New movie '17 Miracles' highlights handcart miracles

T.C. Christensen knows what audiences are thinking.

Though the basic story of the 1856 ill-fated Martin and Willie handcart companies is fairly well-known, a more personal perspective of the events and a more specific focus on miracles are what Christensen says separates his new movie "17 Miracles" apart from others.

"This is not a big, western spectacle with lots of landscapes," the director said. "I wanted to tell more private stories and get to know these people that ended up having, in most cases we deal with, this great miracle that happened in their family."

Nearly 1,000 pioneers made up the Martin and Willie companies that crossed the plains late in the season of 1856 and encountered harsh winter weather in Wyoming, delaying their journey to the Salt Lake Valley. Stranded in the deep snow with few supplies and hardly any food, many died and were buried in shallow graves. A rescue party with food and supplies saved the majority of the destitute pioneers. Today, these noble pioneers are revered for their faith and courage.

Christensen's movie focuses on 17 of the many miracles experienced by families in the two handcart companies, some of which aren't widely known.

The film debuts in local theaters today.

The project started two years ago, when Christensen and producer Ron Tanner were intrigued by the famous rescue at the Sweetwater River. In the process of searching records, they came across many faith-promoting miracles that sparked the idea for a movie.

The film is built around the trail experience of Levi Savage (Jasen Wade), who marched with the Mormon Battalion and was recruited to help the handcart company as he was returning from a mission in Asia. Savage and others found the remains of the Donner Party, a sad fate he prayed wouldn't happen to the handcart companies. Savage's experiences, recorded in his journal, are used to weave the other stories together.

Wade has kept a daily journal for 20 years and felt a connection to Savage. He was also inspired by Savage's faith and courage.

"There was something about his faith that made me realize it was something I needed to go through," Wade said. "I had a teacher once ask me, 'Where can you personally heal by doing this character?' The healing is in his faith and the strength of his character. I wanted that in my life."