IS HOLLYWOOD READY FOR A BLACK JESUS MOVIE?

IS HOLLYWOOD READY FOR A BLACK JESUS MOVIE? “COLOR OF THE CROSS,” CONTROVERSIAL RELIGIOUS BIOPIC, SLATED FOR Fall of 2006 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment acquires Domestic Home Video Rights

LOS ANGELES – February 5, 2006 – With the recent wave of black iconic Jesus imagery flooding the press, (i.e., “The Son of Man” buzz at Sundance, Rolling Stone Kanye West Cover) the “Color of the Cross,” an independent, politically charged religious biopic, based on the last 48 hours of Christ’s life, stands to be the most controversial depiction of Jesus to date. The film is unique in two distinct ways: The first dramatic film in Hollywood history ever to depict Christ as a black man. Secondly, it is the first Christian based film to inject race as a possible factor in the Crucifixion of Christ.

This racial perspective to the conventional biblical story is sure to challenge Conservative Christian beliefs. In recent months, the Media has been inundated with new theories on the life and times of this iconic religious figure. With Hollywood leading the way in 2006, with such films as Ron Howard’s the “Da Vinci Code”, “The End Of The Spear”, “The Celestine Prophesies”, Abel Ferrara’s “Mary” and New Line’s recent acquisition of “The Nativity””, there appears to be a religious movement sweeping tinsel town. While these films seem to challenge conventional religious beliefs, “Color Of The Cross” places Race front and center in this growing religious discourse that is sure to become a hot political debate. According to Producer, Kenneth Halsband, “When you see the black man on the cross, you are immediately reminiscent of the 1960’s.

Our film hopes to heal those wounds”. With over 500,000 hits already within the first month of launching their official website, the producers of the film are anticipating a tidal wave of controversy. The film, independently financed is currently in production and slated for theatrical release in fall 2006. “Color of the Cross,” directed by lead actor Jean Claude LaMarre, stars Debbi Morgan (“Coach Carter,” “Woman Thou Art Loosed”) as Mary, the mother of Jesus, and Ananda Lewis (“The Ananda Lewis Show”, “The Insider” Host). “The idea of re-imaging is very important to my vision of this story, says LaMarre “For decades blacks have been the victims of negative imaging, especially in their depiction in Hollywood films. I applaud Fox for taking a step toward rehabilitating this image. Jesus is a great place to start”. 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment, which released “The Passion of the Christ” on domestic home video, has acquired the domestic home video rights for “Color of the Cross” for seven figures including a P & A commitment for theatrical release.

Producer/Theologian Dr. Cecil “Chip” Murray, of the First African Methodist Episcopal Church (First AME) in Los Angeles, believes this version of Christ’s story is long overdue. “I think that people will welcome this as a fresh perspective, especially as well-researched as this story is,” said Dr. Murray. LaMarre said the film’s portrayal of a black Jesus may bring controversy, but its intention is to stimulate audiences. “Our movie is not about dividing Christians, but broadening their perspective,” said LaMarre, who also wrote the screenplay. “For centuries, Leonardo da Vinci’s portrayal of Jesus has been widely accepted. We are offering an alternative image. There’s room for all. We will be seeking the Pope’s blessing on this one.”

The film is a Nu-Lite Entertainment production and producers are Dr. Cecil “Chip” Murray, Marie Levostre, Kenneth Halsband, Executive Producers Lila Aviv, Paul Noe, Eddy Lahens, Marc Porterfield, Michele Gonda and Co-producer Marcello Thedford.

CONTACT: Krystal Collazo
PHONE: (786) 417- 3628
EMAIL: krystal.collazo@nu-liteentertainment.biz