A new film that explores a student's struggle to prove the existence of God will be released in cinemas around the US next year.

The film stars Kevin Sorbo, Shane Harper and Dean Cain, as well as Duck Dynasty's Willie and Korie Robertson, who are well known for their family reality TV show and their staunch Christian faith.

In the movie, college freshman and devout Christian Josh Wheaton (Harper) finds his faith challenged by his dogmatic philosophy professor (Sorbo), who requires his students to disavow the existence of God on the first day of class, signing a declaration that says 'God is dead'. If they refuse, they automatically fail.

Josh faces a choice between his faith and his future, and resolves to stand up for his beliefs against the pressures of his professor. In order to have a chance at passing the class, he agrees to take part in a series of debates in which he must defend his position that 'God is Alive'.

The movie is named after a Newsboys song of the same name, which also features in the film along with the band.

God is Not Dead is already gathering interest from churches across the US, and those behind the movie hope it will equip and encourage believers to share their faith and remain steadfast in their beliefs in an increasingly secular society.

The movie will open in over 600 cinemas across the US on 21 March 2014.