Hayden Christensen (Photos by Terry Shropshire for Atlanta Daily World and Real Times Media).
ATLANTA — As the moviegoers filed out of the Fox Theater, many of them froze in their tracks. People by the dozens visibly shuddered and stared transfixed at the car wreckage that minister and author Don Piper incredulously survived after it was run over by an 18-wheeler. The awe etched into their faces all seemed to say the same thing: “Only God could have enabled anyone to survive a crash this horrific — which is the basis of the inspirational film.
Hayden Christensen and Kate Bosworth headed a star-studded red carpet for the premiere of the enthralling 90 Minutes in Heaven at Atlanta’s Fabulous Fox Theater. Christensen, 34, and Bosworth, 32, were joined at the premiere with the likes of Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal and Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle appeared.
“90 Minutes in Heaven” writer and director Michael Polish, left, with the lead star Kate Bosworth, right.
The movie is based on Don Piper’s New York Times bestselling book about his death and return to life after a horrific car crash that no one knows how he survived.
This gripping, disturbing and inspiring film is the true-life story of Piper who was returning from a church conference in 1989 when his Ford Escort was hit head on, smashed and completely destroyed a tractor trailer. First responders initially declared him to be dead. Piper says the power of intercessory prayer for returned him to life.
One of the biggest stars of the film came after the movie, when folks filing out of the theater marveled at the makeshift car wreck that was the centerpiece of the film.
Piper’s role was played by Christensen (of Star Wars’ Darth Vader fame), who relayed that the recovery was an absolute nightmare. The wreck left him with severe injuries that required lengthy hospitalization and agonizing treatment. The pain that gripped his body was paralleled by the despair that gripped his spirit.
Actress Deena Beasley, who played Christensen’s nurse in the film.
90 Minutes in Heaven is the first motion picture created by Giving Films, founded by entrepreneur Rick Jackson. Profits from ticket sales will benefit organizations such as the Christian Alliance for Orphans, FaithBridge Foster Care, Hire Heroes USA and Hope International.
Jackson’s heartfelt remarks, directed to the foster children invited with their foster families to be part of the event, were among the highlights of the evening.
“I know the pain you guys are experiencing,” said Jackson, who described the dysfunctional home he grew up in. “You wonder, why is this happening? Why does no one love me? This film talks about things in life that happen to you. Our earthly parents might not be good. They may even abuse us. What I found out is my heavenly father was my parent.”
90 Minutes in Heaven is playing in now playing in theaters nationwide. Take a look at some of the photographic highlights from the Atlanta premiere.
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