As I delve into the lives of these extraordinary individuals, I am struck by their resilience and unwavering spirit. Each one has navigated their own unique journey, using their talents and experiences to make an impact on the world.
The initial Faith & Media Impact Report by EbMaster acknowledges a flourishing sector of the entertainment world populated by storytellers representing various religions, artists, and executives who produce content with positive messages. On December 4th, the EbMaster Faith and Spirituality in Entertainment Awards, organized by the Coalition for Faith and Media (CFAM), will honor these individuals as well as Viola Davis and Julius Tennon from JuVee Productions, Ziggy Marley accepting for “Bob Marley: One Love”, introduced by CFAM, Erica Lipez (showrunner of “We Were the Lucky Ones”), Jessica Matten (“Dark Winds”), Arian Moayed (co-founder, Waterwell), Sheryl Lee Ralph (“Abbott Elementary”) and author Jay Shetty.
Bill Abbott
President and CEOGreat American Media
In 2021, Abbott was already a broadcasting legend due to his work in establishing the Hallmark Channel and its related networks. Yet, he didn’t stop there. In the same year, he co-founded Great American Media. Initially starting with two cable networks, he then introduced the “Great American Christmas” franchise. Now, the company encompasses a FAST channel, an app, and a streaming service named Great American Pure Flix. This holiday season, they will air 19 Christmas films. Abbott shared his joy when expressing how viewers personally appreciate their high-quality, original content and their positive impact on culture.
Mahershala Ali
Actors such as Ali have been actively involved in charitable and interfaith organizations for a significant period, using their platform for advocacy efforts. In 2000, he embraced Islam and went on to portray the character of Sheikh Ali in Ramy Youssef’s six-episode series, “Ramy,” which delved into the life of a young Muslim man. Both Ali and Youssef took this role seriously, discussing it with religious leaders beforehand. Youssef even sought advice from his own sheikh. (He was thrilled about it.) Notably, Ali has been a leading figure in Artists4Ceasefire, a group that emerged in October 2023 in response to the escalating humanitarian crisis in Israel and Palestine. In September, they launched a fresh campaign titled “Ceasefire Now, Stop Weapons, Save Lives,” which aims to halt weapons transfers that allegedly breach U.S. and international law.
Mary Aloe
Mary, the Producer, “Aloe”,
Riz Ahmed
Actor, producer, musician
Ahmed, who was born in Britain, has been a persistent champion for Muslim perspectives and South Asian representation within media. He currently serves on the selection panel for The Desi List, a joint project between The Black List and The Salon that assesses screenplays. In 2021, he spearheaded the development of the Blueprint for Muslim Inclusion, as well as the Pillars Artist Fellowship, which provides grantees with an unrestricted $25,000 grant. These initiatives are in collaboration with the USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative, Ford Foundation, and Pillars Fund. In the future, he will collaborate again with “Long Goodbye” director Aneil Karia for the production of “Hamlet,” where Ahmed plays the sorrowful Dane character, and is both creator and star of the Prime series “Quarter Life.
Jacques Audiard
Director
The award-winning film “Emilia Pérez” tackles challenging questions: Is it possible for an individual to fundamentally change by altering their physical form? Can someone make amends for past immoral actions through virtuous deeds? Boldly, director Audiard delves into this conundrum via a musical narrative about a ruthless drug cartel leader who feigns death to transition into a woman (the title character Emilia). This individual then establishes an organization to aid families affected by the cartel. Critic Peter Debruge of EbMaster described the movie as “shining yet highly controversial.” Audiard tests his viewers by utilizing a character that many might shun, due to their past as a drug lord and their identity as a trans woman, to illustrate the intricate relationship between good and evil within one being.
Edward Berger, Peter Straughan
Edward Berger, Director
Peter Straughan, Writer
Conclave
Robert Harris’ 2016 bestseller ‘Conclave’, which explores the political machinations and spiritual dilemmas within the Catholic Church as its cardinals search for a new pope after the recent demise, clearly supports the reformists over the traditionalists. As one prominent character in this secluded group remarks, “The church is about what we do next,” heralding a transformative change that elevates ‘Conclave’ from a narrative of personal flaws to a powerful testimony of love as a divine instrument. Berger observes: “Just like Leonard Cohen says, ‘There’s a crack in everything; that’s how the light gets in.’ In ‘Conclave’, we journey through the world’s oldest patriarchal institution. By the film’s end, there are cracks in this institution. And behind those cracks, there is a beacon of hope for a world ready to embrace change.
Cindy Bond
Founder & CEO, Mission Pictures Intl.
Bond, who was recognized as ‘one to watch’ back in 1996 due to her transformation from a golf pro to an actor and now a producer, expresses great excitement about the numerous opportunities that have surfaced in Hollywood. As one of the few contemporary faith film pioneers, she has been instrumental in creating impactful films such as ‘Redeeming Love,’ ‘I Can Only Imagine,’ and ‘Enchanted Christmas’ for Hallmark. With many more projects under her belt and several more in development, including a sequel she initiated, Bond looks forward to continuing her mission of producing film and television content that resonates globally, aiming always for commercial success and global inspiration.
Kevin Downes, Andy Erwin
Kevin Downes, co-founder & CEO
Andy Erwin, co-founder & chief creative officer
Kingdom Story Co.
Kingdom Story Company boasts a remarkable history in producing faith-based entertainment, having six movies that received an exceptional A+ Cinemascore rating, such as 2023’s “Jesus Revolution.” Recently, they have been active with theater releases like “Ordinary Angels,” “Unsung Hero,” “White Bird,” and “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” (directed by Dallas Jenkins), with “The Unbreakable Boy” set for 2025. All these productions are in collaboration with Lionsgate. CEO Downes expresses pride, stating that each film not only provides entertainment but also encourages discussions on faith and resilience. Andy Erwin, the chief creative officer, is eager to carry on using films as a means to connect the realms of faith and entertainment.
Roma Downey
Producer-Actor
“Touched by an Angel” established Downey in the firmament of faith entertainment stars and she has never given up her commitment to that space. She produced 2023’s “On a Wing and a Prayer” for Amazon Prime. In 2024, she was back on the streamer with “The Baxters,” for which she is exec producer and plays the family matriarch. “I lovingly nurtured and developed [‘The Baxters’] over a number of years, and to see it finally on the screen and to hear the beautiful reactions to it has been very gratifying,” she says. Downey launched shingle Mrs. B Prods. that will make her next Amazon project, a holiday rom-com to star Zooey Deschanel and Charlie Cox.
Jesse Eisenberg
Writer-director-actor, “A Real Pain”
Upon his visit to the former home of his grandmother in Poland (a setting featured in the movie), Eisenberg felt such a profound emotion that he decided to convey this experience. Initially, he did so through a play, later through his film “A Real Pain.” This buddy movie about two estranged cousins exploring their ancestral town might not immediately appear as a narrative about a spiritual odyssey. However, spiritual journeys are frequently ignited by pain, and these cousins are concealing a great deal of it – primarily grief for their grandmother. As Eisenberg explains, “A Real Pain” explores what is genuine and what is valid suffering.” The film illustrates that the initial step toward healing can be reestablishing connections, which is inherently spiritual.
Jon Erwin, Kelly Merryman Hoogstraten
Jon Erwin, founder & chief content officerKelly Merryman Hoogstraten, CEO
The Wonder Project
Starting from December 2023, I’ve embarked on an exciting journey with The Wonder Project, a production company backed by UTA, Lionsgate, Jason Blum, and others. Our mission? To create stories that inspire faith in things that truly matter. As a filmmaker who has previously collaborated on projects like “Jesus Revolution,” I am thrilled to be joining forces with my partner Kelly Merryman Hoogstraten. With her extensive experience as a senior executive at YouTube and Netflix, we’re ready to make waves in the industry.
Sara Foster, Erin Foster
Executive producers, “Nobody Wants This”
As a movie enthusiast with a keen interest in diversity and personal growth stories, I am thrilled by the journey of the Foster sisters, whose lives have taken an unexpected yet inspiring turn. Being agnostic myself, I found Erin’s conversion to Judaism particularly captivating, as it showcases the transformative power of love and understanding.
DeVon Franklin
CEO, Franklin Entertainment
2016 saw EbMaster naming me as a rising producer to watch, two years after the launch of my company. Since then, I’ve proven myself worthy of that distinction in numerous ways. As an ordained minister, best-selling author, motivational speaker, and producer with credits spanning both theatrical films (“Flamin’ Hot”) and television series (“Kingdom Business”), as well as being an AMPAS governor-at-large, I stand as a versatile figure in the industry. Recently, I’ve partnered with Tyler Perry to create faith-based films for Netflix, and I’ve secured a first-look deal with CBS. As I look ahead, I feel invigorated and eager to continue my journey. My aspiration remains to find innovative ways to provide hope and inspiration to people everywhere.
Richard Gere
Actor
Gere has been associated with Tibet and Buddhism for half a century, but his free-Tibet activism has sometimes overshadowed his advocacy for Buddhist practice. Yet he has dedicated time to Buddhist meditation every day throughout that time, and he has been generous about explaining what he does and what he’s learned. In a 2022 interview, he said his greatest takeaway from Buddhism has been “that the best way to navigate the world we live in, samsara, is through a sense of universal responsibility. That there’s no one outside of our concern. There’s no thing outside of our concern. To the extent that we are able to develop ourselves, we are responsible for the whole universe.” The actor and activist can be seen in Paul Schrader’s “Oh, Canada” and Paramount+ thriller “The Agency.”
Reinaldo Marcus Green
Director, “Bob Marley: One Love”
In his debut directorial effort titled “Monsters and Men,” Green’s characters navigated complex moral dilemmas in a setting marked by violence. In the movie “Bob Marley: One Love,” the main character, who had previously survived an assassination attempt, found himself at a crucial crossroads: should he resurface on stage to spread his message of hope and love through music, or not. Green describes this project as one of the most significant endeavors of his career thus far, both personally and professionally. He is grateful that audiences worldwide continue to appreciate the film, Bob Marley’s music, family, and legacy.
Sterlin Harjo
Showrunner, “Reservation Dogs”
The acclaimed FX television show centers around four Native American teenagers in Oklahoma, exploring themes such as community, family, friendship, love, and loss. The creator, Harjo, who is also a Native American from Oklahoma, predominantly employed Indigenous talent for the series, both on-screen and off. Additionally, spirituality plays a significant role, with characters conversing with deceased ancestors, experiencing visions, and showcasing Indigenous rituals during significant life events. The series also introduces Spirit, portrayed by Dallas Goldtooth, who frequently appears to guide the character Bear (D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai) throughout his journey. Notably, this series is filled with humor as well. Harjo and Goldtooth have collaborated with the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition to advocate for the passing of the Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies Act.
Neal Harmon, Jeffrey Harmon
Neal Harmon, co-founder & CEO
Jeffrey Harmon, co-founder & chief content officer
Angel Studios
Angel Studios created a stir with their production “Sound of Freedom,” earning an impressive $251 million globally. However, its business strategy might be even more remarkable. They rely on input from their 375,000 members, the Angel Guild, to decide what content to distribute. Remarkably, 104,000 of these members have invested a total of $80 million into Angel Studios projects. In the pipeline for 2025, Angel Studios plans to collaborate once more with “Sound of Freedom” director Alejandro Monteverde for “Bethlehem,” a reinterpretation of the Massacre of the Innocents as a thriller, “Rule Breakers,” which tells the story of the girls who dared to form a robotics team in Afghanistan despite opposition, and “The Last Rodeo,” inspired by the true tale of bull rider Joe Wainwright.
Charley Humbard
Founder & CEO, UP Entertainment, UPtv
Over half a century since he started in television production, and over 20 years after establishing UP Entertainment, Humbard continues to innovate methods to inspire TV viewers. UP Entertainment offers a wide range of brands and networks, all sharing the common objective of delivering uplifting content. In 2024, he formed an alliance with Minno, a streaming service for children. His vision is to expand UP Faith & Family, their streaming service, to reach 15 million subscribers as the foremost independent faith and family brand. Beyond business ventures, Humbard has also launched “UPlift Someone,” an internal initiative at the company encouraging acts of kindness to make a positive impact.
Dallas Jenkins
Executive producer, “The Chosen”
Jenkins’ popular Netflix series “The Chosen” has evolved into a sprawling franchise, encompassing multiple shows. Currently, an animated spinoff titled “The Chosen Adventures” and a reality show featuring Bear Grylls and the cast of “The Chosen” are in production. This year, Jenkins hosted the second ChosenCon in Orlando and established 5&2 Studios, which will oversee the continuation of “The Chosen.” Additionally, he directed the theatrical film “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” for Kingdom Story Co. and Lionsgate, a project he’s had a long-standing desire to realize. Reflecting on his career, Jenkins expressed that he no longer sets specific future goals, but rather hopes to continue telling God’s stories throughout the rest of his life. Currently, he is working on two more Bible-themed series in development.
Jewel
Singer, actor, artist, advocate
For years, Jewel has been an advocate for mental health issues, but she elevated this aspect of her life significantly through “The Portal: An Art Experience by Jewel” at the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas. Designed by Jewel herself, this audio-visual art experience was intended to serve as a venue for introspection, bonding, and personal growth. Her goal was to foster self-awareness, well-being, and reflection among the participants. As she shared, a middle-aged journalist from a tough-minded publication approached her at the end of “The Portal” with tears in his eyes, expressing how impactful the experience was for him. This moment was incredibly humbling for Jewel.
Payal Kapadia
Director, “All We Imagine as Light”
In May’s Cannes Film Festival competition, Indian director Kapadia’s third movie won the Grand Jury Prize. This film focuses on two overworked nurses living in bustling Mumbai, their bond deepening amidst the chaos, and how their friendship can provide solace and liberation. According to Kapadia, he was intrigued by exploring the concept of friendship, a relationship that lacks clear boundaries. As one matures, friends often turn into an essential source of support, even surpassing family in significance. As Jessica Kiang from EbMaster’s put it in her review: “The light surrounds them, and if they need to imagine it, it’s only because they can’t see it radiates from within.
Jake Kasdan
Director, “Red One”
Initially met with indifference, some beloved holiday movies like “It’s a Wonderful Life” and “The Polar Express,” and Amazon’s Christmas action film “Red One,” might also earn perennial affection, despite their initial critical reception. In this magical realm, Santa is more than just a gift-giver; he’s adored for his unwavering compassion. The character played by Dwayne Johnson, Callum, who serves as Santa’s bodyguard, has lost that faith and the movie’s main conflict revolves around his struggle to rediscover his belief in humanity. Even Santa’s villainous brother, Krampus, surprisingly exhibits a tender side for his kind-hearted sibling. “Red One” is characterized by its grandeur, noise, and frenetic pace, yet it pulses with the essence of the Holiday Season.
Dennis Quaid
Actor, musician
On his popular inspirational album titled “Fallen: A Gospel Record for Sinners,” Quaid openly shared his personal battles, experiences that resonate with many individuals in recovery, much like himself. Over time, he has been a spiritual explorer, confessing to EbMaster in 2023 that his faith journey took him from Christianity to Buddhism, and he read various religious texts such as the Dhammapada, Quran, Bhagavad Gita, and Bible four times. Currently, the actor known for his role in “Reagan” expresses that he frequently communicates with God, questioning his actions daily, emphasizing the importance of perseverance, introspection, and letting go of one’s ego.
Chris Sanders
Writer-director, “The Wild Robot”
In the story “The Wild Robot,” the protagonist, Roz the robot, discovers a sense of purpose and connection beyond her mechanical existence by caring for a gosling. This emotional journey is what captured our hearts according to Sanders. Since Roz is a machine, it’s remarkable that she exhibited qualities like kindness and compassion, and these attributes not only fit but defined the story’s core. The novel, based on Peter Brown’s award-winning work, skillfully demonstrates through Sanders’ guidance that even inorganic beings can find meaning and nurture empathy when they connect with nature.
Martin Scorsese
Filmmaker-producer
Martin Scorsese’s portrayal of “The Last Temptation of Christ” was unsettling to some traditional Christians, but few directors have delved as candidly or profoundly into the essence of Catholicism and the Bible. With his docudrama series “Martin Scorsese Presents: The Saints,” which he produced and narrated, he extends beyond biblical accounts to scrutinize the actions of holy individuals. As he stated, these are tales of eight distinct men and women … battling to adhere to the path of love that Jesus’ teachings in the Gospels have revealed to them and us. He is also working on “A Life of Jesus,” described as an unconventional interpretation of Christ’s life.
Michael Scott
Founding partner & CEO, Pinnacle Peak Pictures
According to Scott, faith-based films resonate with people beyond just those who identify as Christian. Time and again, he observes individuals from various backgrounds seeking movies that evoke inspiration or lift their spirits. Scott’s perspective is well-grounded, as he has been involved in film production for nearly 25 years and boasts over 40 feature films and nine TV series in his producer credits. As a co-founder of the faith-friendly streaming service Pure Flix and Pinnacle Peak Pictures, Scott was responsible for two releases in 2024: “God’s Not Dead: In God We Trust,” the newest addition to the successful “God’s Not Dead” series; and “Average Joe.
Ridley Scott
Director, producer
I, Ridley Scott, may identify as an atheist and often portray organized religion critically in my films, yet this doesn’t diminish the reverence for spirituality that permeates my work or my critique of societal flaws. In “Exodus: Gods and Kings,” I presented Moses’ tale as the genesis of an ethical system independent from a divine intervention. The ancestor worship in “Gladiator” was treated with gravity, and in “Gladiator II,” it’s the characters who embody faith in humanity and strive to create a just and uncorrupt society. My fascination with individual spiritual seekers and my films’ calls for personal improvement reflect a deeply felt, albeit individualistic, form of belief.
Nathan Silver, C. Mason Wells
Nathan Silver, director-writer
C. Mason Wells, writer
“Between the Temples”
In films, rabbis are somewhat common, but cantors and adult bat mitzvahs are scarcely seen. The comedic film “Between the Temples” introduces two individuals at a turning point: A cantor who’s lost his voice after being widowed, and his former music teacher, now a widow and newly interested in her Jewish roots. Filmmakers Silver and Wells worked with consultants to ensure authenticity in Judaism, as they often replied, “Well, it depends,” when asked questions. According to Silver, this is a reflection of Judaism: a lifestyle dedicated to questioning and seeking answers.
Joel Smallbone, Luke Smallbone
Actors, musicians
For King & Country
The musical duo known as Smallbone have had 13 number one hits; their music has been streamed over 2 billion times, and they’ve received multiple awards including four Grammys. Now, they’re venturing into the world of films. Joel is making his first attempt at feature film directing, sharing both directorial duties (as well as acting in and co-writing) for “Unsung Hero,” produced by Kingdom Story Co. and Lionsgate. Luke serves as a producer on the movie. The film, inspired by the Smallbone family’s own experiences, led to an album and a concert tour. Joel expresses his shock at the success of this transition from music to movies, stating that they managed to make it across the bridge with “a touch of determination, style, and artistic authenticity.
Jeff Stetson
Writer-producer, “Genius: MLK/X”
As a writer for both stage and television, Stetson has consistently depicted Black leaders and men of faith throughout his career. In the series “Genius: MLK/X”, he delves into the lives of two significant figures from the civil rights movement who met tragic ends – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. This project is partially based on Stetson’s own play, “The Meeting,” which envisions a solitary encounter between these two influential figures. Although they followed different religious paths, methods, and philosophies, the series highlights how their faith played a crucial role in their decision-making processes as they took risks that put their lives at stake. For instance, King spoke out against the Vietnam War, while X parted ways with the Nation of Islam to embrace Sunni Islam. In a 2016 interview, Stetson expressed his deep affection for the characters he portrays and his conviction that individuals possess the potential for significant change and accomplishment. Above all, he writes about both reality and the potential for transformation through courage, integrity, and commitment.
Malcolm Washington, Virgil Williams
Malcolm Washington, writer-director
Virgil Williams, writer
“The Piano Lesson”
Netflix’s “The Piano Lesson,” inspired by August Wilson’s play, highlights the role ancestral connection plays in fostering spiritual bonding. The Charles family, set during the Great Depression, grapples with spectral entities – both metaphorically and literally. They are haunted by a former slave owner who inflicted pain on their ancestors, and they struggle with the dilemma of how to handle their family history. A minister attempts an exorcism, but for this family, healing comes not through divine intervention but from reconciling with their ancestors. As Washington states about the film, “This work is a tribute, an act of gratitude to our forebears.
Pharrell Williams
Musician-actor
Similar to numerous individuals in the entertainment industry, Williams has experienced the limelight of fame, yet found himself needing to evolve as audiences’ preferences changed. His latest work, “Piece by Piece,” released on October 11, narrates his life story using Lego pieces in an animated format. Having sampled both bitter and sweet experiences, he holds firm convictions about faith. In various public interviews, he’s expressed feelings of the potency of scripture, but also believes that not everyone is meant to be religious. “Do I believe Christianity is the sole path?” he ponders. “No. I believe the only path for everything is connecting with God.” This unconventional yet accepting view aligns well with him, just as his film does.
Rainn Wilson
Actor
Wilson pondered onstage at a February EbMaster event, “I firmly believe and understand that we are not just human, but also spiritual beings going through a life experience. Yet, I’ve noticed that many stories we tell often do not mirror this truth. Over the years, I have been striving to change this, starting with the establishment of Soul Pancake in 2008, followed by my book ‘Soul Boom: The Need for a Spiritual Revolution’, and more recently, the launch of my Soul Boom podcast. As a SAG Award winner, I can trace my exploration into the realm of spirituality within media back to some mental health challenges I faced in my youth, as well as moments where I found comfort, peace, and purpose through spirituality.
Maher Zain
Singer-songwriter
As a fervent admirer of music, I’ve always been captivated by the melodious tunes and profound lyrics of Zain, a renowned figure in the Islamic nasheed genre. By blending his spiritual verses with the catchy rhythms of pop and R&B, he has managed to garner a following that transcends the boundaries of the Middle East, a feat achieved since his debut 15 years ago. Beyond his musical prowess, Zain is known for his relentless dedication to charity concerts, contributing significantly towards the relief efforts in troubled regions such as Syria and Lebanon. Just recently, he unveiled a new composition titled “Lebanon,” a heartfelt appeal for peace that has garnered half a million views on his YouTube channel with a massive following of 6 million fans.
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2024-11-28 00:22