Feather staffers meet main actor, producer of Woodlawn
The crowds gathered in the theater lobby in anticipation of a meet and greet red carpet event. The young, the old, sports teams, and students all waited with patience for the opportunity to meet key participants in the movie Woodlawn. At long last the moment has come and they walk on the red carpet to meet and take pictures with these Pureflix stars, Oct. 17.
Senior Feather staffers Skyler Lee and Alexis Kalugin got to go to the red carpet premier of Woodlawn and meet actor Caleb Castille and producer Kevin Downes. Lee got to talk with Castille about the premiere and movie.
“It is exciting for me to get out and meet the people who are investing their time and money to see the film,” Castille said. “I hope the audience enjoys the film and is inspired by deeper message of the love, hope, and peace it takes to overcome the issues in the film.”
Melissa Kollenkark, mother of FC students Claire and Chris Kollenkark was also at the permiere.
“My husband and I are here to support the movie,” Melissa said. “This movie is a perfect way to bring people to the Lord. For instance the football team behind me. They are going to get to see the clear gospel message in a very relatable way.”
Woodlawn is based on a true story of an underdog football team in Brimingham, Alabama. The Woodlawn football team struggles to really connect, because of the integration problems the school is facing. One day a sports chaplain comes and talks to the football team, sharing the gospel message of the truth and hope that is in Jesus. After this message almost the whole football team commites their life to Christ.
This commitment not only affect the football team but it impacted the students, the other football teams, coaches and spectators around them. Not matter what discouraging trials were thrown at the Woodlawn football team they never gave up hope. They kept playing for God even when the odds were stacked against them.
One particular player Tony Nathan (played by Castille), struggles to find confidence in his talent to play football. Certain events happen to him individually that discourage him from playing football. As he learns to not give up hope, he sets an example that unites the team. In the end they play a football game that will go down in history as the largest turnout at a high school league football game.
As the credits were rolling down, Downes and Castille walk back in for a Q&A. People all different ages ask questions about the movie and Castille’s experience filming Woodlawn. Both Downes and Castille answered back giving the audience a sneak peek look at what it was like behind the scenes. The Q&A concluded with Castille sharing a bit of his story and Downes encouraging the audience to support the movie.
After the Q&A concluded, the audience walked out to receive Woodlawn bracelets. Audience member Saroya Melfe, thought the movie conveyed a powerful gospel message.
“I thought the movie was amazing,” Melfe said. “I think my favorite part was watching the teams being brought together in unity. The movie conveyed such a powerful message of salvation by showing the players come to know Christ.”
Woodlawn is now playing in theaters nationwide.
Read Woodlawn portrays Birmingham miracle, reconciliation for more information.
For another features read Fresno Fair.
