Twenty-three years ago, three brothers from Georgia set out to make a movie with borrowed cameras, volunteer actors, and little more than faith that God could use their effort.
That film, Flywheel, became the unlikely beginning of what would grow into one of Christian filmmaking's most influential ministries.
Today, the Kendrick Brothers have produced some of the most successful faith-based films in history, including Facing the Giants, Fireproof, War Room, Overcomer, and The Forge.
But their latest project required something they had never done before.
They had to trust someone else to tell the story that launched their ministry.
On this episode of K-LOVE's God Stories, Alex and Stephen Kendrick reflected on Flywheel: Ignition of the Soul, a Brazilian reimagining of the film that launched their ministry. The movie arrives in U.S. theaters on October 16 with English dubbing and subtitles, introducing American audiences to a story born from an unexpected season of ministry in Brazil.
The project began after The Forge became the No. 1 film in Brazil. During a promotional tour, churches, pastors and filmmakers shared a growing desire to create high-quality, Christ-centered films rooted in their own culture. Those conversations eventually became the foundation for a new version of Flywheel.
Listen to Crystal Thornton's complete conversation with Alex and Stephen Kendrick in the God Stories podcast below.
A Story That No Longer Belonged to Them
When Brazilian filmmakers invited the Kendrick Brothers to help remake Flywheel, the brothers immediately recognized the challenge.
The film would be produced entirely in Portuguese, filmed on location in Rio de Janeiro and ultimately directed by Brazilian filmmaker Alessandro Barros.
Rather than recreating their original film scene by scene, the brothers chose to mentor a new generation of filmmakers before intentionally stepping aside and allowing them to lead.
"We had to let go," Alex Kendrick said, describing the moment they entrusted the story to a new generation of Brazilian filmmakers.
What emerged wasn't simply another Kendrick Brothers film. It became a powerful reminder that stories surrendered to God often reach farther than their creators ever imagined.
God Still Does the Heavy Lifting
Looking back on their very first movie, Stephen Kendrick says the production itself was anything but impressive.
Everything was borrowed, from cameras and wardrobe to meals and volunteer actors who squeezed filming into their lunch breaks.
Yet despite its modest beginnings, God used Flywheel to change countless lives.
"It's not what we can do," Stephen said. "It's what God can do if we'll surrender to Him."
That same dependence became essential in Brazil.
The brothers didn't know the language, the culture or the filmmaking process, yet they watched God provide interpreters, locations, churches, funding, city leaders and an eager team of filmmakers exactly when each need arose.
"Our God can supply anything, in any amount, to anyone, anywhere, at any time, without difficulty."
Chasing Faithfulness Instead of Fame
The Kendrick Brothers admit that when they first started making movies, they wanted what many young filmmakers want.
Recognition.
Respect.
Artistic success.
Over time, however, God reshaped those ambitions.
Instead of chasing awards or acclaim, they began pursuing something entirely different.
"Don't chase self-glory," Alex said.
Instead, they now measure success by transformed lives rather than trophies.
Their canvas isn't a movie screen.
It's the human heart.
Rather than asking whether audiences are impressed by the cinematography, the brothers now pray viewers encounter Jesus before the credits roll.
A Story of Repentance and Redemption
Set in Rio de Janeiro, Flywheel: Ignition of the Soul follows Noah Silva, a smooth-talking used-car salesman whose "do whatever it takes" approach to business and life begins to unravel. As he faces the consequences of his choices, Noah embarks on a difficult journey of repentance, restored integrity and reconciliation with his wife and son.
For the Kendrick Brothers, the story's central message remains as relevant today as it was when they first wrote it more than two decades ago.
Repentance isn't simply a one-time decision.
It's a daily posture of surrender that allows Christ to reshape every part of our lives.
Integrity Is More Than Reputation
One of the film's central themes is integrity.
For Alex Kendrick, integrity isn't simply about avoiding scandal.
It's about remaining humble when success arrives.
Whether handling influence, finances, praise or recognition, followers of Christ must continually guard against taking credit for what belongs to God alone.
As their ministry has grown, so has their commitment to accountability, servant leadership and pointing every success back to the Lord.
The Real Story God Was Writing
When Crystal Thornton asked whether God cared more about the movie or about the men He was shaping while they made it, Stephen Kendrick didn't hesitate.
God cares about people.
First what He does for us.
Then what He does in us.
Finally, what He chooses to do through us.
The brothers say filmmaking has become one of God's greatest tools for refining their faith.
Every production has driven them back to prayer.
Every challenge reminds them of their dependence on Christ.
Every finished film becomes another opportunity to point audiences toward the One who changes everything.
A Story Still Being Written
When Flywheel: Ignition of the Soul opens in U.S. theaters on October 16, the Kendrick Brothers believe its greatest impact won't be measured by ticket sales.
It will be measured by changed hearts.
For the Kendrick Brothers, the greatest success isn't filling theaters. It's seeing lives transformed by the One who changes everything.
Because sometimes the greatest success isn't found in holding tightly to what God has entrusted to you, but in surrendering it back to Him and watching Him do immeasurably more than you ever imagined.
Flywheel: Ignition of the Soul - The Heart of the Movie