Samuel Goldwyn Films’ Fireproof has made more than $20 million in less than four weeks in release.  The film opened on September 26th, and had the highest weekend box office opening of the year for films released on 1,000 screens or fewer.

It was ranked 4th in the country, and made an average of $8,111 per screen.  It remained in the top 10 for three straight weeks while competing against films released on double the number of screens.

The film stars Kirk Cameron and newcomer, Erin Bethea in a story about a firefighter who must rescue his own marriage. 

Communities across the U.S. are using the film as a tool to support local firefighters, police, and other responders’ groups who have divorce rates of up to 90 percent, according to the filmmakers, who hope that this love story will inspire people to stay together.

“Calls, letters and emails are pouring into Sherwood Pictures to tell us how Fireproof has inspired them to pursue covenant in their own marriages," said Alex Kendrick, the film’s writer and director. "We know we have a lot of growing to do as filmmakers, but we always look for the God idea that inspires and motivates people."

Fireproof is the second successful release from Sherwood Pictures, Provident Films, Goldwyn Films, and Affirm Films.  The first collaboration produced Facing the Giants, which grossed $10 million.

Goldwyn plans to expand Fireproof to more than 1,000 screens in the coming weeks.

–Jessica Delli Santi