Like Dandelion Dust--based on the 2006 Center Street novel by New York Times best-selling author Karen Kingsbury--will open nationwide in about 100 theaters tomorrow, Sept. 24.

Since January 2009 the winner of more than 35 film festival awards--including a dozen Audience Choice Awards for Best Picture, and recipient of the Heartland Truly Moving Picture Award--the movie may be "the next Blind Side," according to USA Weekend.

Starring Academy Award winner Mira Sorvino, Golden Globe nominee Barry Pepper and introducing child actor Maxwell Perry Cotton, Like Dandelion Dust centers on the battle between adoptive and birth parents over a 6-year-old boy.

"This is may be the one movie I've done that has an ability to touch everybody, and I'm as proud of it as anything I've done so far," Sorvino told People magazine.

Bobby Downes--co-producer of the independent film with his brother, Kevin--told Christian Retailing that the movie will be shown in 40 markets, but will expand each week into areas "with strong grass-roots support." Supporters of the film, including some Christian retailers and suppliers, are spreading the word about the movie via a social-media campaign to have it shown in more theaters.

"Hundreds of local grass-roots leaders have mounted 'Demand It' campaigns on Facebook ... (to) bring the movie to their towns," Downes said. "Karen Kingsbury has an incredibly loyal and supportive (fan) base. They are very, very supportive of Karen's first feature film."

Downes added that Family Christian Stores is sponsoring Like Dandelion Dust (LDD) screenings in select cities. "Store managers will be at the theater with LDD merchandise, giveaways and serving theatergoers," he said.

The official apparel partner for LDD, Kerusso is also sponsoring a screening of the movie in Rogers, Ark., during the weekend of Oct. 8, said CEO and President Vic Kennett.

Suzanne Kuhn, who through her Suzy Q business has served as events coordinator for Kingsbury since last October, told Christian Retailing that her husband Shawn's chain of seven bargain bookstores in five states is promoting the movie--the first Kingsbury novel to be translated to screen.

"It's a no-brainer for us to get on board to support the movie," said Suzanne Kuhn, noting that the chain has large Christian product sections. "Moviegoers are going to want to buy the book at the store because they'll love the movie."

Click here for more information on Like Dandelion Dust—rated PG-13 for mature thematic elements, including domestic violence and alcohol abuse.

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