HAITIAN-AMERICAN JEAN-CLAUDE LAMARRE DIRECTS  “COLOR OF THE CROSS

HAITIAN-AMERICAN JEAN-CLAUDE LAMARRE DIRECTS FIRST BLACK JESUS MOVIE, “COLOR OF THE CROSS” The world’s most controversial religious film, slated for 2006

LOS ANGELES- February 20, 2006- Jean Claude LaMarre, a native of Brooklyn, New York, and born of Haitian decent, has quickly established himself as one of the leading young black filmmakers in the industry today. Jean Claude LaMarre has done so by carefully guiding his career, both in front of and behind the camera, with talent and determination as well as an unwavering commitment to make a difference in the world of urban filmmaking. LaMarre decided to take a step into directing and producing after relocating to California in 1999, following his career of critically-acclaimed performances opposite some of the biggest names in the industry, including Denzel Washington, Danny Glover, and Samuel L. Jackson.

Jean-Claude LaMarre is the screenwriter, director and lead actor of the world’s most controversial religious film, “Color of the Cross.” He is currently in production and has scheduled the film for theatrical release in Fall of 2006. Twentieth 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. “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”.

“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. 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 the nation. 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.”

Jean-Claude 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. “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. Rev. Cecil “Chip” Murray, Jessie Levostre, Kenneth Halsband, Executive Producers Lila Aviv, Paul Noe, Eddy Lahens, Marc Porterfield, Michele Gonda and Co-producer Marcello Thedford. (For more information on “Color of the Cross” visit: www.colorofthecross.com or call 323.468.5380.)

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