MIRACLES FROM HEAVEN is a 2016 Christian drama film directed by Patricia Riggen and written by Randy Brown. The movie is based on the real-life memoir by Christy Beam, which recounts the miraculous recovery of her daughter, Annabel Beam, from a rare and incurable digestive disorder. The film features Jennifer Garner as Christy Beam, Kylie Rogers as Anna Beam, Martin Henderson as Kevin Beam, and Eugenio Derbez as Dr. Samuel Nurko. With Queen Latifah playing Angela Bradford and John Carroll Lynch in a supporting role, the movie follows the Beam family’s emotional and spiritual journey.
WHERE WAS MIRACLES FROM HEAVEN FILMED?
The filming of MIRACLES FROM HEAVEN began in July 2015 and wrapped up by the end of the same year. Most of the movie was shot over the summer and fall months of 20
While the actual events took place in Burleson, Texas between 2007 and 2011, the majority of the movie was filmed in Georgia, with a few crucial scenes filmed in Massachusetts. The production utilized a variety of locations to authentically recreate the Beam family’s story—from their rural home life in Texas to Anna’s treatment journey in Boston.
Here’s a closer look at all the key filming locations that brought MIRACLES FROM HEAVEN to life.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA
Atlanta was the production base for Miracles from Heaven, with numerous urban and natural locations used throughout the film. Key hospital scenes—including those set in Boston Children’s Hospital—were shot at AmericasMart, a massive commercial space in Downtown Atlanta that doubled as the hospital’s exterior. The emotional hospital interior scenes were filmed at Atlanta Technical College on Metropolitan Parkway, where the sets captured the clinical, sterile atmosphere central to the film’s tone.
Another key location in Atlanta is the Georgia Aquarium, located at 225 Baker Street. In one memorable scene, Angela (Queen Latifah) takes Anna and Christy on a tour of the aquarium, offering a moment of joy amidst their struggles. The aquarium visit was particularly significant for Anna, as she had missed her school trip due to illness.
ATLANTA BOTANICAL GARDEN & GIBBS GARDENS
For scenes involving Anna’s vision of heaven, the filmmakers chose two breathtakingly beautiful gardens in Georgia. The Atlanta Botanical Garden, situated at 1345 Piedmont Avenue, served as a stand-in for the ethereal environment Anna describes after her near-death experience. The garden’s diverse plant life and serene atmosphere made it an ideal backdrop for the film’s spiritual centerpiece.
In addition, Gibbs Gardens, located in Ball Ground, Georgia, was transformed into a heavenly vision. This privately-owned 376-acre property is rich in floral displays and water features, and served as the visual representation of heaven that Anna experiences while trapped inside the hollow tree.
DUNWOODY, GEORGIA
School scenes were shot at Dunwoody Elementary School on Womack Road. These included pivotal moments such as Anna’s school play and interactions with classmates, helping to convey her normal life before and during her illness.
COVINGTON, GEORGIA
The Beam family’s home was filmed at a picturesque farmhouse in Covington, located at 894 Benton Dairy Road. This rural setting was essential for capturing the Beam family’s close-knit, faith-centered lifestyle. The location accommodated a large crew and even included room for the helicopter rescue scene, which was shot in the front pasture. This dramatic scene shows Anna being airlifted after her fall inside the cottonwood tree.
SENOIA, GEORGIA
Senoia’s charming downtown area was used for exterior scenes that required a small-town ambiance. Known for its red brick storefronts and cinematic appeal, Downtown Senoia Film Brick had previously hosted productions like The Walking Dead. These scenes added texture and authenticity to the fictional portrayal of Burleson, Texas.
DECATUR, GEORGIA
The spiritual heart of the film lies in its church scenes. The North Decatur Presbyterian Church, located at 611 Medlock Road, served as the family’s place of worship. This is where Christy’s faith is both tested and later reaffirmed. The church has a history of social outreach, aligning well with the themes of hope and community central to the film.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS
Though most hospital interiors were filmed in Georgia, a few outdoor establishing shots were filmed in Boston, particularly at Boston Children’s Hospital on Longwood Avenue. These scenes visually emphasize the family’s long journey from rural Texas to an urban medical center. The scenes of the Beam family navigating the city were filmed with real Boston streets and landmarks, enhancing the narrative’s authenticity.
The scene where Angela struggles to start her car was filmed in Downtown Boston, showcasing the urban environment and adding realism to her character’s spontaneous kindness toward the Beams.
In interviews, cinematographer Checco Varese highlighted the production’s goal of making the film visually appealing while staying true to the real story. Director Patricia Riggen shared that although the timeline of Anna’s illness was compressed for storytelling purposes, the emotional weight of the story remained intact.
Though the events of Miracles from Heaven are grounded in Texas, the film’s heart beats across Georgia and Massachusetts. These locations, from bustling hospitals to serene gardens and rural homes, were carefully chosen to reflect the film’s central themes of faith, family, and miracles.
Stay tuned to netfilming.com for more updates, previews and behind-the-scenes.
