Multi-platinum and four-time Grammy Award-winning duo For King + Country (brothers Joel and Luke Smallbone) have added yet another accolade to their impressive career with the release of their highly anticipated music biopic, \u2018Unsung Hero\u2019. Born in Australia, Joel and Luke moved to and settled in Nashville with their family at a young age. Since then, the duo has become one of the music industry\u2019s most respected and decorated acts.<\/p>\n
Set against the backdrop of Nashville in the early \u201890s, \u2018Unsung Hero\u2019 follows the journey of Joel and Luke\u2019s parents, David and Helen Smallbone, as they relocate their six children from Australia to the United States in pursuit of a brighter future, armed only with suitcases and their love of music. Directed by Joel Smallbone himself, the film follows the journey of their parents as they navigate the challenges of immigration and pursue their dreams in the face of adversity. It reveals the origins of one of the world’s most successful Christian bands, For King + Country, and their Grammy Award-winning sister, Rebecca St. James, showcasing how they discovered and honed their musical talents.<\/p>\n
The pair flew over to London for the UK premiere of their biopic at the prestigious Curzon Mayfair. The evening began with a red carpet event, where fans eagerly gathered for a chance to meet Joel and Luke, take pictures, and share a few words with the acclaimed duo. The venue buzzed with excitement as attendees prepared to experience the Smallbone family’s inspiring story brought to life on the big screen. Celebrities, industry professionals, devoted fans, cast and crew members, and journalists filled the space, all gathered to celebrate the film’s debut.<\/p>\n
Inside the theatre, the evening began with a lively reception complete with a bar and popcorn, creating a welcoming atmosphere for everyone. This set the stage for an engaging Q&A session with Joel, Luke and producer Joshua Walsh with questions from Jennifer Lee Moon. The brothers shared personal anecdotes about their family\u2019s journey, the challenges and joys of the filmmaking process, and the profound impact they hope the film will have on audiences. They recounted heartwarming and inspirational stories, providing deeper insight into the experiences that shaped their music and lives. The intimate session allowed fans and guests to connect with the duo, enhancing the overall experience of the premiere.<\/p>\n
Releasing just ahead of Father\u2019s Day, the film prompted questions about fatherhood and family during the Q&A session. Luke shared heartfelt reflections, saying, \u201cPart of the reason why this movie is special is because my wife and I have four kids. And I\u2019m living the impact of what my family is giving me, how these kids are impacting me, and how I\u2019m impacting these kids.\u201d He spoke passionately about the reciprocal nature of family life and the influence it has on both parents and children.<\/p>\n
He went on to mention what he hoped families took away from this film: \u201cMy hope is that fathers will walk away from this and go, \u201cI want to be a better dad.\u201d I hope that mothers walk away from this and see that all the effort they put in really matters. There are generational consequences for the better when families pour into each other. I hope kids start to dream up massive dreams and that, with a little bit of belief from the right people, some of those dreams can flourish.\u201d He continued, \u201cWhat you\u2019re about to see is that our older sister (Rebecca St. James) was 13\/14 when she started to sing and had a record deal at 16. There’s no reason why those things can\u2019t repeat, so I hope those are just a few of the things that people take away from this.\u201d<\/p>\n
Following the Q&A, attendees moved into the cinema room for the screening of \u2018Unsung Hero\u2019. Featuring a talented ensemble cast, Daisy Betts, Joel Smallbone, Kirrilee Berger, Jonathan Jackson, Lucas Black, Candace Cameron Bure, and Terry O\u2019Quinn. The story begins with the collapse of David Smallbone\u2019s successful music company during the recession that gripped Australia in the early 1990s. Faced with losing everything, David and his wife Helen make the bold decision to relocate their six-and-a-half children from Sydney to Nashville in a desperate bid to succeed in the music business. With nothing more than their suitcases and their love of music, David and his pregnant wife Helen set out to rebuild their lives from the ground up. The film portrays a mother\u2019s unwavering faith that stands against all odds and inspires her husband and children to hold onto theirs.<\/p>\n
The music was undeniably a highlight of the entire film, with a soundtrack that Joel and Luke Smallbone performed and recorded to complement their story. The soundtrack features some of the biggest hits of the 80s and 90s, seamlessly weaving reimagined versions of these nostalgic songs with For King + Country\u2019s signature sound. The duo collaborates with renowned artists such as Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, and their sister Rebecca St. James, who has played a significant role in their musical careers. The soundtrack includes iconic tracks like John Farnham\u2019s \u2018You\u2019re The Voice\u2019, Rod Stewart\u2019s \u2018Rhythm of My Heart\u2019, and Seal\u2019s \u2018Crazy\u2019 to name just a few. Additionally, the title track has been reworked from their 2023 album \u2018What Are We Waiting For?\u2019 and features an original track, \u2018She Believes\u2019. The music not only enhances the emotional depth of the film but also pays tribute to the era that shaped their family’s journey.<\/p>\n
Directed and co-written by Joel Smallbone and Richard L. Ramsey and produced by Joshua Walsh, Justin Tolley, Joel Smallbone, and Luke Smallbone, the 113-minute biopic’s emotions certainly fluctuated a lot throughout; you could cut the tension with a nice in some moments, and the film ended with more than a few damp eyes across the theatre. The dedication and passion of the filmmakers and cast shone through, earning a full five-minute standing ovation from the audience.<\/p>\n
For Joel and Luke Smallbone, the premiere of their biopic marked not only a milestone in their careers but also a celebration of faith, family, and the power of their music. Its portrayal of the Smallbone family\u2019s journey from Australia to Nashville really is a beautiful reminder of the strength found in unity, faith, and the pursuit of one\u2019s passion. As fans and critics alike applaud the film\u2019s authenticity and heartfelt storytelling, it underscores the influence that For King + Country continues to wield. While the film did not end on a cliffhanger, its powerful storytelling left viewers pondering the possibility of a sequel to further explore the Smallbone family’s legacy.<\/p>\n
Multi-Platinum and four-time Grammy Award-winning duo for KING + COUNTRY (brothers Joel and Luke Smallbone) drop their “The Inspired By Soundtrack” album for their family biopic film,”Unsung Hero.”\u00a0 The duo also releases their new music video for “She Believes” from the album that is available in conjunction with the film which releases in theaters nationwide via Lionsgate\/ For King + Country Entertainment in the US.<\/p>\n
The film stars Joel Smallbone; he also co-wrote the film, and it is his directorial debut.\u00a0 To listen or purchase “The Inspired By Soundtrack,” visit<\/p>\n
“The Inspired By Soundtrack” also includes recently released singles, “Place In This World” feat. Michael W. Smith; “Checking In” with Lee Brice. “To Hell With The Devil” feat. Lecrae & Stryper. “Lead Me On” feat. Amy Grant; and much more. It also features the title track of the film, “Unsung Hero,” from their current Grammy nominated and AMA, Billboard and Dove award-winning album, “What Are We Waiting For?”<\/p>\n
Says the Smallbones, “What a field day we had with this album!\u00a0 We have more features than any album we’ve ever done, having had the opportunity to take these incredibly nostalgic 90’s songs and re-imagine them with a for King + Country flair.\u00a0 We’ve been able to partner with multiple artists on their songs \u2013 Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, Rebecca St. James, Stryper, and more.\u00a0 It’s been quite an adventure, a creative process to re-envision these songs. We hope everyone enjoys them as much as we enjoyed making them!”<\/p>\n
The accompanying soundtrack album ‘Unsung Hero’ being is out now on Curb Records and marketed by Fifth Element PR and their fantastic team.<\/p>\n
WORDS: KURTIS BRYNE<\/p>\n
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Multi-platinum and four-time Grammy Award-winning duo For King + Country (brothers Joel and Luke Smallbone) have added yet another accolade to their impressive career with the release of their highly anticipated music biopic, \u2018Unsung Hero\u2019. Born in Australia, Joel and Luke moved to and settled in Nashville with their family at a young age. Since […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":7818,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[26],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7815","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-features"],"yoast_head":"\n