NASHVILLE, Tenn. Nov. 12 – Sony Pictures invited Discipleship Ministries of The United Methodist Church to produce the faith-based study guide to accompany the movie, “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood.” The film stars Tom Hanks and Matthew Rhys.
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Tom Hanks portrays Fred Rogers in the new movie, "It's a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood." Discipleship Ministries wrote the official faith-based study guide for the film. (Discipleship Ministries Photo)
Discipleship Ministries produced the official faith-based discussion guide in collaboration with Sony Entertainment. It was written by staff from the Strategic Programming unit and the Office of Communications of Discipleship Ministries. The guide is designed to help groups learn to process feelings, understand forgiveness, talk about hard things, seek reconciliation, and practice positive spiritual discipline.
The discussion guide, as well as a trailer for the film, is available on the film’s website at http://resources.abeautifulday.movie.
Two-time Oscar winner and three-time Oscar nominee Hanks portrays the beloved children’s TV host Mister Rogers. While featuring Rogers as a major character in the film, “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” is not merely a biographical picture. It is a timely story of kindness and forgiveness triumphing over cynicism based on the true story of a real-life friendship between Rogers and journalist Tom Junod. After the jaded magazine writer, played by Emmy winner Matthew Rhys, is assigned to write a profile of Rogers, he is confronted with own his skepticism and learns about kindness, love and forgiveness from America’s most beloved neighbor.
“Mister Rogers demonstrated the love of Jesus Christ in every action of his life,” said Junius Dotson, general secretary and CEO of Discipleship Ministries. “He was a source of inspiration for millions of children and adults. Because of this, Discipleship Ministries is honored to work in collaboration with Sony Pictures to write the faith study guide for this important film. We urge all United Methodists to view the film and use the resource in congregations.”
“A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” is set for nationwide release on Thanksgiving Day.