New Christian film features local runners
When Franklin, Tenn.-based independent film director Dave Christiano went looking for teen girls who could work as extras in his new film about cross-country runners, he didn’t expect so many from Chattanooga would fit the bill. He was glad they did and rewarded some of them with face time on screen in the finished product.
“I had about 140 runners in the state meet [scene] and I focused on what I considered the Top 40,” he said. “Six or seven of the girls that we focused on are from Chattanooga.”
The film, “Remember the Goal,” is a Christian film that opened at the East Ridge 18 last week and continues there through Thursday with screenings at 5:30 p.m. and 7:55 p.m. It was co-directed and produced by Christiano and his twin brother Rich through their production company ChristianFilms.com. If it does well at the box office, it will be held over for more days, Christiano said.
Brennan Womack, 14, was a paid extra in the film and can be seen during one of the pivotal race scenes. This was her first time as a paid extra, and her first time doing any real running. She had to train and get into shape for the part. Womack said it was a fun learning experience that has sparked a desire to do more acting.
“There is a scene where I was behind two of the main characters and when we finished, everyone congratulated me and the [Christiana] and his [twin] brother said I’d done a good job acting. That was high praise coming from them.”
Brennan’s mother Jesica and brother Caedmon, 16, also worked as extras on the film, though not as paid or featured extras.
“We went up for the day back in September,” Jesica said. “I was a parent cheering on a runner. There was a real community environment on the set. My son just got in there and helped set up tents and whatever was needed.”
Christiano is a former high school and college runner who also has coached cross-country and wanted to do the film for several reasons.
He said the cross-country community is a close-knit one that offers positives for kids.
“They don’t smoke or drink and then run cross country because you can’t,” he said of the physically demanding sport.
“It’s the first film about girls cross country ever and one of the very few about female athletes in general,” he said. “There is no lack of anything with girls cross country. These girls are very athletic and competitive.”
Contact staff writer Barry Courter at bcourter@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6354.