CLARKSVILLE — A Clinton-Massie grad hopes a film he helped produce brings comfort to those dealing with loss.
Wilmington Plaza Cinemas is screening the independently produced faith-based film “Heaven” for about two weeks, starting this weekend. One of the movie’s executive producers is 2002 CM grad Neal Crago.
The film, based on a book by Alan Duprey, tells the story of a middle-aged paramedic named Jonathan Stone — played by the film’s director and screenwriter, Angus Benfield.
“Set between Heaven and Earth, ‘Heaven’ follows the life and afterlife of Jonathan Stone and the lives of those around his past, present, and future,” according to the film’s synopsis.
The film also stars Michelle Fozounmayeh as Jonathan’s wife Elizabeth, and Oscar-nominated actor Eric Roberts as Pops.
Crago, who now lives in Massachusetts and has a background in engineering, met Duprey at their church and was asked by him if he wanted to help.
“I found myself helping out with all the little bits,” said Crago about what he and other executive producers did. “We helped with selecting filming locations and sort through actors for roles. We also helped with small little film and script edits … trying to help with the interweaving storylines.”
Crago said right now they’re in “crunch mode” trying to get distribution, which they’re doing on their own.
He wants people to have hope about life and about heaven, too, after seeing the film.
“This film is about giving hope for people who have lost those they love,” he said. “The film is a PG-14 for a reason. It touches on these emotions like the frustrations of life and regret.”
“Heaven” is currently showing in Wilmington at 1:30 p.m., 4:10 p.m. and 7 p.m.
