STARRING THE CHOSEN‘S YOSHI BARRIGAS & CATHERINE LIDSTONE,FAMILY FILM TO GIVE NEW SPIN ON THE EASTER STORY
Reel Big Studios, Pinnacle Peak Pictures (God’s Not Dead) and Fathom Events present the new inspirational drama Forty-Seven Days with Jesus starring The Chosen’s Yoshi Barrigas and Catherine Lidstone. The film will be distributed through Fathom Events and Pinnacle Peak Pictures and will be shown in more than 800 theaters across the country for three nights only: March 11, 12 and 14, getting audiences in the Easter spirit before the holiday weekend.
Forty-Seven Days with Jesus tells the heartwarming Easter tale centered on the Burdon family, led by Joseph (Yoshi Barrigas) and Juliana (Catherine Lidstone). When the Burdons attend a reunion at Poppa and Nonna’s ranch, they realize just how disconnected their family has become. Facing marital hiccups, teenaged angst and Poppa’s health hurdles, the adults decide to share Poppa’s enchanting ‘Forty-Seven Days’ story with the kids, transporting us back in time to see the miracles of Jesus’ final 47 days on Earth. When an unexpected business opportunity places Joseph at a crossroads, his commitment to his family is tested. Can the Burdons pull together in the face of uncertainty? With Poppa’s tale as their guide, they embark on a journey towards unity and rediscover the true essence of walking in faith.
Featuring an unforgettable original soundtrack, Forty-Seven Days with Jesus contains a powerful portrayal of Jesus’ life that reminds us all of The Gospel’s enduring impact.
Alongside Barrigas and Lidstone, Forty-Seven Days with Jesus also stars Cameron Arnett (Overcomer) and Joshua Triplett (Grey’s Anatomy). The film is directed by Emilio Palame and David M. Gutel who also wrote the film with the Executive Producer Rolland Jacks. Palame is producing alongside Donald Nguyen and Kristen Brancaccio for Reel Big Studios in conjunction with Vero Entertainment. Words and music written by Jacks, arrangements and orchestration by Palame (Nickelodeon’s Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide), vocal arrangements/production by Grammy Award-winner Darlene Koldenhoven (Sister Act 1 & 2) and underscore composed by Palame, Guy Moon and Michael O’Neill.
“This movie radiates hope. It’s about a modern-day family that is very relatable: they’re dealing with health challenges, they’re putting work first and they’re just so disconnected from one another,” shares Producer Kristen Brancaccio. “Forty-Seven Days with Jesus is a gentle, non-judgmental reminder to step back and reevaluate what really matters. Whether you’re someone who is seated in a pew every Sunday or knows absolutely nothing about the Easter story but wants to leave the theater feeling inspired—this movie has something for everyone.”
Tickets for the Forty-Seven Days with Jesus are available now for purchase HERE and can also be purchased via participating theater box offices. A complete list of theater locations (subject to change) can be found at Fathom Events.
For more information on Forty-Seven Days with Jesus, please visit FortySevenDaysFilm.com.
Today, Kirk Franklin released a blockbuster short film revealing the dark truth of his paternity entitled, “Father’s Day: A Kirk Franklin Story. In the film, Franklin is not a top selling, platinum certified arena filling artist. He’s a man in search of himself. “Where did I come from?” and “Who am I?” are questions that bring men to their an early end when unanswered. Kirk Franklin, the man accused of not only taking gospel music “too far but further than ever imagined lays bare the soul shattering pain of an unresolved paternity search.
Simultaneously, the film chronicles his journey of completing his 13th album while also coming to terms with the painful truth of his identity and paternity. At one point, the search for truth preempts recording as he traces the whispers from Riverside to nearby in Arlington to find the man he can safely call his father. Through a series of fateful events, Kirk Franklin discovers that the man he knew as his father was not and that there may be some truth to the rumors circulating throughout Fort Worth and the “Riverside” community. These rumors asserted that the man we would all come to later know as Rick Hubbard may be his father.
Mr. Hubbard proactively took a paternity test and sent the results to Franklin who then took a paternity test to match against Hubbard’s. The test confirmed paternity but brought more questions than closure. Franklin then discovered another barrier to understanding was trying to resolve his strained relationship with his mother. She was in no mood to make the situation better and remained defiant in denial of the results.
Kirk Franklin has been very transparent about his paternity journey and this short film takes us the deepest into the heart and mind of one of the world’s most electrifying entertainers in any genre. With “Losing My Religion,” Franklin revisited his catalog and journey through “Twenty Years in One Night” and an unmatched amalgam of world-class talent. With “Father’s Day” Franklin’s 13th album, he punctuates the parasitical identity crisis that has been a part of his 30 year journey, woven into each lyric, phase and phrase.
“Father’s Day” as an album and short film both matter because sonship matters to Kirk Franklin and it always has. Unlike many men who have compartmentalized the existential crisis created by paternal absenteeism, Kirk’s transparency reveals the innate desire of sons for their fathers and the deep pain experienced because the desire never truly goes away. Not even when you have spiritual fathers who fill in the gap like Dr. Tony Evans. I’ll never forget watching Kirk literally sitting at Dr. Evans’ feet asking questions and inquiring about subjects later addressed in “Losing My Religion.”
Kirk Franklin performs in Dallas during his “Twenty Years in One Night” concert. Franklin combined 20 years of hits in one concert tour, performing with an incredible lineup of singers and musicians. Photo Credit: Fred Willis, SoulProsper Media Group
Reflecting on the aftermath of meeting his father, Kirk says, “He didn’t even know he had a son and I didn’t even know I had a father.” He went on to say, “I was that close to having a daddy. I wanted a daddy so bad!” Franklin discovered that his father lives close to his studio and that his youngest son played with one of his neighbors at a nearby house.
This ordeal wouldn’t be complete without meeting with his mother, so through his aunt Sandra, he met with his estranged mother, Debra for the first time in 23 years. Unfortunately, closure wasn’t gained and he made a painful decision in the wake of their second meeting which included both his mother and father. The harsh reality of Kirk Franklin’s story is that he spent majority of his life without either parent, though both of them were alive and never truly far from him, at all. He said of this endeavor, “I don’t want anybody being able to have a conversation about this except for me.” If you’ve ever been the subject of questionable paternity, you know exactly what he means by that.
Regardless of your station in life, you’re never more than the reduction of an illegitimate child when you’re the topic of those clandestine conversations. Knowing this, it’s no wonder that you become as he stated, “...indoctrinated in trauma that you become institutionalized in your trauma.“
While closing one chapter, there was yet another to bring closure to. Franklin’s strained relationship with his oldest son, Kerrion was also brought to a resolution in this short film. After two years, the two men not only loved on each other but relished the revelation that changed everything about their relationship. Tearfully, Kerrion confessed that “this is the only thing that I need that’s been missing from my life. There’s nothing I ask God for every single day I wake up. I have everything I want except you and my grandfather.”
Father’s Day on the calendar has passed, but October 6, 2023 is a day many will be looking forward to as Kirk Franklin tackles sonship from a new, possibly healed perspective. After watching “Father’s Day: A Kirk Franklin Story,” what are your thoughts? Do you think this will convince men and women to reach out to their estranged fathers and mothers or for them to finally accept the children they’ve denied for years?Watch and share your feedback with us.
Marking its 24th year, the groundbreaking music and inspiration extravaganza “Super Bowl Soulful Celebration: An Evening of Inspiration and Culture,” (formerly Super Bowl Gospel Celebration) returns during Super Bowl LVII week with a live taping on Wednesday, Feb. 8 at 7:30 p.m. at the Mesa Arts Center in Mesa, Arizona.
The only multicultural program and community event sanctioned by the NFL during Super Bowl weekend, the highly anticipated night of music, comedy, NFL Players and soulful inspiration is themed “Unstoppable,” with featured performances from the legendary Patti LaBelle, Israel Houghton, The Players Choir and more!
“Super Bowl Soulful Celebration: An Evening of Inspiration and Culture,” (formerly Super Bowl Gospel Celebration)
In addition to uplifting and inspiring audiences with musical tributes, Super Bowl Soulful Celebration highlights NFL players, their faith and philanthropy. This year, the Super Bowl Soulful Celebration will confer its highest honor, the “Faith In Action” Award, to Philadelphia Eagles Quarterback and Super Bowl LVII contender Jalen Hurts.
The “Faith In Action” award honors current and former NFL players making an impact in their communities and in the lives of others off the field. Jalen’s service to the Philadelphia community, numerous charities and his native Texas has aided countless individuals and institutions. Previous recipients of this special recognition include Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders, Tim Brown, Russell Wilson, Tony Dungy and Troy Vincent, among others.
Super Bowl Soulful Celebration: An Evening of Inspiration and Culture, formerly Super Bowl Gospel Celebration (SBGC), is founded and executive produced by Atlanta-based marketing consultant Melanie Few. Conceived in 1999 as a gospel brunch in Miami, Super Bowl Soulful Celebration continues as the only multicultural program and inspirational event sanctioned by the NFL during Super Bowl weekend. The evening brings together an ensemble of NFL players, gospel/contemporary Christian performers, comedy and award-winning musicians spanning all genres on one stage for a spectacular show filled with song, hope, laughter and uplifting messages of inspiration. This year’s show-stopping performers include the illustrious Patti LaBelle, joined by Israel Houghton, The Players Choir and more.
Originating at Super Bowl XXXIII in 1999, the annual event joins together key NFL Players, top Gospel/Contemporary Christian and mainstream GRAMMY® Award winning artists, and special guests all on one stage to bring audiences an evening of uplifting music, laughter, and inspirational messages.
Past programs have featured show stopping performances from artists such as Yolanda Adams, CeeLo Green, Chloe Bailey, Kirk Franklin, Snoop Dogg, Pharrell Williams, Patti LaBelle, Erica Campbell, Gladys Knight, Fantasia, Donnie McClurkin, CeCe Winans, and Anthony Hamilton among others.
The Players Choir, comprised of former NFL players
For fifteen years, the Players Choir has delivered one of the most highly-anticipated musical performances during the biggest weekend in sports, the annual Super Bowl Weekend. Making its debut in 2008 in Phoenix, Arizona during the 9th Annual Super Bowl Gospel Celebration (now Super Bowl Soulful Celebration), the choir launched with more than 40 active and former NFL players under the direction of Grammy Award-Winning artist, Donnie McClurkin.
Developed by Super Bowl Soulful Celebration Founder and Executive Producer Melanie Few with a core group of NFL players who wanted to share their faith through song, this summer the group delivered two fan-favorite performances on the highest-rated television variety competition show “America’s Got Talent,” (AGT) – the classic Bill Withers anthem “Lean on Me” and Justin Timberlake’s chart-topping “Can’t Stop The Feeling.”
Led by Grammy-winning Gospel producer Myron Butler, now the choir is back in the city where it all began for a special milestone appearance — current and former NFL Players appearing with the choir include: Bryan Scott, Buffalo Bills; Cameron Newton, Atlanta Falcons; Michael Gaines, Carolina Panthers; Stephen Pierce, Cleveland Browns; Isaiah McKenzie, Buffalo Bills; Tully Banta-Cain, New England Patriots; Jamon Brown, Philadelphia Eagles, Los Angeles Rams; Trey Williams, USFL (previously Cowboys); Nathan Palmer, 49ers, Broncos; KeShun Freeman, New Orleans Saints; Dwayne Wright, Buffalo Bills; Prince Amukamara, NY Giants; Willie Yarbary, USFL (previously LA Chargers); Michael Martin, Cincinnati Bengals; and Timothy Johnson, Las Vegas Raiders.
To stay up to date with the latest Players Choir news and activities, please follow them on social @PlayersChoir.
Melanie Few, SBSC founder
Meet the Visionary, Melanie Few
Melanie Few, Founder, Executive Producer, and NFL Sanction Holder of Results Marketing and Media (RMM). Melanie is the only female and person of color with an NFL sanctioned event. She also founded the (NFL) Players Choir in 2014, which has become a staple performance at Super Bowl Soulful Celebration. The Players Choir drew national recognition with their fan favorite appearances on “America’s Got Talent” in 2022. Melanie’s company RMM has partnered with agencies and corporations alike to create, plan and produce over two hundred integrated marketing events, representing more than thirty brands across sixty product categories.
Amazon Freevee to Feature Unscripted, Faith-Based Content FromRenowned Spiritual Leader Bishop T.D. Jakes
For the first time, iconic sermons and inspiring messages from Bishop Jakes will be available to streamon demand and on a dedicated FAST channel, both free to watch. The announcement is part of the Women, Thou Art Loosed! Grand Finale Conferencein Atlanta, taking place this weekend.
Today, Amazon Freevee and Bishop T.D. Jakes announced a two-year deal to stream the spiritual leader’s most-loved sermons on the service in the U.S. beginning December 1. The deal includes streaming rights in the U.S., UK, and Germany, with exclusive on-demand and FAST channel rights to 300 hours of content, featuring some of the Bishop’s most treasured new and archived sermons and interviews.
Bishop Jakes will be the first faith leader to have their ministry available on the service, including a FAST channel, providing a free-of-charge, dedicated space for viewers inspired by his teachings and message. The T.D. Jakes FAST Channel will be available for customers in the U.S. to stream on the Freevee app and within Prime Video in early 2023.
Named “America’s Best Preacher” by TIME magazine, Jakes has commanded stages from the White House to the Aspen Institute, the Drucker Institute at Claremont Graduate University to the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa. Spanning a wide array of themes and formats that include some of Jakes’ most iconic sermons, Freevee customers will also have access to content that includes emotional well-being; T.D. Jakes on The Road: Australia, London, and Africa; and leadership and business talks featuring National Cathedral messages and conversations with celebrities and heads of state.
“Through his powerful and dynamic sermons and wide-ranging community outreach, Bishop Jakes has been a source of wisdom and guidance to millions around the world,” said Lauren Anderson, head of AVOD Original content and programming at Amazon Studios. “At Freevee, our steadfast mission is to deliver our broad audience a diverse selection of compelling, personally resonant content. As we build our faith-based offerings alongside our entertainment selection, we are honored to be the exclusive video streaming home for Bishop Jakes’ decades-long ministry, and proud to be a destination for viewers to find an ongoing source of spiritual inspiration.”
“The launch of our channel with Amazon Freevee signals a major step forward in providing a protected and trusted space for audiences’ emotional and spiritual fortitude. As Amazon continues to innovate and offer audiences meaningful content, I’m proud to illustrate to the world how ministry and philanthropy can be done in an ever-evolving culture. Though what we’ve been able to achieve with this launch is unprecedented, our mission to positively affect lives by reducing limitations on how people can be ministered to remains our North Star. I look forward to taking more big, meaningful leaps with Amazon.”
Veteran Advertising and Branding Executive to Lead and Implement Allen Media Group’s Multicultural Advertising and Branding Initiatives
Byron Allen’s Allen Media Group (AMG) proudly announces the hiring of Michele Ghee to the position of President of Multicultural Advertising. In this newly-created role, Ghee will help AMG‘s senior advertising and marketing executives to strategically work with brands for significant partnerships with the AMG portfolio, including theGrio digital, broadcast, and television network platforms, as well as the HBCU GO streaming app and the global HBCU GO sports network. Ghee is based at the AMG offices in New York City.
Michele Ghee, President of Multicultural Advertising, Allen Media Group
Ghee comes to AMG from her most recent position as CEO of Ebony and Jet, and has managed more than a billion dollars in revenue for some of the world’s largest media companies while holding senior executive positions at The Weather Channel, CNN, A&E, The History Channel and BET Networks. While at BET Networks, Ghee created and ran the first and only network for Black women: BET Her. Ghee has received numerous honors such as the Multichannel News Wonder Women award, the She Runs It Working Mother of the Year award, the ADCOLOR Change Agent award, and the American Advertising Federation Mosaic Role Model of the Year award. Ghee has authored three books – STRATECHIC: LIFE AND CAREER WINNING STRATEGIES FOR WOMEN, STRATECHIC 2.0: HER PLAN. HER POWER, HER PURPOSE and SUCCESS ON YOUR TERMS. Ghee received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Golden Gate University, from which she later received an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters.
“I believe Michele Ghee is an excellent sales executive and a great addition to the Allen Media Group family as President of Multicultural Advertising, where she will be valuable in helping to lead our multicultural advertising and other strategic branding initiatives,” said Byron Allen, Founder/Chairman/CEO of Allen Media Group. “Michele will play a vital role in helping Allen Media Group continue its expansion of advertising revenue, and execute on the large number of branding and marketing opportunities in front of us.”
“I look forward to contributing to Byron Allen’s legacy of economic inclusion for communities of color by working with brands for meaningful partnerships,” said Michele Ghee, AMG’s President of Multicultural Advertising. “Holding the marketplace accountable to a 15 percent investment commitment for Black-owned media is a very important ongoing campaign. In addition, I truly appreciate Byron Allen’s unwavering commitment to America’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities now featured regularly on HBCU GO, the HBCU GO sports network, and theGrio platforms.”
HBCU Marching Bands & Historic Speeches By Martin Luther King & Barack Obama Featured on Powerful Music Video for “Can You Feel It – The Jacksons X MLK” Remix
Epic Records and Legacy Recordings, the catalog division of Sony Music Entertainment, announce the release today of the powerful music video featuring footage of HBCU marching bands together with images of noted black leaders set to an edited version of the recently released “Can You Feel It – The Jacksons X MLK” remix which features a roaring drum line and excerpts of speeches by the late Martin Luther King and Barack Obama’s first inauguration speech.
Photo Credit: Allan Olley
Also dropping today is a “Can You Feel It” Remix EP featuring a brand new remix by GRAMMY® award-winning musician Robert Glasper. The EP will also include the edited version of “Can You Feel It – The Jacksons X MLK,” the soundtrack to the music video out today, and an edited version of the Kirk Franklin Remix featuring Tamela Mann, the soundtrack to the music video for that track released simultanteously with the Triumph reissue last month.
The third single from the Triumph album, “Can You Feel It” hit #1 on the Billboard Dance Club Charts following its release in March 1981. Written and arranged by Michael Jackson and Jackie Jackson, the track was produced by The Jacksons and features lead vocals by Michael and Randy Jackson accompanied by gospel choirs.
The new “Can You Feel It – The Jacksons X MLK” remix music video and the “Can You Feel It” remix EP follow the recent re-release of the entire Jacksons catalog. The Triumph re-release debuted three new remixes of The Jacksons’ “Can You Feel It”: The Jacksons X MLK, Kirk Franklin Remix featuring Tamela Mann and The Island Remix featuring David Sanborn.
A 2 LP 12″ vinyl edition of The Jacksons Live! (recorded during their 1981 North American Triumph Tour) was released on Friday, March 26. American writer and music journalist Alan Light penned a new Jacksons essay featured on Medium here.
