Main Image: The Smallbone family as depicted in Unsung Hero (Faith Media).
If you’re a fan of either Rebecca St James, or her brothers Joel and Luke Smallbone and their band for KING & COUNTRY, you might know a little of their early story.
Leaving their native Australia and arriving penniless in Nashville, carving out a meagre existence trying to make ends meet before Rebecca’s vocal talents led to a record deal with Forefront Records in 1993.
Based on a remarkable true story, Unsung Hero follows David Smallbone as he moves his family from down under to the United States, searching for a brighter future after his successful music company collapses.
With their seven children and nothing more than suitcases, and their love of music, David (for KING & COUNTRY’s Joel Smallbone) and his pregnant wife Helen (Daisy Betts) set out to rebuild their lives.
for KING & COUNTRY’s Joel Smallbone portrays his father David in Unsung Hero (Faith Media).
Helen’s faith stands against all odds and inspires her husband and children to hold onto theirs. With their own dreams on hold, David and Helen begin to realise the musical prowess in their children, who would go on to become two of the most successful acts in Christian Music history: five-time GRAMMY Award®-winning artists for KING & COUNTRY and Rebecca St. James.
for KING & COUNTRY, comprised of Joel and Luke Smallbone, took to social media to share why they strongly felt led to share their story through film.
“It dawned on us about four years ago that this story of immigrating from Australia to America, and all the adventures and challenges we’ve walked through in between was a story that needed to be told — so we made a movie,” for KING & COUNTRY shared on Instagram.
“It’s our hope that this story encourages you & your family as working on this project & reflecting has encouraged ours.”
The Smallbone family was heavily involved in the making of the film, with Joel Smallbone also taking on a leading role, as well as directing the film and writing the screenplay alongside Richard L. Ramsey. Luke Smallbone also contributed as producer.
Unsung Hero features Australian actress Daisy Betts (Sea Patrol/Out of the Blue), Jonathan Jackson (Nashville/General Hospital), Candace Cameron Bure (Full House/Faith of Our Fathers) and Lady A’s Hillary Scott.
The cinema release of Unsung Hero coincides with for KING & COUNTRY’S Homecoming tour which will see the band visit Australia for the first time since 2019.
Unsung Hero is in cinemas May 30.
