, Sep 30, 2008 / 06:50 pm (CNA).- Fireproof, a new movie about a firefighter who learns how to rescue his troubled marriage, is reportedly faring well at the box office on its opening weekend.

According to a press release from Samuel Goldwyn Films, the movie placed fourth at the box office. Opening on 839 screens, the film grossed $6,804,764.

Alex Kendrick, who co-wrote the film with his brother Stephen, directs the film staring Kirk Cameron and new actress Erin Bethea. It was filmed with an all-volunteer cast and crew of 1,200 people.

Samuel Goldwyn Films reports that communities across the U.S. are using the film as a tool to support local firefighters, police, and other first responders, who have a divorce rate of up to 90 percent. Such efforts provide volunteer babysitting for the first responders and their spouses as they spend the night at the movies.

Churches are also reportedly using the film as an introduction to their marriage courses.

“Congratulations to Alex and Stephen Kendrick for showing once again that they know how to make a movie both entertaining and substantive,” said Meyer Gottlieb, president of Samuel Goldwyn Films.  Fireproof will make you laugh, cry, and reflect. I’m confident audiences will continue to support it.”

Michael Catt, senior pastor of Sherwood Baptist Church and executive producer, commented on the film’s success, saying: “We believe good stories can have a good effect.  This film was made by a small army of people who poured into something bigger than themselves – into not just a movie, but a movement to restore and uplift marriages across the country.”

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment oversees the Affirm Films label, which was one of the film’s acquisition partners.

Bob Rubin, executive vice president of Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, said the film shows the “faith market” is an “underserved community with a growing appetite for filmed content that is both inspirational and entertaining.”

“We are delighted to be part of the team that brought Fireproof to audiences nationwide,” he continued.

Goldwyn plans to expand the film’s release to more than 1,000 screens.

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