New Film In October: Color of the Cross

Official website: ColorofTheCross



Release Date: October 2006
Distributor: Nu-Lite Entertainment
Director: Jean-Claude LaMarre
Producers: Rev. Cecil "Chip" Murray, Jesse Levostre, & Kenneth Halsband
Screenwriter: Jean-Claude LaMarre
Cast: Jean-Claude LaMarre, Debbi Morgan, Ananda Lewis

FOX INKS DEAL FOR BLACK JESUS MOVIE
“COLOR OF THE CROSS,” CONTROVERSIAL RELIGIOUS BIOPIC, SLATED FOR 2006
20th Century Fox Home Entertainment acquires Domestic Home Video rights

LOS ANGELES – February 5, 2006 - “Color of the Cross,” an independent religious biopic currently in production, is slated for theatrical release in fall 2006. Based on the last 48 hours of Christ’s life, the film’s controversy lies in the portrayal of Jesus as a black Nazarene, persecuted because of his radical interpretation of the Torah. “Color of the Cross,” directed by helmer Jean Claude Lamar, stars Debbi Morgan (“Coach Carter,” “Woman Thou Art Loosed”) as Mary, the mother of Jesus.
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.

La Marre 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.”

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.