I dare you not to jump out of your seat or at least sing along to the music in "Hillsong: Let Hope Rise," out in theaters this Friday, September 16. The film, directed by Michael John Warren, brings the story of Hillsong United, an Australian Christian band, to the silver screen. The cameras follow the band as they prepare for a massive show at the Forum in Los Angeles, and explains how their journey ended up there from a small church in Sydney, Australia.
The movie is very well paced, giving viewers windows into how the band crafts their music in the studio, how they balance tours with their family lives and, of course, their incredible on stage performances. The camera work during the concert is impressive, but some of the most intriguing shots are when the cameras pan to the audience to show the emotional spiritual effect the music is having on the concertgoers.
The film isn't only for Christians though. Just ask Director Michael John Warren. He has admitted to not being a spiritual person by any means, but after meeting the band and hearing the songs that have inspired millions of people around the world, he had to help tell their tale. Add to the beautiful music an incredibly talented, likable and humble set of singers and musicians, and you've got a stellar combination.
Come for the incredible concert-like experience, stay for the moving stories behind the music.
Townhall sat down for conversations with both the director and some of the Hillsong United band members. You can check those out here.