Academy Award Winning Producer of The Godfather and All-Star Cast Create Riveting Cautionary Tale

"I think [the film] is very timely for what we're discussing every day... There's a Christian message here, a political message here and I think that it is very timely in regard to what some politicians might do in some cases to get things done." -- Gretchen Carlson, FOX News

Contact: Jennifer Willingham, 615-483-4729, jennifer@iconmediagroup.us

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., Sept. 26, 2013 /Christian Newswire/ -- PERSECUTED, a political drama starring James Remar, Bruce Davison, Dean Stockwell, Fred Thompson, Brad Stine, Natalie Grant, and Gretchen Carlson, will release in spring 2014 from One Media, LLC. The film is a SAG-AFTRA production of an original political drama by writer, director and producer Daniel Lusko. With a star-studded cast, and a storyline seemingly ripped from today's headlines, PERSECUTED will explore the topic of government scandal, corruption and religious persecution.

PERSECUTED is the story of a modern-day evangelist named John Luther, played by SAG Award-nominated and Saturn Award winning actor James Remar (X-Men: First Class, Dexter, Django: Unchained, What Lies Beneath, RED, Cotton Club). Luther is the last hold out for a national endorsement to make sweeping reform in freedom of speech. As the government is mandating political correctness while covertly waging a war against religious organizations, a U.S. Senator, portrayed by Oscar-nominated actor Bruce Davison (X-Men, Lost, Castle), and his political allies create a sinister plan of denial and scandal to frame John Luther for murder. Suddenly his once normal life is turned upside down as he becomes a fugitive vowing to expose those responsible. It is a mission that brings him face-to-face with the coming storm of persecution that will threaten the moral ethics and freedoms of America.

"I hope people come out of the theater asking the question: what would you do if you faced persecution for your beliefs? We're living in a generation that has been raised to believe there's no such thing as truth, and a world that is tired of the games the church has been playing for its own agenda. I hope to wake up a world that takes freedom and truth for granted; I hope this movie shakes people up," said writer, director and producer Daniel Lusko.

"For this film, we brought together a highly-skilled cast and crew with pedigrees that include projects like The Avengers, Breaking Bad, The Godfather, Dexter, Django Unchained, Manchurian Candidate, X-Men, Apocalypto and others. We aim to do more with PERSECUTED, and to do it better, than other faith-based films have done in the past."

Producing with Lusko is Oscar-winning producer Gray Frederickson (The Godfather, Apocalypse Now), along with Line Producer Brent Morris (Monster, Frank, and Unknown.)

"The subject matter [of PERSECUTED] couldn't be more timely and important. This project started out with a great script and has been beautifully crafted into a fine movie," said producer Gray Frederickson (The Godfather).

PERSECUTED cast includes Dean Stockwell (Air Force One, The Manchurian Candidate, Star Trek), Fred Thompson (Law & Order, Die Hard 2, Hunt for Red October, No Way Out), Brad Stine (recognized as God's Comic by The New Yorker magazine, social commentator on Fox & Friends, Marriage Retreat) Raoul Trujillo (Apocalypto, Cowboys and Aliens, The New World), Natalie Grant (five-time Dove Award-winning singer and songwriter) and Gretchen Carlson (Fox News).

The film wrapped principle photography on August 6, 2013 and was shot in and around the Albuquerque, New Mexico area. It will release in Spring 2014.

Press inquiries can be directed to Jennifer Willingham at jennifer@iconmediagroup.us.

To view a trailer of PERSECUTED, visit: vimeo.com/73173777