Kirk Franklin was all smiles as he watched moviegoers pack into Arlington’s Studio Movie Grill for an advance screening of the Queen Latifah, Dolly Parton-led Joyful Noise, which was sponsored by Rolling Out and BlackAtlas.com. For Franklin, and for Christian leaders around the country, the film signifies a welcome return to faith-based films infiltrating mainstream culture. As a crowd surpassing 300 attendees packed into the theater, Franklin stood at the front of the room and implored the crowd to use this movie as an opportunity to make their voice heard.
“Go out and tell everyone you know about this movie,” Franklin urged. “We can be the change agents for Hollywood. If we and our church members go out Friday and see this movie in the theaters, then Hollywood will take notice and make more quality movies like Joyful Noise. So encourage your church to buy group tickets at your local theater, and let us move the needle for ticket sales on Friday opening night.”
The message certainly seemed to take hold, as the crowd enthusiastically spilled out into the Texas night, vowing to spread the word. “This movie was so amazing,” shared Danyel Sibley, as she held her husband’s hand. “That movie touched my heart in such a profound way, and I can’t wait to encourage my friends to go and see it.”
Joyful Noise opens nationwide January 13. –dewayne rogers
