The Tribune

By ALESHA CADET

Tribune Features Reporter

acadet@tribunemedia.net

Rather than hosting a traditional Christmas programme this year, the members of Church of God of Prophecy Baillou Hill Road are excited to present what they are calling “the epic release” of their very own movie, “Called”

“Called”, rated B, centers around a dysfunctional family. The plot explores what happened in the past that led to the current troubles this family is experiencing. According to church members, the film carefully examines how betrayal and the lack of forgiveness can hurt people. Viewers, they said, can anticipate both laughter and tears.

“The entire church was involved in this project some way or the other, including our pastors, Pastor Timothy Johnson and Pastor Randolph Curtis. While we don’t want to give too much of the story line away, this film highlights Bahamian acting and musical talent, as two original songs are on the soundtrack for this movie. The script was written by Mildred Ramsey, the director of the film was Dereo B Maycock,” said Ghandi Thompson, executive producer of “Called” and a member of the church.

Describing herself as an adventurous and creative person, Ms Thompson said through this project she felt God was leading the church to explore other tools of evangelism. After discussing the possibility of making a movie with two of her team members, Carlisa Curtis and Dereo B Maycock, it turned out they both loved the idea, which lead them to pitch it to the church’s pastor, who gave them the go-ahead to run with the vision.

She said this experience has brought out many different emotions – from fear of starting production, to frustration when shoots had to be cancelled, fatigue trying to complete the film, and now excitement knowing that an amazing team came together, shared their talents and are now prepared to release the church’s first film.

“Rather than inviting our friends and family to our Christmas programme, we agreed to make a movie and take the Christmas production to a wider audience. We wanted to release this movie in this joyous season. Christmas should be Christ-centered and Christ came to forgive us of our sins. We thought it was only fitting to use this season to share the message of forgiveness and reconciliation,” said Ms Thompson.

The lead actors are Anastasia Pratt as Sybil Sampson, Bob Miller as Samuel Sampson, and teen actors Meir Higgs and Randolph Curtis Jr. The supporting cast is nearly 30 strong. Production team members also include Carlisa Curtis, Deanne Johnson and Kaye Rolle.

“This movie is a very strategic move for the body of Christ. Our vision at the onset was to take the Good News to an environment where people are comfortable and relaxed. This project is important because it demonstrates the endless possibilities for churches that are prepared to move beyond the four walls. This film has been a faith journey for our local church, but with God all things are possible. We want our viewing audience to know that they are called. It doesn’t matter who they are or what they have done, we want them to know God loves and has called them,” said Ms Thompson.

With only one showing, on Thursday, December 27, at 8pm, church members are hoping Bahamians will turn out to hear and see a message of reconciliation.

Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children and are on sale at Liberty Cleaners, Wulff Road, and also at The Book Case, Carib Road.