90 MINUTES IN HEAVEN—the stirring story of Don Piper, who died in an accident, experienced heaven and returned to face severe physical, emotional and spiritual challenges—has landed a distribution deal with Samuel Goldwyn Films.
The faith film is based on Piper’s New York Times best-selling book of the same name with more than 7 million copies sold and premieres in 800 theaters across the country Friday, Sept. 11, 2015.
90 MINUTES IN HEAVEN is presented by Giving Films and stars Hayden Christensen (STAR WARS) and Kate Bosworth (SUPERMAN RETURNS) as Don and Eva Piper. It is directed by Michael Polish (THE ASTRONAUT FARMER).
“We formed Giving Films to tell quality faith-friendly stories with top production values,” said Giving Films founder Rick Jackson, one of the movie’s producers. “To partner with Samuel Goldwyn Films on the distribution is a welcome extension of our drive for quality.”
In addition to producing quality faith films, Giving Films has committed to funneling 100 percent of profits to charities.
Samuel Goldwyn Films is a major independent producer and distributor of theatrical films and documentaries. Among its extensive catalogue are such faith favorites as FIREPROOF, OCTOBER BABY and AMAZING GRACE.
“90 MINUTES IN HEAVEN tells the story of a man holding on to what he knows to be true in the midst of great physical and emotional trials,” said Meyer Gottlieb, president of Samuel Goldwyn Films. “At Goldwyn, this is exactly the type of story we want to help tell.”
[Author Don Piper]
Don Piper died Jan. 18, 1989 when a semi-tractor truck crushed his car. Declared dead by the first rescue workers to arrive on the scene, Don’s body lay under a tarp for the next 90 minutes. Don’s soul, meanwhile, was experiencing love, joy and life like he’d never known before. Don was in Heaven.
When another pastor’s prayers helped bring Don back to life, he became a living miracle! Yet this is one miracle Don wished never happened. Heaven’s bliss was replaced by excruciating pain and emotional turmoil. With the support and prayers of his beloved Eva, their three kids and friends near and far, Don clings to his faith in God and fights to regain a semblance of his previous life. The Piper family’s incredible true story of perseverance and overcoming the challenges of life—and death—will bring hope and encouragement to all who see it.
Starring Hayden Christensen and Kate Bosworth, 90 MINUTES IN HEAVEN is based on the inspiring New York Times best-selling book that has sold 7 million copies. In theaters this fall, Hope Lives!
While many such “near-God” experiences have made headlines in recent years—including one admitted hoax—Don Piper’s story stands out.
“Piper struck me as a reliable witness,” Christianity Today editor and former Christian History editor Mark Galli wrote in CT’s December 2012 cover story about the rise in accounts of such experiences. “Piper simply had the look and sound of sanity, of someone who was telling the truth, whose word was his bond.”
The movie is directed by Michael Polish. The screenplay was written by Michael Polish, based on the book by Don Piper and Cecil Murphey.
The producers are Rick Jackson, Randall Emmett, Dawn Olmstead, Michael Polish and George Furla.
Executive Producers are Wayne Marc Godfrey, Ted Fox, Trevor Drinkwater and Jason Netter.
