"Letters to God"

ORLANDO, Fla. ― Not many Hollywood directors experiment with themes as profound as Christianity and cancer in one film simultaneously, unless you’re David Nixon.

“Cancer unfortunately is something that touches everyone in some way,” said Nixon when he visited Valencia Community College West Campus on Dec. 3, “this film will be a ray of hope for people that are going through that.”

Nixon’s new film, Letters to God, tells the true story of a 9- year- old boy, Tyler, who is diagnosed with brain cancer. Tyler then begins writing letters to God as a way of coping with the situation and ends up changing the lives of those around him.

Nixon first began working with Christian-based films when Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, GA asked for his help with an idea for a movie about football. They offered their hospitality and food in exchange for his aid and although they believed that the film, called Facing the Giants, would not reach an audience outside their church, it made $35 million when it hit the theaters, from an original budget of only $80,000.

This film, however, was made more Hollywood-like, with a significantly higher budget, but still maintaining a Christian message.

“More people go to the movies on Sunday than to they go church,” said Nixon, “so that’s where we need to go.” They plan to promote the film by doing special screenings in churches and through word-of-mouth.

The script for the film was based on the story written by Tyler’s real father.
“It was very difficult for him at times. I wanted him there for authenticity” said Nixon, “the boy looked a lot like the real Tyler and it became too much like reality. He had to leave the set at times.”

Making the movie was not overwhelming for Nixon, however, but rather it was heartwarming to be working with a spiritual message that can help people.

Letters to God will be released on April 9, 2010.