The Journey
A feature film adaptation in development
Awakened in the middle of the night, God spoke to Jim Hanna and his life was never the same. But as many often find out, following God does not mean a life without pain. In this beautiful story of tragedy and redemption, God is revealed as trustworthy and faithful even in the darkest of times.
Jim Hanna’s story was first told in an article by the Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship in 1986 and circulated in over 92 countries. In 1999, it was published in the Duluth News Tribune. In 2001, The film Twist of Fate was produced and distributed by Mahoney Media Group in Minneapolis, MN. Finally in 2007, Story Front Pictures produced a re-telling of the story presented in “The Journey”. Since that time over 1 million people have seen the film on broadcast television and DVD through Vision Video. Independent distribution through streaming outlets have also significantly added to the viewership. After nearly 30 years of building awareness culminating most recently with extensive viewership of “The Journey” documentary, Story Front Pictures is producing a feature film adaptation combined with the untold events of Hanna’s life.
Adaptation
Jim Hanna has had a fascinating life. After being abandoned by his biological father at an early age, Hanna and his 11-month-old younger brother John were raised by their mom and her parents on a small farm in Northern Minnesota. It was in these majestic forests that their Grandfather taught them how to shoot, hunt, fish, canoe, drive and enjoy the outdoors which became their playground. Without really knowing it at the time, every one of these experiences in his life would lay a basic foundation of skills that would impact Hanna in many multi-faceted ways.
Hanna would go on to become an Expert Marksman in the US. Army, an avid hunter, and a daring adventurer which included canoeing down the Mississippi from the Headwaters to New Orleans and somehow miraculously escape being killed in over 11 car accidents. Hearing the dramatic situations that constantly fill his life is sometimes mind boggling. The task of making a movie about Israel’s life is not a matter of having enough material, but rather what to include and exclude. A true story and what makes a movie are rarely the same but we aim to make the “spirit” of them alike.
Because we would like to capitalize on the viewership of the documentary, the film will expand on the major plot points in the original film. From hearing God’s voice in the middle of the night and trekking through the forest, to serendipitously receiving a special bible, to the tragic death of his daughter, back to the events that proved though it all that God still loved Hanna and would be with him no matter what.
One theme in the story will be hearing the voice of God. We’ll explore how Hanna has done this throughout his life providing real intrigue to the audience. Since it’s an expansive story, we’ll also look at how life situations repeat themselves, oftentimes to teach us things, and sometimes to provide us with new opportunities. God’s love for us and the way he shows his love through redemptive moments will also figure prominently. As God seems constantly involved in Hanna’s life, our audience will be reminded that we are never alone and always loved. And it’s not all serious, Hanna has a wonderful, warm sense of humor perfect for balancing the seriousness of his life. Prepare yourself for a rich and gritty story.
For updates on the film please visit journeystory.com (site in progress).