Jeremy Camp’s new biopic has enjoyed a strong opening weekend, despite theaters being shuttered across the country due to COVID-19.
“I Still Believe” was the number one movie on Friday, taking some $4 million dollars at the box office. By the end of the weekend, it had pulled in $9.5 million and was number 2 in the country.
On Instagram, Camp said he was grateful to his fans for turning out to see the movie at such a tumultuous time. The debut screenings went ahead as planned, with most of the theater closures taking place from Monday onwards.
“Thanks to everyone who went out yesterday to support the film,” he wrote. “I know times are crazy and uncertain right now, but we should never be controlled by fear. Stay healthy and remember God is in control! Love you guys!”
“I Still Believe” tells the story of Camp and his first wife, Melissa, who died of ovarian cancer at 21. As a declaration of faith in the midst of the most excruciating pain, the multi-award-winning artist penned a hit song of the same name shortly after Melissa’s death.
“I still believe in Your faithfulness. I still believe in Your truth,” the lyrics read. “I still believe in Your holy word. Even when I don’t see, I still believe.”
Thousands of movie theaters have been closed down this week in a bid to slow the rate of coronavirus infections. On Tuesday, Cinemark announced it would be shutting 345 theaters across the country. AMC Theatres and Regal Cinemas have also announced mass closures.