From music charts to movie awards: Limestone County native Sarah Reeves’ film debut earns critical acclaim
Published 8:45 am Saturday, March 8, 2025
The 13th annual International Christian Film and Music Festival recently announced that Limestone County’s Sarah Reeves was nominated for two awards for her work in the 2024 faith-based family drama, “God’s Here.”
Reeves, a multi-talented singer-songwriter who has captivated listeners since 2009, composed the five-song soundtrack for the movie while also making her acting debut in the film. The ICFF nominated her for “Best Supporting Actress” and “Best Musical Score.”
“It is such an honor to even be thought of as a nominee, let alone be nominated for two awards,” Reeves said after the ICFF announced its full list of nominees Feb. 20. “I was a little surprised because it is my first movie, but it is super rewarding and fulfilling to know that it was so positively received. This project is so special to me, in more ways than one, so I’m definitely honored that the International Christian Film and Music Festival thought so highly of it.”
Established in 2011, the ICFF is the largest Christian film festival in the world — offering a platform for creators to showcase their faith-based and family-oriented films, documentaries and music. All submissions are considered by 10 judges, five film industry executives and five casual audience viewers.
“God’s Here” is among the leading nominees for the 2025 International Christian Film and Music Awards as it received six total nominations, including “Best Picture” and “Best Director” for Reeves’ husband, Bill McAdams Jr.
“Music has run in my veins for a long time, and my faith has infiltrated everything that I do now,” Reeves said. “To be able to get to this place in my life, where I’m now able to make music and films that speak to all of that is so important to me. Those are things that a typical Hollywood movie would not necessarily touch on. I think a lot of people have been impacted by the film, which is amazing, but hopefully people who don’t have that faith in the Lord will find that.”
The film also landed nominations for “Lead Actor” for Hercules legend Kevin Sorbo and “Cinematography.” The awards will not be officially presented until the International Christian Film and Music Festival is held in Orlando, from April 30 until May 3.
Inspired by a true story, “God’s Here” follows Jack Gilmore, a decorated firefighter and man of deep faith whose wife and son are killed in a texting-and-driving crash three weeks before Christmas. In the wake of his loss, Jack is charged with a DUI and required to complete community service, during which he meets a young girl with whom he shares a conflicted and painful past.
“This is a story I have been wanting to tell for a while, and I am so humbled by the festival’s recognition. Receiving acknowledgement like this only furthers the permission we give ourselves to be vulnerable and prioritize God in every endeavor,” McAdams, whose brother was killed in a distracted driving accident in 2012, stated in a release. “And thank you to the entire cast for agreeing to help me bring it to life. This film is nothing without them.”
“God’s Here” premiered Nov. 2, 2024, in Granbury, Texas. It is currently available for streaming on multiple digital platforms, including Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, DirectTV, Fandango at Home, YouTube, Google TV and DISH. The trailer can be viewed at https://youtu.be/PVQK6OZJp4I?feature=shared.
Reeves said that the movie will not be her last time in the film industry, noting how she is excited to carry on the momentum from the film into future projects.
“I remember the first time I walked on set I instantly felt like I was surrounded by family — like I was finally at home,” Reeves said. “Everybody on the set was so genuine, nice and welcoming. They eased all of the nerves I had and it was just a great experience. It’s fun to be a part of the film-making process, I’m still focused mainly on music. I’m actually working on my next album which will hopefully be out sometime later this year.”
Reeves has credited her success in both music and film to her faith, but also to taking on new challenges. She offered words of encouragement to those scared to go outside of their comfort zones.
“If you want to get anywhere great in life, I feel like you have to put yourself in uncomfortable positions that are constantly challenging you,” Reeves said. “Great things never come easy. Don’t be scared to make that trip up to Nashville, to test yourself against some of the best musicians in the world. Positioning yourself around other people that make you better is one of the best ways to learn. I learned the most by having that experience, and that has brought me to where I am now.”