Faith, Family, and Film: Western North Carolina’s Red Carpet Connection

Michelle Cox War Room Interview

Michelle’s interview with Karen Abercrombie who played Ms. Clara in the hit film “War Room”

The first thing you notice about local Asheville author Michelle Cox is her smile. Partnered with a sweet southern accent and quick wit, you can’t help but feel like family in her presence. She can cook a homemade meal that rivals anything in Southern Living while sharing humorous and heartfelt stories of family (6 grandchildren!) and faith. In fact, it’s fair to say that Cox’s inspiration as a speaker and writer stem from the 3 Fs: Faith, Family, and Film.

When she’s not buried in the laptop crafting weekly Guideposts blogs or text for her latest novel, (9 books published or soon to be released), Cox can be found jetting off to national film locations and premieres to interview actors, producers, directors, and other red carpet elites. These interviews and set experiences provide rich content for film reviews. Completed reviews end up published on http://ChristianCinema.com.

Michelle Cox Red Carpet Interview
When asked about her most memorable interview, she quickly names Jim Caviezel (Passion of the Christ, Person of Interest and When the Game Stands Tall), as his genuine kindness and deep faith made quite the impression. But she adds that interviewing Harrison Ford following the screening of a movie wasn’t too shabby either!
Cox’s interest in the film industry includes her own film aspirations, as she is the proud co-author of the Just 18 Summers screenplay, a project recognized as a semifinalist for the $50,000 Kairos Prize Competition (spiritual movies award). This screenplay is based on her 2014 fiction novel by the same title.

Part of the drive for Cox’s deep connection with the faith-based film industry is her genuine love for people. She writes: “I love getting into the hearts of the people who make the films. It’s a joy for me to sit and talk with them and to discover WHY they chose to produce or act in the movie of the moment.”

So you might be wondering why Cox isn’t based in Los Angeles, New York, or a similar metropolis. Quite simply, relocation isn’t needed. Asheville, NC is currently home to or a popular vacation spot for many film professionals, including location scouts and screen writers. In 2014 MovieMaker magazine recognized Asheville as the nation’s #1 small town movie moving area. As Cox explains, the mountains foster a creative spirit critical to production success.

With the rapidly expanding faith based film industry (think Georgia based Kendrick brother films and the current movie Risen), it’s safe to assume that Cox is well positioned to keep introducing the public to the film professionals who commit their lives to box office success. She will continue her writings and edits from her western North Carolina wooded retreat with hot tea in hand, Blue Ridge mountain sunsets, and grandbaby giggles in the background.

For more information about author Michelle Cox or the burgeoning faith-based film industry, see links below:
https://www.guideposts.org/users/michellecox
http://just18summers.com/
http://www.newsmax.com/Hirsen/Christian-Films-Hollywood-faith/2014/04/21/id/566721/

***Blog Post by Lori Brown

Where is Asheville Kid Zone?

Weaver Park Asheville NC

Everyone with kids loves a place where they can take them (and you) for a little time out, away from the norm, to have “a little fun” and experience somewhere. Some parents are more desperate than others. I have met parents who are dying to get out of the house, and at least have some sort of an experience here and there. The struggles of motherhood are more than many can explain. Then there are those who are working parents, either or both mom and dad. They are looking for moments of time to balance off their lives and also spend quality time with their family. Then, you have those that have it all together, whether a full-time mom and family, or working 60 hours a week… they have a weekly plan that always works out perfectly. Ohhhh for that lot in life!!

Hop Ice Cream Asheville NC

Anyway, Asheville Kids zone for me has been in the North Asheville area for many years. I guess it started with Asheville Pizza having the game room and movies. Then the Hop Ice Cream Shop has always been a “must visit” destination for both kids and parents, and even pets. One of my favorite parks in the Asheville area for kids is Weaver Park, right next to Luella’s BBQ on the northside. Then you have that wooden playground right next to Ira B Jones elementary. Oh, and do not forget about Beaver Lake! But, the southside is picking up too. They have Fun Depot, which has been a great activity center for the whole family for many years. Then the Mountain Play Lodge has opened and it is a great spot for the children.

Where are some other great places to take the kids in the Asheville North Carolina area?