is the plight of a child in its mother’s womb. There is no history to derive its identity and meaning. No personhood in which to assign its uniqueness and importance. What if we looked backwards at the issue of life? If we followed a person who should have never existed and, in doing so, learn what a tragedy that alternate fate would have been?
In the beloved classic Christmas film, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” this issue is portrayed in a profound way. In it a despondent and desperate George Bailey is at the end of his rope. Crying out to his guardian angel Clarence, he laments that he is worth more dead than alive. To prove otherwise, Clarence grants him the rare opportunity to step into an alternate timeline where George Bailey had never been born. Together they go in search of the meaning George’s life had, not only to his family and friends, but to the community at large. Their many encounters reveal the incredible void left by George’s nonexistence and the revelation that every life is important and leaves an imprint on this earth and his fellow man.
True to that theme, on March 25th a movie will be released sharing a new perspective to the prolife movement. Inspired by true life stories, October Baby highlights a group of individuals many of us might never have known existed – the story of the abortion survivor
Hannah (played by newcomer Rachel Hendrix) is a beautiful 19-year-old college freshman who struggles with deep rooted personal issues and health problems. When she collapses during her theatrical debut, her doctor surmises that her problems are all attributed to her difficult birth. Confused, Hannah demands answers from her parents which forces the confession of their long guarded secret. Not only is she adopted, but she was premature and the survivor of a failed abortion attempt. Stunned by this revelation, Hannah sets out on a journey with her childhood friend Jason (Jason Burkey) and a group of friends to find answers and locate her birth mother. All does not go as she hoped, however. Amidst lost expectations and a heartbreaking revelation, Hannah is left to grapple with how to find the peace and closure she so desperately seeks.
There are so many elements to this film that make it an absolute gem. Multi-award-winning music video directors and brothers, Jon and Andrew Erwin, created a film that hits every note well. October Baby is beautifully shot, well written, funny, romantic and - above all - life affirming. It is also a relationship driven film that will speak to an under-served faith film market, that of mothers and daughters. Packing significant star power, the role of Hannah’s father Jacob is played by veteran actor and singer John Schneider (Dukes of Hazzard, Smallville, Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman). Also cast in the film is Broadway and television actress Jasmine Guy (Different World) and 2007American Idol contestant Chris Sligh as the comical sidekick B-Mac. An interesting side story to the casting was choosing actress Shari Rigby to play the role of Hannah’s biological mother. Unbeknownst to the Erwins, Shari had her own personal story that was similar to the role she was asked to play. For the filmmakers, it was important to be sensitive to the post abortive mother and provide a healing movie for them. Shari’s heartbreaking scene in October Baby was not merely acting but a very real moment of healing and forgiveness. Her testimony can be viewed on the film’s website (www.octoberbabymovie.net). Also listed on the website are numerous practical resources including information on the Every Life is Beautiful Fund. Producers of October Baby have assigned 10% of the profits of the movie to fund frontline organizations helping women facing crisis pregnancies, life-affirming adoption agencies, and those caring for orphans. Abortion survivor and prolife advocate, Gianna Jessen, also contributed to the movie. Besides serving as inspiration for the story line, one of her songs “Ocean Floor” is part of the film’s soundtrack.
Towards the end of October Baby, Hannah once again takes center stage to reenact the scene that was dramatically cut short at the beginning of the film. Its symbolism is not lost on us. She will continue to play the role of a lifetime. Her lifetime. A role entitled to each of us by our creator to impact a world not only through us, but through scores of generations born from us. “You see George, you really had a wonderful life,” Angel Clarence tells an emotional George Bailey at the end of their journey, don’t you see what a shame it would have been to throw it all away?”
If we take anything away from this movie it’s the realization that behind the staggering abortion statistics are hundreds of millions of stories that will never be played out on this wordly stage. October Baby makes us realize the beauty we would have lost if Hannah was never allowed to exist and, tragically, hers is but one story.
For more information go to www.Octoberbabymovie.net
Published in The Good News of South Florida, March 2012
www.Goodnewsfl.org
http://goodnewsfl.org/dv/0312/Broward/index.html#/32/
No comments:
Post a Comment