ONE Compelling Picture is releasing its second film of 2025, Because You Answered, on Amazon Prime Video during Mother’s Day weekend. Because You Answered was filmed on location in three counties this past summer including Coffee, Bacon, and Ben Hill. The 118-minute film stars local actors Sonya Moore Roper, Dustilynn Vaughan, Kelsey Hope Corbitt, Kenneth Spence, Alaina Bagwell, and Debbie Hamlin.
Because You Answered was written and directed by Sidney Bryant Sr. and was produced by Bryce Carver, Sonya Newsome, and Kia Bryant. Cast and crew members were seen filming various scenes involving road closures for wreck scenes, hospital scenes in Alma, and scenes at various local businesses around Douglas. The synopsis below reflects the powerful involvement of community leaders and local businesses:
“Athena Grant finds herself in a nightmare scenario, trapped in a mangled and overturned vehicle, her heart racing as she tries to make sense of the chaos around her. In her moment of desperation, she reaches for her phone and calls 911, praying for a miracle. On the other end of the line, Cathy Willows, a calm and composed 911 dispatcher, reassures Athena that help is on the way. As they wait for emergency personnel to locate Athena, she begins to share her fears and regrets with Cathy, opening up about her struggles and doubts. But in the midst of the chaos, something miraculous happened. Athena’s words of vulnerability and honesty touch Cathy’s heart in a profound way. As the minutes tick by, Cathy finds herself drawn to Athena’s strength and resilience in the face of adversity. And then, in a moment of divine intervention, Athena’s last words to Cathy speak of faith and hope, of a love greater than any pain or suffering. In that final call, Athena’s voice becomes a beacon of light in the darkness, a message of redemption and grace that touches Cathy’s soul. As the rescue team finally arrives and pulls Athena from the wreckage, Cathy knows that this encounter was no mere coincidence. It was a divine appointment, a reminder that even in our darkest moments, God’s love shines through. In that fleeting moment, Athena Grant becomes the messenger of hope, a vessel for the love of Christ to shine bright into a broken world. And in that moment, a lost soul finds its way back to the arms of a loving God.”
ONE Compelling Picture also released its first film of 2025, Redwood, on Amazon Prime Video earlier this year. The film had a private red carpet premiere with the cast and crew at Central Square Gym in Douglas. Redwood gained news attention across the state of Georgia as its inspiration, the Ahmaud Arbery and Trayvon Martin cases, has sparked interest in viewers. The movie can be viewed on Amazon Prime Video and will soon be streaming on Tubi. The production company will also release a third film, When Eyes Can’t See, on those same streaming platforms later this year.
All three films were supported and funded by the Faith and Film Coalition of Churches, Colleges, Community, and Country (FFCC), a non-profit organization designed to network and connect businesses and organizations with the local film industry. As part of the mission of the FFCC, four film and television students from the University of West Georgia were chosen to participate in an internship opportunity for the production of Redwood. Additionally, one film and television student from Valdosta State University was chosen to participate in the internship opportunity for the productions of Because You Answered and When Eyes Can’t See. These five students gained valuable field experience working on the demands of a real-world film set. ONE Compelling Picture and the FFCC were also able to work with over 30 local businesses and organizations representing Coffee County, Bacon County, Ben Hill County, Carroll County, and Lowndes County.
The following local businesses and organizations helped fund, support, or provide services or filming locations for either Redwood, Because You Answered, When Eyes Can’t See, or all three films: Bacon County Hospital and Health System, Bethe’l Family Worship Center, Blue Sage, Bobby’s Treat Shop, Chick-Fil-A of Douglas, City of Alma, City of Broxton, City of Douglas, City of Fitzgerald, City of Hilton Head, City of Pearson, Coffee County Courthouse, Coffee County Food Bank, Coffee County School System, Coffee High School Athletics, Coffee Regional Medical Center, Covenant Church, Douglas-Coffee County Chamber of Commerce, Empowerment Center, Fellowship Baptist Church, Fireside Pizza, Fitzgerald Municipal Airport, Free Point Church, Gaskin Springs Holiness Camp, Glorious Deliverance Family worship Center, GracePointe Church, Hungry Howie’s Pizza, J & D Design and Cafe, Kribs and Kradles, Legend Upper Loft Venue, Life Changers Ministries, Little Zion Missionary Baptist Church, Lott Builders, Modern Grace Boutique, Norris Shoes, Pine Level church, PostNet, QuickTow Wrecker Service, Serendipity Scents, Sims Funeral Home, Smile Doctors, Sparky’s, Sweet Magnolias, The Mind of Christ of the Living God Ministries, The Painted Lady Boutique, The University of West Georgia, TriCare Ambulance Service, Valdosta State University, Vision of the Praise Ministry, West Green Baptist Church, and Wiregrass Technical College.