By Christian Headlines | Created at 2024-11-27 17:53:19 | Updated at 2024-11-27 20:29:24
2 hours ago
Actress, producer and director Candace Cameron Bure believes that her starring in family-friendly movies in the past 15 years are an opportunity to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ to those watching. Bure, who rose to fame as D.J. Tanner in "Full House," told The Christian Post, "I just adore making these movies every year, and it is amazing to me that I've been doing them for 15 years and people still tune in and watch."
"To share the Gospel within the movies and remind people of the hope of Jesus, that's what has been inspiring for me, and I feel like it's given me a new energy going into continuing to make Christmas movies, not only as an actor but also other Christmas movies I produce," she added. "Sharing that within the stories is really powerful for me and important in my journey of faith and as a creative in the entertainment industry."
In April 2022, Bure was announced as the chief content officer for Great American Family and departed from the Hallmark Channel, where she had starred in multiple films for the past 13 years. The actress shared at the time her desire to be part of a network that values God, family and country first over the content produced by Hollywood.
"What I really appreciate about the Great American Family viewership is they want to see films that are more than just two people falling in love — and they love that storyline — but to be able to talk and share about faith in God and the reason for the season. The season that Christ was born to, to pay the price for our sins and sacrifice Himself and die on the cross, that He is the Savior of the world, the ultimate gift," she said.
"I want people to be entertained, to sit on their couch and laugh or shed a tear," she continued. "But as the years go on, I've wanted to find more meaning in these stories. That's what I appreciate about Great American Family: they want faith-forward content that reminds viewers of the hope and joy that come with the season."
In her latest project, "A Christmas Less Traveled," which released Nov. 16 on Great American Pure Flix, Bure plays Desi, a lady mourning the death of her father. Using audio cassettes left behind by her father, she then sets off on a road trip to recall treasured family memories. Over the course of her journey, Desi befriends a charming stranger named Greyson, who accompanies her on her soul-searching journey.
"It's a very sweet, heartfelt, teary-eyed story," Bure shared. "It talks about forgiveness, faith, and hope, messages that resonate deeply with Great American Family's audience."
She will also star in "Home Sweet Christmas," premiering Dec. 1, alongside longtime friend and co-star Cameron Mathison. The film centers on childhood friends Sophie (Bure) and Sam (Mathison), who reunite and renew their connection as they manage the sale of a family maple sugar farm.
"It's been a long time coming," Bure said regarding working with Mathison. "This one feels like a natural storyline, given our friendship. I hope people love it."
In addition to her films, Bure will also be a part of Great American Family's Christmas Festival at UBS Arena in New York from Nov. 22 to Dec. 29. The event includes appearances from Great American Family Christmas stars, screenings, ice skating and festive workshops.
"I've always loved creating experiences that bring people together," she said. "This festival is another way to share the magic of the season."
Bure told CP that her goals throughout her decades-long career have changed, such as launching her own production company, Candy Rock Entertainment.
"I've been an actor since I was 5 years old, and even well into my 30s, acting was always in No. 1 place," she said. "Then my goals really changed in that I wanted to be able to imagine the stories I wanted to tell and then help develop those from the ground up. My faith is everything to me. It's who I am, and it inspires me to pour energy into family and faith programming that serves an underserved audience."
"I've been in the family space my entire career, but now putting more energy specifically into family and faith is just very important to me, and those are what my goals have been and where I'm pouring my energy into," she said.
Earlier this year, Candy Rock produced the award-winning film "Unsung Hero," which centers on the Smallbone family. The movie, which received praise for reaching audiences on a secular level, won Feature Film of the Year at this year's GMA Dove Awards.
"I love stories like that because they invite people who don't necessarily share the Christian faith or are maybe just wondering or curious about it," Bure, who also starred in "Unsung Hero" alongside Joel Smallbone, said of the film. "It invites them into that space just to see what it looks like and not be intimidated by it in any way."
The actress expressed optimism about the increased momentum faith-based films have been having, given that the faith community has been "underserved" in the context of entertainment.
"It's so encouraging to see more inspiring stories being told," she says. "I continue to look for inspiring stories, and we're going to continue to create them and put them on the big screen and the small screen."
Photo Credit: ©Facebook/Candace Cameron Bure
