By Pam Blume
Christian Action League
October 3, 2014
Churches that are looking for new resources to help reach their communities with the message of the sanctity of human life will want to consider using a new film, Discovering Zac Ryan. Filmed in Aiken, SC, this is the first movie from writer/director Corey Paul, who wrote the screenplay that was inspired by true events.
Calling this project a 10-year labor of love, Paul based the story of Zac Ryan on a revelation about his past. “My sibling was aborted. I was almost aborted.”
Paul’s vision for the film is “…to challenge pop culture to re-think the issue of abortion via a thought-provoking story. Film is a powerful medium for influencing culture. Look closely and you will see that many things that seemed like an impossibility in the world was first imagined on the big screen! I have heard it said, a picture is worth a thousand words, but a moving picture is worth an entire semester. We want to reach people, to touch them with an incredible story, and to challenge them to re-think the issue of abortion!”
The story begins in an abortion clinic in 1978. Madeline Ryan is 19 years old, confused and about twelve weeks pregnant. Her boyfriend Eric, 23, is a career-minded student on his way to grad school. They talk together in the clinic as they wait to be seen. Madeline is hesitant, but Eric is determined to get this done today.
In the midst of the conversation Eric makes the statement, “Having a baby will change everything!” A doctor enters and asks Madeline if she is ready…if she really wants to go through with this. The room is silent and the screen fades to black.
Flash-forward to present day and a young doctor named Zac Ryan is a clinical oncologist searching for a cure, when he discovers his trial patient is his biological father, a man he never knew.
Christian Review says that “What follows is a warm and touching story of forgiveness and redemption. …the movie is also haunting and will stay with the viewer long after the credits have rolled.”
The movie premiered June 19 at Banks Mill Cedar Creek Church in Aiken, SC, and has since “toured” the country with viewings in various churches. The film has a Facebook page and a trailer from the movie can be viewed online at www.christianfilmdatabase.com and YouTube. Churches may request a showing of Discover Zac Ryan by emailing DZRhelp@gmail.com.
A family guide for the film by Christian Review gives the following information:
Main themes: Pro-life, abortion, life
Faith/Spiritual Content: The film deals with life. Moreover, cause and effect. Faith-based content throughout.
Violence: None
Sex/Nudity: None. Abortion is discussed.
Language: None
Drink/Drugs: A few drinking scenes.