Children’s entertainment continues to be a big draw in theaters and this week a new feature will be among the first faith-based animated Fathom presentations.
Premiering in 800+ theaters, Ice Dragon: Legend of the Blue Daisies is the first of a planned trilogy by director and producer Bruce Stacey (God Rocks!, Journey to Christmas). The story follows a young girl, Melody, as she and her friend fight a menacing dragon and an eternal winter.
Stacey originally wrote the story for his children as an allegory about communism while living in Russia 25 years ago.
“Communism was like an endless winter storm,” he said. “It had come to the country and people had forgotten what it was like to live in sunshine and hope.”
In the story, a song representing the Word of God, which villagers had long forgotten, became the key to bringing back the warm summer sun. He also used the idea of blue daisies, which do not exist, as a magical flower, a symbol of hope for the people and “their faith in God.”
Stacey shared the original story with his children and some others in Russia through an interpreter. Years later, he developed it into an animated feature that he screened for the Cineplex theater chain in Canada, which led to an agreement with Fathom, Regal and AMC.
“It’s as big a surprise to me that a short story that began for my kids could unravel into something like this,” he said.
Children are embracing the story and understanding the allegory. As it has prescreened, Stacey said, “They get it. The conversations that happen afterward are always interesting.”
The presentation will also include 20 minutes of bonus material, including the Ice Dragon After Party Chill, featuring interviews and comments from children about the film.
“There’s not a lot of opportunities for families to share a fun and meaningful spiritual experience these days,” Stacey added. “It doesn’t happen very often, so that’s my bottom-line hope for this.”
For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.
Dewayne Hamby is a communications specialist and longtime journalist covering faith-based music, entertainment, books and the retail industry. He is also the editor of the White Wing Messenger, director of communications for the Church of God of Prophecy and author of the book Gratitude Adjustment. Connect with him at dewaynehamby.com or on twitter – @dewaynehamby.
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