LANCASTER, SOUTH CAROLINA —A remarkable true story of friendship, independence, belonging and the determination to pursue a dream comes to the big screen with “Rise and Shine,” opening October 23, 2026, in select AMC Theatres nationwide. Tickets go on sale October 6.
Based on the true story and memoir Remembering Terri by Lancaster, South Carolina author Janice Cameron Steele, Rise and Shine follows Steele’s daughter, Terri, who was born with cerebral palsy, as she pursues friendship, independence, belonging and her lifelong dream of attending high school and going to prom.
At its heart, Rise and Shine is about the universal desire to be accepted, experience life’s milestones and have the opportunity to pursue one’s dreams. Rather than defining Terri by her disability, the film centers her personality, relationships, dreams and determination.
The film stars Ana Sharp, an actress with cerebral palsy, in the lead role of Terri, alongside Rachel Bay Jones, Danny Burstein, Jordan Walker Ross and Analesa Fisher. Sharp’s casting reflects the film’s commitment to authentic disability representation while bringing Terri’s story to audiences nationwide.
“Rise and Shine is ultimately a story about wanting what everyone wants — to belong, to have friends, to experience life, and to have the opportunity to pursue your dreams,” said Steele. “My daughter was such a precious person, and I am honored that her life and her journey are now being shared with audiences on the big screen.”
Steele’s memoir, Remembering Terri, chronicles the true story that inspired the film. Its journey from a mother’s deeply personal memoir to a feature film brings Terri’s life to a wider audience while highlighting the importance of authentic representation and inclusion.
TICKETS ON SALE OCTOBER 6 | IN THEATRES OCTOBER 23
Tickets for “Rise and Shine” go on sale October 6, 2026. The film opens October 23, 2026, in select AMC Theatres nationwide.
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Patrick Byrne lives in Tega Cay with his wife and two daughters. After 25 years working for a Big 4 bank, he retired to pursue his passion for writing. Additional articles and content can be found on his blog (reverian1776.blogspot.com) and freethepeople.org.
Patrick can be reach via email at [email protected]
