Abolition of Slavery Act Celebrated with "Amazing Grace Film" and Soundtrack

New York – Featuring modern day versions of period hymns, the “Inspired By” soundtrack for the Samuel Goldwyn Films/Roadside Attractions/Bristol Bay Productions film Amazing Grace fittingly showcases classics performed by today’s top Contemporary Christian, Gospel and Country artists. The Music Inspired By The Motion Picture Amazing Grace soundtrack will be released January 23, 2007 to both the general market and CBA stores nationwide.

Opening in theaters February 23, 2007, Amazing Grace stars Ioan Gruffudd (Fantastic Four and Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer) as William Wilberforce, the man who championed the abolition of slavery in the British Empire. His life was also an astounding spiritual and moral quest, and he is an inspiration to millions to this day. Elected to Parliament at age 21, Wilberforce led a diverse coalition of believers in a decades-long struggle to end the lucrative but dehumanizing slave trade. Wilberforce was aided by slave trader-turned abolitionist Rev. John Newton (Albert Finney) and by his spirited wife and political compatriot Barbara Spooner (Romola Garai). Directed by acclaimed director Michael Apted (Coal Miner’s Daughter), Amazing Grace tells an inspiring story of how one man can change the world.

“It’s an honor for EMI CMG Label Group to be involved in this important project with Walden Media and the team of Bristol Bay Productions,” EMI CMG Label Group President Peter York talks at length about the record label’s involvement. “This is a story that resonates in the hearts of artists pertaining to the historical significance of the life and legacy of William Wilberforce. The music of the “inspired by” soundtrack and the film celebrate our past and those who walked bravely before us. It uses a historic platform to engage us in issues we must face currently in the world as a community of faith.”

“Conceptually the hymns for the Amazing Grace CD were chosen because they were all close to the heart of Wilberforce,” says Lindsay Fellows, Vice President of Motion Picture Music for Anschutz Film Group and its subsidiaries Bristol Bay Productions and Walden Media. “Music was at the very soul of his life and our goal was to bring this music back into the lives of a new generation of music fans. As they did on the Narnia ‘Inspired By’ CD, the EMI CMG Label Group team and artists have delivered world class talent and a vision to this project.”