New Movie to Tell Inspiring Story of Family of For King and Country Members Moving to America
- Michael Foust Crosswalk Headlines Contributor
- Updated Aug 03, 2023
The studio that made Jesus Revolution and I Can Only Imagine announced on Tuesday it will release a new movie in 2024 based on the inspiring true story of the Australian-native family behind Grammy winners For King and Country and Rebecca St. James.
Titled Unsung Hero, the movie will retell the story of the Smallbone family, who ventured from Australia to the United States after David Smallbone, the father, experienced business failure. Having watched his music company collapse, Smallbone moved his family to America, “searching for a brighter future,” according to the synopsis.
“With nothing more than their seven children, suitcases, and their love of music, David (For King and Country’s Joel Smallbone) and his pregnant wife Helen (Daisy Betts) set out to rebuild their lives,” the synopsis says.
“Based on a remarkable true story, Helen’s faith stands against all odds and inspires her husband and children to hold onto theirs,” it says. “With their own dreams on hold, David and Helen begin to realize the musical prowess in their children.”
David and Hellen were the parents of Rebecca St. James, who won a Grammy for Best Rock Gospel Album, and Luke and Joel Smallbone of For King and Country, who have won four Grammys, including for Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song. In total, Rebecca St. James and For King and Country have been nominated 11 times for a Grammy.
It is scheduled to be released on April 26, 2024, by Lionsgate and Kingdom Story Company.
Co-producer Moriah Smallbone said the film tells the story of a family who moved to America “with nothing but hope in their pockets.” The movie “just hits you straight in the heart,” she said.
It also stars Kirrilee Berger, Jonathan Jackson, Lucas Black, Candace Cameron Bure, Terry O’Quinn and Hillary Scott. Richard Ramsey and Joel Smallbone directed it.
Photo courtesy: ©Lionsgate/Kingdom Story Company, used with permission
Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel.
