News
Audience Response Propels Hit Film OCTOBER BABY to 200-Plus New Theaters
NASHVILLE – April 11, in the year of our Lord 2012
– While pundits call OCTOBER BABY controversial, the
surprise hit with a dramatic, humorous love story at its heart
continues to win over audiences nationwide. Entering its fourth
weekend in theaters after debuting as the No. 8 movie in the
country, OCTOBER BABY expands to 223 new screens.
“We’re thrilled by the audience response to OCTOBER BABY,” said
Jon Erwin, who co-directed the film with his brother, Andy. “It
tackles a serious subject but does so with humor, drama and
romance.”
Distributed by Samuel Goldwyn Films and Provident Films, OCTOBER
BABY earned a 91 percent positive rating from audiences on the
Rotten Tomatoes movie review site, the second-highest audience
score of the top 20 films currently showing. The film has earned
nearly $4 million at the box office.
Starring John Schneider (Smallville, Dukes of Hazzard), Jasmine
Guy (A Different World), and newcomers Rachel Hendrix and Jason
Burkey, OCTOBER BABY tells the story of 19-year-old Hannah, who
discovers she’s adopted and the survivor of an attempted
abortion. With friends from college, she hits the road to find
answers and to locate her birth mother. For the pivotal role of
Hannah, Hendrix earned the Special Achievement Award for Acting
at the Red Rock Film Festival.
The film spurred debate in national media, with its “Every Life
Is Beautiful” theme, but the Erwin Brothers intended no
political statement, preferring to start conversations on the
subject by first telling a good story. Viewer reaction posted on
Rotten Tomatoes indicates they accomplished their mission.
“The acting was incredible and the message is not pushed on the
audience. Rather, OCTOBER BABY just tells its story and lets you
make your own judgments.”
“While not overtly ‘preachy’ like some other Christian movies,
OCTOBER BABY still gets its message across but through the
storytelling, which is something I appreciated.”
“OCTOBER BABY . . . is a quality production with an intriguing
story, which cannot help but stir emotions.”
Initially opening in a modest 390 theaters, grassroots support
has fueled the film’s expansion. For opening weekend, groups in
70 communities where OCTOBER BABY wasn’t scheduled pre-purchased
enough tickets to ensure local showings. And groups can still
form to bring the movie to their towns. (See
www.OctoberBabyMovie.net for details and for a complete list
of theater locations.)
Building on an award-winning career in music videos, OCTOBER
BABY marks the Erwins’ feature film debut. It is a production of
The Erwin Brothers and American Family Studios.