God’s Not Dead director Harold Cronk said his life hasn't changed all that much since the franchise's success. He still lives in Michigan in his family home and he's still the same guy. He has, however, gained notoriety in Hollywood and as a result he has been able to pursue more film making with a team at 10 West studios. For instance, he recently directed Unbroken 2, the sequel to Angelina Jolie's original Unbroken, the story of World War Two hero Louie Zamperini.
Then, God Bless the Broken Road was born.
Cronk's newest film tells the story of a young woman, Amber, who finds out that her husband has died fighting in Afghanistan. Cronk said that Amber represents the thousands of military families who make the sacrifices that come with having to worry about a loved one overseas while still keeping their homes intact.
"The sacrifices made by our military heroes and their families and we wanted to highlight that there are many of those families that are struggling right now with loss and grave injury and they need our support," Cronk said.
Cronk is proud to be partnering with the Great American Veterans, the oldest military charity in the country and hoping to raise both money and awareness. He is donating 5 percent of net profits of the film to support DAV and veterans.
"These are incredible people that are boots on the ground helping our veterans every day, making sure they have the basic services they need" such as transportation to doctors’ appointments, etc., he explained.
The God Bless the Broken Road cast includes some Hollywood newcomers like former San Diego Chargers player LaDainian Tomlinson. The football star, Cronk beamed, has been "promoting the film and sharing it with all his friends throughout the NFL world."
"He did a fantastic job as Pastor William," Cronk said. "We’re just so blessed to have him lending his name and talents to our production."
As Amber, Lindsay Pulsipher gives "a powerful and committed performance in portraying a woman who’s gone through such a terrible loss." Cronk is also proud of his "young spark plug of an actress" Makenzie Moss, who at just 11 years old pulls off a rather "weighty" role as Amber's daughter Bree.
The film also features some Hollywood veterans like Robin Givens and Kim Delaney, who Cronk refers to her as "a huge supporter of our troops." Jordin Sparks, who won the sixth season of "American Idol," also appears in the film. In addition to marveling at her powerhouse voice, Cronk describes her as "an incredible young woman" who "loved the message of the movie." Andrew Walker stars as Cody Jackson, a race car driver who enters Amber's life and helps she and her family move past their grief and renew their faith in God.
God Bless the Broken Road comes out just a few days shy of the September 11 anniversary, a date that was not lost upon the director.
"Every year people remember what a horrible event that was and it kind of ground me every year that freedom isn’t free," Cronk explained. "We want the film to have a maximum impact on culture" and really feed off of "the patriotic swell" from the country.
Like many of Cronk's films, his latest includes some heavy faith elements. However, he is hopeful that secular audiences will be just as drawn to the film.
"I hope people explore the themes in the film like hope and finding your way down a broken road, myself included," Cronk said. "It’s nice to know that there’s a bigger plan for you than what’s here."
God Bless the Broken Road is in theaters September 7.
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