An evangelist and a statesman forge a friendship that shapes a nation in ‘A Great Awakening’

Sight & Sound brings to life a story too few have heard just in time for America’s 250^th birthday celebration

By Sharayah Colter

Chief Communications Officer

Do your children know the story of George Whitefield and the revival that accompanied the American Revolution? Do you know the story of George Whitefield? If not, that is reason alone to purchase tickets for Easter weekend to see the forthcoming film “A Great Awakening” from Sight & Sound Films.

Perhaps you are in the small minority acquainted with this slice of American history; you should still go see this fantastic film! My husband Scott and I had the opportunity to preview “A Great Awakening” just a few weeks ago and are already looking forward to taking our own children to see it as well. The acting was excellent, the cinematography superb, the message poignant and inspiring.

Sight & Sound has long been a beloved theater production company bringing stories to life on stage in Lancaster, Pennsylvania and Branson, Missouri. Now, with the launch of its second feature film, Sight & Sound brings their masterful storytelling ability to an exponentially larger audience.

A historical drama, “A Great Awakening” explores the friendship between evangelist George Whitefield and statesman Benjamin Franklin during the turbulent years before the American Revolution and illuminates the way the First Great Awakening shaped not only the faith of the colonies but also the moral foundation that helped prepare America for independence.

As the American colonies faced social and political uncertainty, Whitefield’s powerful preaching sparked the spiritual revival known as the First Great Awakening. Through his growing relationship with Franklin—who initially observed the movement with skepticism—the revival began to influence both the hearts of ordinary colonists and the ideas shaping a future nation. The film portrays how a widespread spiritual renewal helped unite the colonies and laid moral groundwork for the pursuit of liberty. 

Liberty, the film demonstrates, is far more than what a nation can inscribe in its laws and documents. True liberty comes from God who extends the offer of ultimate liberation from the chords of sin and death to each person who would call upon Jesus Christ for salvation. As a reflection and outworking of the freedom found in Christ, America’s founding fathers crafted a nation that reflected that God-ordained value—a truth America is poised to celebrate in earnest this year while marking her 250^th birthday.

Gift yourself a thoughtful and beautiful experience by seeing this film when it comes to theaters this Easter, and then share it with someone else who perhaps was never taught this important portion of American history.

Christians report that they desire to see more family-friendly, God-glorifying, uplifting content like this produced and brought to mainstream America. Supporting tangible efforts to do just that through attending films such as “A Great Awakening” on opening weekend demonstrates the viability of the market for these positive films and paves the way for more to be funded and produced.

I highly encourage you to make plans now see this film and ask you to join the Danbury Institute in praying for yet another another Great Awakening here in the United States of America. Through the bold preaching of God’s Word and through convictional leadership of Christians in public office and in the public square, we pray for another move of God throughout our nation.

Learn more about this film, watch the trailer, and get tickets at agreatawakening.com.