After 1,200 individuals attended opening weekend, AMC 16 Allentown (old Carmike) decided to keep “Because of Gracia” for another week.
“Because of Gracia” received a big thumbs up and its highest box office score in the Lehigh Valley, and landed at No. 4 in the nation for overall box office sales in competition with Hollywood films.
“Because of Gracia” (PG-13) is about two high school couples exploring friendship and dating along dissimilar lines, leading to courage and transformation for one teen and a personal crisis for another.
Thanks to the hard work of the pro-life movement in the Lehigh Valley and the generous support of donors, the showing of this film impacted over 1,000 members of the community, who left raving over the balanced blend of comedy, drama and real trials individuals face in schools, workplaces and communities around the world.
Hundreds of positive reactions came from the 406 students who attended matinee showings Sept. 15 from Notre Dame High School, Easton; Sacred Heart School, Allentown; St. Elizabeth Regional School, Whitehall; and Good Shepherd Catholic School, Northampton.
Reactions included:
“100% on Rotten Tomatoes” (a film critic site).
“This film made me rethink my whole life.”
“[The film was] interesting, because I have never seen a movie like this; it was good. It made me think about things.”
“Loved it!”
Some Parkland High School students loved the movie so much that they came back a second day with more friends, leaving one friend “bawling” through the entire ending of the film and then acknowledging how it made her believe in God’s love and mercy for her (and everyone).
“[God’s love] doesn’t change.”
Additionally, church, youth, college, and pro-life community and school groups attended the various weekend showings.
Bright Hope Pregnancy Resource Center esteemed the movie to such a degree that they brought two full theaters full of members of the community to see the film. Individuals of all generations exclaimed “everyone needs to see this film!”
Pro-Life Future, a young adult ecumenical group with many Catholic young adults active in its pro-life work, thanked everyone for the turnout.
‘“Because of your hard work and support … ‘Because of Gracia’ is changing lives, touching hearts and minds, and staying at the AMC 16 Allentown another week,” said Annaleigh Atiyeh after the premiere.
“Get the community out to see ‘Because of Gracia.’ Let’s keep the ‘Grace’ flowing.
“Your grassroots community work and support trumped million-dollar ad campaigns.”
Participants in this effort include Helpers of God’s Precious Infants; Pennsylvanians for Human Life of Bethlehem and Easton; Queenship of Mary, Northampton; Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Bethlehem; Bright Hope Pregnancy Support Center; and several Diocesan Knights of Columbus Chapters.
For more information, email lehighvalley@prolifefuture.org or call 484-330-6380.
The website for the movie is www.becauseofgracia.com.
