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Rick Warren Endorses 'CAPTIVE' Movie

Pastor and best-selling authors says "'CAPTIVE' will captivate you with the awesome power of the second chance." 

In theaters September 18, 2015 and telling the incredible story based on true events of how one book forever changed a life, "CAPTIVE" will have an immersive social media and online campaign launching today allowing fans to #FollowYourPurpose


Contact: Kristin Cole, A. Larry Ross Communications, 972-267-1111, kristin@alarryross.com 

HOLLYWOOD, Calif., July 10, 2015 /Christian Newswire/ -- In 2005, Ashley Smith was trying desperately to pick up the pieces of her broken life. Widowed at a young age and at a crossroads both personally and spiritually, God stepped in and changed her life forever during a harrowing encounter with a runaway fugitive. Through Rick Warren's No. 1 best-selling book, "The Purpose Driven Life," Smith found her way back to her faith.

A gripping national news story, Smith's tale of being held hostage in her Atlanta apartment by fugitive Brian Nichols is now being told in Paramount Pictures' film, "CAPTIVE," which opens in theaters on September 18, 2015. Starring David Oyelowo ("SELMA") and Kate Mara ("FANTASTIC FOUR," "House of Cards"), the film shares not only the story of Smith and Nichols, but also the powerful message found in "The Purpose Driven Life."

"The most compelling movies are the true stories that make you want to stand up and cheer," said Warren, author of "The Purpose Driven Life" and pastor of Saddleback Church. "'CAPTIVE' will captivate you with the awesome power of the second chance."

An immersive social media and online campaign for the movie launches today, giving fans a chance to answer the questions "What held you captive?" and "How did you find your purpose?" The interactive campaign will include the #FollowYourPurpose, allowing moviegoers to engage in the surrounding conversation throughout the release of the film. To learn more, go to www.CaptivetheMovie.com/FollowYourPurpose.

"The Purpose Driven Life" guides readers on a journey of discovery in search of answers to life's most important question: What on earth am I here for? Five biblical answers are designed to transform readers' outlook on life. Upon the book's release in 2002, it simultaneously hit No. 1 on the four major bestseller lists – The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today and Publishers Weekly.

When Smith and Nichols' encounter captured national headlines in March 2005, the book returned to the No. 1 spot. Having sold more than 32 million copies worldwide, "The Purpose Driven Life" is the best-selling non-fiction hardback in history.

"'The Purpose Driven Life' is so vital to the storyline of 'CAPTIVE' that it is somewhat of a third main character, just as important to the film as Smith and Nichols' roles," said Terry Botwick, producer.

"My faith as a Christian, it's the cornerstone of my life, and 'CAPTIVE' is a universal story, to me, of power of a modern-day miracle … I think this film shows two broken people who unexpectedly – for them – find light in the darkest of places," Oyelowo, who portrays Nichols, said in a behind-the-scenes feature released today. "This unexpected episode brought about Ashley's literal 'come to Jesus' moment. That to me is the power of the story, how the light can truly infiltrate darkness in an unexpected way."

"CAPTIVE," based on a miraculous true story that drew the attention of the entire nation, is the dramatic, thrilling, and spiritual journey of Smith and Nichols.  After being taken hostage by Nichols in her own apartment, Smith turns to Rick Warren's inspirational book, "The Purpose Driven Life," for guidance. In reading from the book, Smith not only finds purpose in her own life, but helps Nichols find a more peaceful resolution to a harrowing situation.

In addition to Oyelowo and Mara, "CAPTIVE" also stars Leonor Varela, Jessica Oyelowo, with Mimi Rogers and Michael K. Williams.
 
Directed by veteran filmmaker Jerry Jameson, "CAPTIVE" is based on the book "Unlikely Angel" by Ashley Smith with Stacy Mattingly. The film's screenplay is by Brian Bird. Produced by Terry Botwick, Jerry Jameson, Lucas Akoskin, Alex Garcia, Katrina Wolfe, David Oyelowo and Ken Wales. The executive producers are Santiago Garcia Galván, Jonathan Gray, Brian Bird, Elliott Lester and Ralph Winter.

For additional information about "CAPTIVE," including the official trailer, visit www.captivethemovie.com.

About Paramount Pictures Corporation
Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment, is a unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA), a leading content company with prominent and respected film, television and digital entertainment brands. Paramount controls a collection of some of the most powerful brands in filmed entertainment, including Paramount Pictures, Paramount Animation, Paramount Television, Paramount Vantage, Paramount Classics, Insurge Pictures, MTV Films, and Nickelodeon Movies. PPC operations also include Paramount Home Media Distribution, Paramount Pictures International, Paramount Licensing Inc., and Paramount Studio Group.