'God's Not Dead 2' private screening takes place in Arkansas

The faith-based movie "God's Not Dead 2" has been shown in a private screening in Arkansas on Monday night, and event that was attended by its lead star Melissa Joan Hart.

"God's Not Dead 2" debuted on Monday at Riverdale 10 Cinema in Little Rock. Melissa Joan Hart, who plays the lead role in the Christian movie, said on Twitter that it was her first destination in their publicity tour, Arkansas Online reports.

In the new movie, Hart plays the role of Christian teacher Grace Wesley who is forced into a court battle after answering a student's question about Jesus. Her character is in danger of losing her dream career for standing up for her faith. The epic court case could also remove God from the classroom.

The faith-based film was shot in Little Rock from May to September last year. Some of the landmarks featured in "God's Not Dead 2" are the Pulaski County Courthouse and the state Capitol. Hart even joked about her experiences shooting the new film, saying that the director made her walk up and down the Capitol's marble staircase many times in high heels during filming.

"I had to walk up that staircase so many times, but it was beautiful," said Hart.

Before the private screening in Arkansas, the "God's Not Dead 2" lead star described her trip to the state's capital city. She said she enjoyed running near the Arkansas River and showing the place to her children whenever they visited her there.

For the actress, her role in the Christian film was a "calling" to spread the message that Jesus is real.

"I think that the big message overall is that Jesus as a historical figure did exist," Hart added. "I hope that is what viewers will come to."

"God's Not Dead 2" officially opens in theaters on Apr. 1.