Heartland Truly Moving Pictures

Based on the true life story of William Wilberforce, a leader of the British abolition movement, the film chronicles his epic struggle to pass a law to end the slave trade in the late 18th century. Wilberforce was born into the age of the Great British Empire when the country’s influence around the globe was at its most powerful. It was, however, an age when the rumblings of social discontent were emerging, and a time when reformers faced an uphill struggle to be heard. A good friend of England’s youngest Prime Minister, Wilberforce is elected to the House of Commons at the age of 21, and entrusted by Pitt with the cause for the Abolition of Slavery.

In spite of his preternatural political prowess, Wilberforce finds himself torn between his successful rising career and his desire to give it all up for a life of spirituality. He seeks the advice of friend and mentor John Newton, a former slave trader who turned to the Church in order to atone for his earlier life, who suggests that his best way for Wilberforce to serve God would be to fight injustice with his political influence. Inspired by Newton, Wilberforce quickly becomes the rallying voice in Parliament for a fragmented group of like-minded people to fight the cause and make the people of Britain, and ultimately the world, acknowledge the horror of the Slave Trade.

Amazing Grace follows Wilberforce’s career in heartfelt fashion, welcoming audiences into a world where big change and bigger visions were becoming realities. Neither Wilberforce nor John Newton are history's most well-known figures, but their struggles and triumphs are portrayed glowingly in this Truly Moving Picture.

This movie is a F.I.L.M. Project. F.I.L.M. (Finding Inspiration in Literature and Movies) is a literacy and activity program for youth. Download the Curriculum!

StarringDirected byRatingRuntimeGenrePG111 minDrama

This movie was featured at the annual Heartland Film Festival. Learn more about the Heartland Film Festival.

This movie is a Youth F.I.L.M. Project selection, pairing the movie and the book from which it was adapted with a free, downloadable curriculum for youth. Learn more about the Youth F.I.L.M. Project.