Christian retailers are to get a sneak peek at what many hope could repeat their biggest success of recent times.

Early footage from Courageous, the follow-up movie from the makers of Fireproof, is to be screened next month at the International Christian Retail Show in St. Louis, though the film will not be released until next year.

The early exposure--which also includes hosting Christian retail and ministry leaders on location-is intended to help build support for a major church campaign around the movie's theme of fatherhood.

The top independent movie of 2008, Fireproof, and its spin-off books, the New York Times best-selling The Love Dare and The Love Dare Day by Day, were credited with saving countless marriages-and helping some stores survive the recession. DVD sales of the Christian retail special edition of the film have reached almost 1 million.

Filming on Courageous is currently taking place in Albany, Ga., where church-based Sherwood Pictures has organized all-expenses-paid set visits for media and retail and ministry representatives.

"We are making movies with the church and for the church, and it is important for us that we partner with leaders in the Christian community who have a passion for what we are doing, who believe in the message and that will be able to use Courageous in helping them minister to families," said producer Stephen Kendrick, who scripted the new film with his brother, Alex, who also directs and stars.

The pair are also to write a book about the film's theme of fatherhood for B&H Publishing Group, though it will not be tied in directly to the film in the same way as their The Love Dare--a plot device in Fireproof.

During the location visits, Stephen Kendrick also shared a personal video message for Christian retailers with Christian Retailing Editor Andy Butcher.

Click here for more information on Courageous and here for photographs from the filming location.

Click here to view a video greeting from Stephen Kendrick.

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