Rick Santorum, a former U.S. senator and 2012 GOP presidential candidate, has a new job — one that should both inspire and excite social conservatives and Christians. Today, EchoLight Studios, a faith-based movie company, distributed a press release announcing that the former politician will serve as its new CEO, which he appeared on Huckabee over the weekend to announce as well.Santorum, apparently, seems to delighted by the career decision, as well he should be because it is high time conservatives stopped ceding popular culture to the extreme left. Rick Santorum, who has been working with EchoLight over the past year, said:
This is the right place and right time, and I’ve jumped in with both feet. I often say that culture is upstream from politics, and I know entertainment also can be strength and light for people who want to be uplifted and reinforced in their values.
The former presidential candidate expressed excitement over Texas as a new hub for Christian entertainment, noting that it’s entirely possible for Dallas to “become the Hollywood of the faith-and-family movie market.” On Huckabee, Santorum said that he aimed to offer a contrast with good, decent content, which is particularly aimed at providing that choice to the younger generation.
Considering the need for the faith community to continue adopting new technologies that can help bridge the divide and meet people where they are in the culture, the power of film, among other avenues, cannot be understated. And Santorum realizes this, as he also said that one of EchoLight’s goals will be to help young filmmakers spread their message to the big screen. He said:
We’re in a position with potential to transform the industry.
EchoLight’s first theatrical release, “The Redemption of Henry Myers” is due out in fall 2013. Henry is a tough but fallible character, getting though life in the old west the only way he knows how – robbing banks. After his latest heist goes bad, he is betrayed by his partners who leave him for dead, Henry is surprised to find extraordinary kindness from a widow and her children. With the influence of this family, Henry begins to question the choices he’s made in his life. Just when things begin to make sense again, it’s all ripped away from him when his old partners show up. Will he seek the revenge he desires or finally find his Redemption?
