Families|June 09, 2015 02:46 EDT
Moms' Night Out Producer's Say 'We Wouldn't Be Here Without Him' on Loss of Producer Russell Wolfe at K-LOVE Fan Awards [INTERVIEW]
It drew laughter and cheers from audiences everywhere last May. So it was no surprise that 'Moms' Night Out' was nominated for this year's K-LOVE Fan Award's "Impact: Television and Film" Award. BREATHEcast had the opportunity to speak with 'Moms' Day Out' director Andy Erwin along with his wife, Mandi; and actor/producer Kevin Downes on the K-LOVE red carpet.
Downes, who plays a character also named Kevin in 'Moms' Night Out' and produced the Erwin brother's next project, 'Woodlawn', said, "The K-LOVE fan awards all about the fans and Christian music. The fact that they honor film in the midst of that -- We just feel blessed and honored to be here."
'Moms' Night Out' director Andy Erwin added, "My brother and I decided to do the movie to kind of honor moms. In the midst of all the laughter, [what struck me was] the heartfelt tears that followed. It was really cool to see moms across America be encouraged that what they do is so important."
Notably absent from the award ceremony was the film's producer, Russell Wolfe. A producer and co-founder of PureFlix Entertainment, Wolfe passed away on May 27th after a two-year battle with ALS. In addition to producing 'Moms' Night Out' and the tremendously successful 'God's Not Dead' (both released in 2014), Pureflix recently launched a Netflix-style video streaming service for audiences to access their 100+ family-based film properties from home. Pureflix continutes to be the world's largest distributor of faith and family-geared movies.
Downes expressed his feelings on the loss of Wolfe: "Russell is a longtime friend of mine and I loved him even more during his 20 month battle with ALS. He put on the breastplate of Christ, he wore it even though his battle was so evident. He was such a great example of what I strive to be as a man. He leaves a great legacy."
He went on to say, "We wouldn't be here with 'Moms' Night Out', or our next film, 'Woodlawn', without Russell Wolfe. We want to dedicate tonight to Russell."
See the full interview with BREATHEcast's Jeannie Ortega below:
