Amazing Grace returns to mark William Wilberforce’s 267th birthday

The historical drama Amazing Grace is being re-released on William Wilberforce’s 267th birthday to spotlight the British abolitionist’s fight against the slave trade. The film is now streaming and available across major digital and retail platforms as producers aim to reach students, families, educators and faith communities.

Why it matters: - Amazing Grace is being used to reintroduce William Wilberforce’s abolitionist legacy to a new generation. - The release comes as audiences continue looking for examples of courage, conviction and principled leadership. - The film’s re-release also keeps a historical story about the abolition of the British slave trade in front of students, families, educators, churches and community groups.

What happened: - On William Wilberforce’s 267th birthday, the historical drama Amazing Grace is being re-released. - The film honors the British abolitionist’s campaign to end the British slave trade. - Amazing Grace first released in 2007 through Walden Media, Samuel Goldwyn Films and Roadside Attractions. - The film stars Ioan Gruffudd as William Wilberforce, with Benedict Cumberbatch, Albert Finney, Michael Gambon, Rufus Sewell, Ciarán Hinds, Romola Garai and Youssou N'Dour. - Michael Apted directed the film. - Steven Knight wrote the screenplay. - Terrence Malick and Ed Pressman produced the film for Walden Media under Sunflower Productions, alongside Patricia Heaton and David Hunt for Four Boys Films, with Ken Wales, Mark Cooper and Jeanney Kim.

The details: - The story is set in late eighteenth-century England. - The film follows Wilberforce’s decades-long effort to abolish the British slave trade. - Wilberforce faces political resistance, repeated legislative defeats, declining health and public indifference in the film. - The film also centers John Newton, the former slave trader turned minister and songwriter of “Amazing Grace.” - The film includes William Pitt the Younger, who backs reform inside Parliament. - The film includes Olaudah Equiano, whose firsthand account of slavery helps shift public conscience. - Amazing Grace is currently streaming on Angel. - The film is available to rent or buy on Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Fandango at Home. - The film is available free through public libraries on Hoopla and Kanopy. - Blu-ray editions are available through Target, Walmart and other major retailers. - More information and viewing options are available at Amazing Grace movie information.

Between the lines: - The re-release frames Wilberforce’s story as a leadership lesson, not just a period drama. - The timing suggests producers want the film to speak to current debates about character, sacrifice and moral responsibility. - The emphasis on faith, hope and resilience positions the movie for religious and educational audiences as well as general viewers.

What’s next: - Producers are aiming to expand the film’s reach across classrooms, homes, churches and community organizations. - The re-release is positioned to spark renewed discussion about slavery, reform and individual responsibility. - Wilberforce’s birthday may become a recurring moment to revisit the film and its message.