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George Zauflik
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Christ’s Home is Honored to Support Former Resident’s New Movie

Brave the Dark movie by filmmaker Nate Deen
Film based on the life & struggles of Nathaniel Deen premieres Jan. 24

(WARMINSTER, Pa.) Nathaniel Deen, a former resident at Christ’s Home Children’s Services, has a new movie called “Brave the Dark” coming out on Friday, January 24. Released by Angel Studios, “Brave the Dark” is about Deen’s early life struggles and how Stan Deen, an English teacher and theater arts director at Garden Spot High School in Lancaster, PA, helped change his life for the better.

Nathaniel Deen with George Zauflik from Christ’s Home

“Nate Deen’s story is an example of why the mission of Christ’s Home is so important,” stated Christ’s Home Vice President of Corporate Relations George Zauflik. “Nate’s lifelong mentor, Stan, and the positive impact he made on his life is truly incredible. We are happy to see Nate find success and are eager to watch his new movie for the first time.”

Deen is the definition of a success story and has honored his late teacher by changing his own last name to Deen and starting a nonprofit called The Stan Deen Foundation, focused on helping at-risk youth who have dealt with traumatic life events. The foundation’s mission is to utilize the arts and education to empower children and teens.

Filmmaker Nate Deen with cast at Brave the Dark movie premier

Now a filmmaker and advocate for the arts, Deen lives in Lancaster, PA, with his wife, Jessica. He has worked at Sight & Sound Theatres, located in Lancaster, PA, for over 30 years. Sight & Sound Theatres specializes in producing live plays based on biblical stories. Deen’s positions at the theatre have included staff photographer, broadcast producer, and associate film producer. Currently self-employed as a film producer, Deen was the associate film producer and assistant director for the film “I Heard the Bells,” produced by Sight & Sound Films, the movie division of Sight & Sound Theatres. “Brave the Dark” is Deen’s second film project.

In 2022, Deen returned to Christ’s Home to share his inspiring story as a guest speaker at the organization’s annual Spring Dinner. During Deen’s testimony, he mentioned how getting a chocolate bar from Stan Deen gave him hope. “Our actions matter, no matter how small,” Deen said, “they have a ripple effect that can indeed change the world.”  Now Deen’s story is being shared with the world through his film, so it can serve as inspiration to others.

Nathaniel Deen at Christ’s Home Children’s Services event

Given Deen’s connection to Christ’s Home, the hope is that viewers will watch the film and share his story. While Christ’s Home has no affiliation with “Brave the Dark” or Angel Studios and is not receiving financial contributions from the movie, they are blessed to see Deen have an opportunity to share his story with America. While the film contains some intense content, it highlights the life-changing impact of caring for disadvantaged children—reminding us of Christ’s Home’s vital mission to bring light into the lives of others.

Christ Home staff at Brave the Dark film premier at The Fulton Theatre in Lancaster, PA

A few Christ’s Home employees had the honor of attending the film’s world premiere red-carpet event at The Fulton Theatre in downtown Lancaster, PA, on Saturday, January 11. Attendees included George Zauflik, Vice President of Corporate Relations, John Bryant, Chief Governance Officer, and Dave Culbert, Paradise Campus Manager.

“Brave the Dark” will be playing in select theaters across the country. To view the trailer: BRAVE THE DARK Official Trailer (2025)

To listen to Deen’s testimony at Christ’s Home’s 2022 Spring Dinner visit: Nathaniel Deen’s Testimony at Christ’s Home 2022 Spring Banquet

To learn more about Deen’s story and purchase tickets for “Brave the Dark” visit: Brave the Dark (2025) | Official Website | Angel Studios

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