This 2015 faith-based film about high school football phenom “Touchdown” Tony Nathan, and the inspiring mid-1970’s Woodlawn High School team he played on, not only prominently features the actual school itself, and surrounding neighborhoods, but also other Birmingham landmarks as well, like Legion Field. Recounting the real-life story of how sports chaplain Hank Erwin (played by actor Sean Astin) helped transform a struggling school system caught in the acrimony of racial integration through prayer and faith initiatives introduced to Woodlawn’s football program— and that ultimately spread to other schools around the area— the movie is a great example of how powerful local stories can be turned into moviemaking magic that also utilize the Magic City’s many incredible municipal assets. Based on the book of the same name by Todd Gerelds, whose father, Coach Tandy Gerelds of the Woodlawn Colonels, was brought closer to God through his experiences with the team and Erwin, there’s a lot to love about this look at how faith, leadership and camaraderie can help overcome great challenges, both on the field and off, and bring communities together even in times of great strife. And with so many of the characters going on to great things after their time at Woodlawn, including Nathan, who joined the Alabama Crimson Tide and helped them win the Sugar Bowl in 1979 alongside coach Paul “Bear” Bryant (played here by legendary actor Jon Voight), the film’s redemptive narrative arc serves as a great lesson for anyone looking for a bright spot in Birmingham’s largely sordid Civil Rights past.
FUN FACT: Alabama sports broadcasting legend Eli Gold makes multiple cameos in the film playing a local high school football announcer.
Trailer Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pl3jnXObeQg