By Karissa Minn
kminn@salisburypost.com
SALISBURY – Two locally-filmed movies will hit the big screen Friday as part of a weekend full of faith-based events.
The drama “Waiting on the Warrior” will premiere at 7 p.m. Friday at the Cornerstone Church Event Center, 315 Webb Road in Salisbury. The premiere of “Color Blind,” a Christian comedy, will follow at 9 p.m. Both showings are free and open to the public.
Salisbury resident Chad Costantino wrote and directed the two independent films. He not only runs Abundant Life Films but also Abundant Life Outreach Ministries and Abundant Life Counseling Center.
Costantino said the movies are still in the distribution process, and eventually they will air on television and be available on DVD. Friday’s premieres will give people an early chance to see them.
“Because of everybody in our community that helped with these two movies, it was a way of wanting to give back to them for free and bless them,” he said.
“Waiting on the Warrior” was filmed last summer at several Rowan County locations. It features more than 200 local faces, including those of Salisbury Police Chief Rory Collins and WBTV reporter David Whisenant. Several churches and other local groups helped make the movie possible, Costantino said.
Costantino’s character, a pastor named David, is struggling with his past after a car wreck that killed his brother and a pastor. His father has never forgiven him, and he has a hard time forgiving himself.
“Many people struggle with forgiving themselves or other people,” Costantino said. “This film addresses that.”
Pastor David seeks redemption by beginning a youth outreach center, where he gets involved in the lives of two small girls who are abused in foster care.
Actress Erin Bethea, who starred in the 2008 movie “Fireproof” with Kirk Cameron, plays the pastor’s counselor, Krystal Fowler.
Bethea won’t be attending Friday’s premiere because she is filming for another project, Costantino said.
“Waiting on the Warrior” was edited by Jeremiah Chambers, and Brad Dexter provided videography.
“Color Blind,” a film about seven men who live in a group home, was filmed in Salisbury and Forsyth County.
Costantino plays one of the men, named Grunderson, who wants to become an entertainer. He tries – and fails spectacularly at – many other jobs before he finds his way.
He is helped along by the group home director, played by minister Willette Johnson (“Mama Gufu”) from Dorsett Chapel United Church of Christ in Spencer.
“Grunderson’s character is very childlike and full of love,” Costantino said. “The whole story is based on following your dream, not giving up on your dream and just – love.”
On Sunday at 7 p.m., the cast of “Color Blind” will put on a live Christian comedy show at the Cornerstone Church Event Center.
The cast also will perform at a Saturday event called “Fearless,” sponsored by Abundant Life Films and the Rowan Outreach Center.
The Christian outreach event will take place from 5 to 9 p.m. at The Inn, 1012 Mooresville Road in Salisbury. It will feature speaker Thomas McEachin and solo bassist Bernard Harris, who plays in a band for former American Idol finalist Mandisa.
Several bands also will perform, including Shield of Salvation, Battlelion, Big Boi Hurt and the Rain and The Voice.
“We’re really trying to make more of a stand, evangelizing, sharing the word of God and just loving people,” Costantino said. “We’re trying to encourage people and help them to have courage and not be afraid.”
Anyone wanting to audition for a part in an upcoming movie with Abundant Life Films are invited to sign up for more information at any of these events, Costantino said. Admission is free.
Contact reporter Karissa Minn at 704-797-4222.
Twitter: twitter.com/postcopolitics
Facebook: facebook.com/Karissa.SalisburyPost