What to watch: The newly released animated film David brings the Old Testament story to theaters in a bold new way. Drawing on the biblical account in 1 Samuel, David reimagines the familiar story as a vibrant 3D animated musical, featuring original songs inspired by David’s psalms, detailed depictions of ancient Israel, and humor that resonates with children and adults alike.

A production company with Midland ties played a key role in ensuring audiences ever got the chance to see it.

Go deeper: By the time David was completed, the film faced distribution challenges that threatened its release. That’s when 2521 Entertainment stepped in, acquiring the film just two months before its planned release and taking on what became the company’s largest and most demanding project to date.

“I’ve seen many films pass through our doors, but David stands apart,” said Midland-based Branding and Marketing Director Shannon Laning. “Acquiring the film just two months before release was a bold move, some may even say a little crazy, but with the right partnerships and Angel Studios’ distribution strength, we made it happen. We even planned and executed a movie premiere for 400 people with a three-week deadline.”

Laning said Midland’s culture played a role in the team’s willingness to take that risk. While Midland is often defined by oil and gas, she said the same industry has also fostered creativity, resilience, and innovation.

“In just two and a half years, our five-person team has helped bring more than 20 films to life,” Laning said. “David is our biggest project yet, and one we believe will make a lasting difference.”

Another Midland-based member of the 2521 Entertainment team emphasized the film’s focus on courage, responsibility, and faith, and said 2521 Entertainment views its role as stewarding stories that bring families together.

“This film is the best biblical animated movie since The Prince of Egypt,” he said. “The values it conveys, the beloved story you already know, and the opportunity to watch it together as a family make David an unforgettable experience.”

The film’s creative roots stretch back decades. Phil Cunningham, founder and CEO of Sunrise Studios, first envisioned David more than 30 years ago and spent nearly a decade bringing the project to life. His team made multiple research trips to Israel to study the landscape and cultures of David’s time, building a richly detailed animated world and weaving language from the Psalms into the film’s music.

As the largest crowdfunded movie of all time, with more than 12,000 contributors, David faced what the two Midlanders described as a Goliath undertaking, marked by both breakthroughs and setbacks before reaching theaters.

What’s next: David is now playing at Cinergy. Tickets, trailers, and additional features are available through the film’s official website.