The emotional core of the new film MOONRISE stems from a personal experience that writer and director Vickie Bronaugh had following the death of her mother.

“The Christmas after my mother passed away, my father was lost. On Christmas Eve at my sister’s ranch, we were outside on the porch and my father wouldn’t get up and go inside to celebrate. How could he move forward when my mother couldn’t?” said director Vickie Bronaugh. “There was a supermoon on the horizon and it shined this white light on us. As it rose, it got brighter and brighter and we all just sat there quietly. After that happened, my father stood up and said, ‘let’s go inside.’ He knew at that moment she had moved forward, and we should too. And that quiet moment inspired this film, MOONRISE.”

The new AFFIRM Originals movie MOONRISE stars country artist Granger Smith in his film debut, Sonya Balmores (SOUL SURFER), Wally Welch (Yellowstone, THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN) and introduces Piper Clurman, Kace Winfield and Jaxon Noble Pickens. The movie was written and directed by Vickie Bronaugh and produced by Sean McNamara (REAGAN, SOUL SURFER) and David Brookwell (SOUL SURFER) of Brookwll McNamara Entertainment.

Granger Smith plays Will Brown, a former country singer who has pushed away his family, fame and faith following his wife’s death. It’s his daughter, Ellie (played by Piper Clurman) and a talented horse trainer (played by Sonya Balmores) who show him strength, forgiveness and grace to live life again.

“This is a powerful movie with a very relational message. Will is grieving his wife and unable to forgive himself for past decisions all while trying to raise and protect his kids,” said Granger Smith. “He’s a complicated man carrying pain and guilt. But it’s not until he’s intentional about healing that he can move forward. It’s a brilliant story about redemption and forgiveness.”

TV movie by Brookwell McNamara Entertainment for Sony Affirm Originals.