The North Texas community of Keller can find theatrical inspiration from a resident determined to tackle homelessness.
The movie “5000 Blankets” is based on the story of Keller resident Cyndi Bunch as she confronts her husband’s mental illness that led to his life of homelessness. Bunch created the nonprofit Phillip’s Wish to help — even with an item as simple as a blanket — assist and understand people on the streets.
“In terms of Keller, this movie will hopefully show that there are people in the town with a lot of empathy, kindness and compassion towards the homeless and their families,” 5000 Blankets screenwriter Larry Postel said. “This includes those with mental illness and post-traumatic stress disorder. One of the supporting characters in the movie is a homeless veteran.”
Produced by Sony’s Affirm Films, the movie’s two-night nationwide release in 800 theaters was earlier this month. The video release is Jan. 5 on Sony’s PureFlix family- and faith-based streaming platform.
Postel adds that the movie, which stars Anna Camp, could return to theaters.
“There’s also a good chance for an encore theatrical release due to its appeal not only to a faith-based audience, but also a mainstream one,” Postel said.
Bunch said in a recent interview that the film’s producer hired homeless people to play some parts during the December 2021 filming in Fayetteville, Ark.
“This movie is so well-written, I think it hits across the board. It’s gonna hit people that aren’t religious,” Bunch said. “Everybody is looking to help, but they don’t know what to do. This kind of gives them a picture of how they can take what they have and turn it into good.”
