GOING GLOBAL: Sony plans to take ‘Woodlawn,’ filmed and set in Birmingham, worldwide

Paul "Bear" Bryant (Jon Voight) meets Tony Nathan (Caleb Castille) in Woodlawn.

Woodlawn Movie

“Woodlawn,” the faith and football film set in Birmingham, is getting a worldwide release, thanks to Sony. Faith-based distributor Pure Flix sold the international licensing rights to Sony this week.

The film, produced by Birmingham natives Andrew and Jon Erwin, cost $4 million to make and has grossed $14 million in the United States. Thanks to Sony it will now be released in international markets.

‘Woodlawn’ follows the story of Alabama football star Tony Nathan and shows how a spiritual awakening in 1970s Alabama led to unity overcoming racism and hate on a high school football team. The film stars Caleb Castille, Sherri Shepherd (30 Rock), and Sean Astin (Lord of the Rings, Rudy), with Jon Voight appearing as Paul “Bear” Bryant.

Filmmakers used local sites to make the movie. Filming took place at Hueytown’s Gilmore-Vines stadium and Legion Field. The film also used local residents as extras, and Blake Burgess, son of Rick and Bubba’s Rick Burgess, played one of Nathan’s teammates.

‘Woodlawn’ is part of a recent stretch of successful faith-based films that includes ‘Heaven Is For Real’ and ‘War Room.’

If you have not yet seen the film, the official trailer can be viewed below.

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