Rob Diamond Films to Release WAYWARD: THE PRODIGAL SON

How do you depict a young man corrupting himself with harlots and riotous living and not offend the sensitivities of family and faith-based audiences? Such was the predicament of faith-based filmmaker Rob Diamond when he made "Wayward: The Prodigal Son."

"I believe many movies show graphic sex, drug use or violence simply for shock value," said Diamond. When confronted with these topics while making "Wayward: The Prodigal Son," Diamond said, "I felt very strongly that I needed to be sensitive. After all, it is the Lord's story from the Bible, not mine. I knew I needed to show that this young man went wayward, but not glorify his sins."

According to Spencer Harden, a spokesperson for the film's distributor, Cedar Fort Entertainment, "We were very pleased to pick up 'Wayward: The Prodigal Son' because of its ability to tell an intriguing story of disobedience in a family-sensitive way. The film did receive a PG-13 rating, which is appropriate because the film does have adult themes and drug use, and parents should use caution."

"However," Harden continued, "this film is a very mild PG-13 movie. There is prostitution, gambling, sex, drugs and some mild cursing and violence; in short, 'harlots and riotous living.' But when we tested this film with faith-based audiences, people were touched by the love and forgiveness depicted and were not offended by the young man's sinful pursuits."

According to Harden, the film received an 83 percent approval rating from test audiences.

When asked how Diamond was able to pull this off, Diamond replied, "I'm always very prayerful when I make a movie. There is always a way to get the point across without being gratuitous. For me, being prayerful is the key."

About "Wayward: The Prodigal Son":

A modern-day telling of the Biblical parable, "Wayward: The Prodigal Son" is not a new story. However, filmmaker Rob Diamond said that "the film offers a few surprises," including allusions to the parable of the lost sheep, which is also in Luke 15 of the Bible.

"I made 'Wayward: The Prodigal Son' because the Biblical story has always touched a deep place in my soul," Diamond said. "I have been on the receiving end of forgiveness many times for the mistakes I've made in my life. It's the perfect story of love, redemption and forgiveness."

Can we really get a second chance after we've strayed so far? Is there hope? "Wayward: The Prodigal Son" answers these questions and also reminds us that salvation comes to us through great sacrifice.

When asked for whom he made the movie, Diamond said, "My Maker first and foremost. But I also made it for anyone who loves stories of redemption, and for those seeking some hope and forgiveness in their lives or the lives of the people they cherish most who might be hurting inside."

For more information on the film, go to HeStrays.com.

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