OKLAHOMA DOCUMENTARY ON MOORE TORNADO WILL OPEN MAY 16
“Where Was God?” focuses on having faith through the storms of life
OKLAHOMA CITY – “Where Was God? Stories of Hope After the Storm,” an Oklahoma documentary film that explores the role of faith and hope in overcoming life’s storms through the eyes of survivors of the devastating tornadoes in Moore, Okla. and Joplin, Mo., will open at the Moore Warren Theatre Friday, May 16 and continue for one week.
“The original idea for the film germinated while fellow producer Brian Cates and I were at the deadCENTER Film Festival last June,” said “Where Was God?” producer, Chris Forbes. “Making this film in such a short time would not be possible without a bustling industry of filmmakers already here in Oklahoma. One of the best parts of this experience has been the pride local filmmakers put in work they produce here.”
The documentary was directed, produced, edited and filmed in Oklahoma, and follows the stories of survivors, parents, children, first responders and volunteers who recount the timeline of destruction and share the devastating and miraculous events that changed their lives forever.
“Our film is a hybrid documentary, so while it tells a real story like a traditional documentary, we use the language of narrative cinema to tell the story in a really dynamic way that audiences are used to seeing in movie theatres,” said “Where Was God?” producer Brian Cates. “We made this film to make a bold statement about hope. We tell the stories of people who suffered ultimate loss, but did not lose hope. Not only will the audience leave the theatre inspired, but they can leave experiencing this hope too. It’s not passive. It’s contagious.”
The EF5 tornado that ripped through Moore had a magnitude of devastation that measured more than eight times greater than the atomic bomb that leveled Hiroshima. The storm took 25 lives, including seven children.
“We decided we wanted to tell the story of what happens to tornado survivors after the news media leaves,” Forbes said. “We wanted to show what life was like three months, six months and nine months after the storm. What we found was truly inspiring and uplifting.”
“Where Was God?” is available for screenings throughout the country via the documentary’s website, www.wherewasgod.com. Tickets for showings at the Warren Theatre will be available for purchase online starting Thursday, May 1.
The film is a Behold Motion Pictures film in association with Elevate Faith Productions. The film’s executive producer is Steven Earp and directed by Travis Palmer. Funding for the film is provided by Elevate Church in Moore, Okla., faith-based groups, Oklahoma churches and companies.
About “Where Was God”
“Where Was God?” is a documentary film that tells the stories of survivors of the devastating tornadoes in Moore, Okla. and Joplin, Mo. The film follows survivors, parents, children, first responders and volunteers who recount the timeline of destruction and share the devastating and miraculous events that changed their lives forever. For more information, visit www.wherewasgod.com or www.facebook.com/WhereWasGod.
DOCUMENTARY ON MOORE, OKLA. TORNADO SHOWS GOD IS ALWAYS NEAR
OKLAHOMA CITY – Exploring the role of faith and hope in overcoming life’s storms is the focus of a new documentary film about the survivors of the devastating tornadoes that hit Moore, Okla. and Joplin, Mo. “Where Was God? Stories of Hope After the Storm” follows the stories of survivors, parents, children, first responders and volunteers who recount the timeline of destruction and share the miraculous events that changed their lives forever.
“Our goal with this film is to showcase faith, hope and the ability to overcome after life’s storms – whether they be literal or figurative,” said Steven Earp, the film’s executive producer and lead pastor at Elevate Church in Moore, Okla. “We want to remind people that God is always near, no matter what. There is not a single thing that we could ever go through that our heavenly Father does not understand, and there is not a single dark place that he has not already walked.”
The film was inspired by Oklahomans who were passing through Moore and saw the damage.
“Much of the story of recovery is never told,” said Chris Forbes, “Where Was God?” producer. “After the news teams leave, people don’t know what it’s like to put your life back together after a storm, especially three, six or nine months after. We wanted to answer the question, ‘How dolife’s storms affect your faith?’”
The EF5 tornado that struck Moore had peak winds estimated at 210 mph, killing 24 people and injuring 377 others. The city of Moore doubled in population during the recovery with relief workers.
“Oklahomans are the most resilient people, and the amount of people who came to help is a testament to their faith and character,” Forbes said. “As we were interviewing people for the film, it became apparent that the Moore storm is not the central theme in the film, but rather finding hope in God in the storms of life. People who come to the film will see a side of the storm they have not yet seen.”
Cast members in the film share how they relied on their faith to endure the storm and how their faith was strengthened after not only the tornado, but also through life’s hardships.
“It’s a gripping story,” said Sam Porter, Moore tornado first responder and state director of Southern Baptist Disaster Relief who appears in the film. “The movie helps viewers see the Fatherhood of God. It’s a movie that churches can recommend and take people to see. I believe it can lead people to the Lord.”
The storm only lasted 39 minutes in total, but the emotional injuries persist.
“God is the greatest source of hope in the face of loss and destruction.” Forbes said. When life is tough, turn to God. If all you see are shadows, turn around, He’s casting His light over you.
“We named the film ‘Where Was God?’ for a reason,” Forbes said. “It’s OK to ask God why, but we can’t answer the why. However, we can show the where. God was there in that storm on May 20 and he’s there now in whatever storm you’re going through.”
Karen Marinelli, first grade teacher at Plaza Towers Elementary School, shares her experience in the film. Marinelli’s tail bone was shattered as she used her body to protect her students during the tornado.
“I literally just squeezed my eyes shut as tight as I could, and I buried myself on top of those kids,” Marinelli said. “The wall fell down and it was just so crushing of a feeling. I immediately thought we’re gone, we’re going to die. I just kept praying, please keep us safe – please help me to breathe. I continuously prayed that we would make it through and that the weight of the wall wouldn’t come down anymore.”
“Where Was God?” is a Behold Motion Pictures film in association with Elevate Faith Productions. The film was also produced by Brian Cates and directed by Travis Palmer. Funding for the film is provided by Elevate Church in Moore, Okla., faith-based groups, Oklahoma churches and companies.
The Oklahoma documentary will premiere at the Moore Warren Theatre Wednesday, May 14 and showings are available throughout the country via the documentary’s website,www.wherewasgod.com.
About “Where Was God”
“Where Was God?” is a documentary film that tells the stories of survivors of the devastating tornadoes in Moore, Okla. and Joplin, Mo. The film follows survivors, parents, children, first responders and volunteers who recount the timeline of destruction and share the devastating and miraculous events that changed their lives forever. For more information, visitwww.wherewasgod.com or www.facebook.com/WhereWasGod.
OKLAHOMA DOCUMENTARY ON MOORE TORNADO TO PREMIERE MAY 16
“Where Was God?” focuses on having faith through the storms of life
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – March 20, 2014 – An Oklahoma documentary film that explores the role of faith and hope in overcoming life’s storms through the eyes of survivors of the devastating tornadoes in Moore, Okla. and Joplin, Mo. will premiere at the Moore Warren Theater Friday, May 16.
“Where Was God? Stories of Hope After the Storm,” will be screened for one week at the theater, and showings are available throughout the country via the documentary’s website. Exact show times will be released at a later date.
“Our goal with this film is to showcase faith, hope and the ability to overcome after life’s storms – whether they be literal or figurative,” said Steven Earp, the film’s executive producer and lead pastor at Elevate Church in Moore, Okla. “We want to remind people that God is always near, no matter what. There is not a single thing that we could ever go through that our heavenly Father does not understand, and there is not a single dark place that he has not already walked. We are so thankful to our cast for sharing their stories of courage, faith, change and hope to inspire others, and we hope that message resonates with those who see the film.”
The documentary, directed, produced, edited and filmed in Oklahoma, follows the stories of survivors, parents, children, first responders and volunteers who recount the timeline of destruction and share the devastating and miraculous events that changed their lives forever.
Karen Marinelli, first grade teacher at Plaza Towers Elementary School, shares her experience protecting three little boys in her classroom. Marinelli’s tail bone was shattered as she used her body to protect her students.
“I literally just squeezed my eyes shut as tight as I could, and I buried myself on top of those kids,” Marinelli said. “The wall fell down and it was just so crushing of a feeling. I immediately thought we’re gone, we’re going to die. I just kept praying, please keep us safe – please help me to breathe. I continuously prayed that we would make it through and that the weight of the wall wouldn’t come down anymore.”
Kayla Carmona, a 15-year-old survivor of the 2011 Joplin, Mo. tornado, traveled to Moore with her mother to volunteer and minister to those impacted by the storm and has since moved to Moore to stay close to the connections she and her family made. Carmona lost her father and younger sister in the Joplin tornado. Her father held up the wall of the church in which they took shelter to help others escape from the rubble.
“My dad was holding the building as much as he could with the strength he had,” Carmona said. “When he heard that everybody had gone out of the building, he took his last breath. But he didn’t forget to tell us that he loved us. To know that my dad would be proud of me is a great relief. It’s something that helps me to move forward. Whenever I help others, I feel like that’s something he would have done, and if that’s something he would have done, he must be proud.”
“Where Was God?” is a Behold Motion Pictures film in association with Elevate Faith Productions. The film was produced by Brian Cates and Chris Forbes and directed by Travis Palmer. Funding for the film is provided by Elevate Church in Moore, Okla., faith-based groups, Oklahoma churches and companies.
The film trailer is currently being shown at the Moore Warren Theater and can be viewed at www.wherewasgod.com. Individuals who wish to host a screening of the film in their area can visit the website to request a showing.
About “Where Was God”
“Where Was God?” is a documentary film that tells the stories of survivors of the devastating tornadoes in Moore, Okla. and Joplin, Mo. The film follows survivors, parents, children, first responders and volunteers who recount the timeline of destruction and share the devastating and miraculous events that changed their lives forever. For more information, visit www.wherewasgod.com or www.facebook.com/WhereWasGod.
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