![]()
T.D. JAKES PREVIEWS ACCLAIMED FILM "JUMPING THE BROOM" AND HOSTS HOLLYWOOD ALL-STARS IN DALLAS
4/29/2011
Star-Studded Red Carpet Screening and Easter Weekend Celebration
Feature Angela Bassett, Paula Patton, Laz Alonso, Loretta Devine, Valarie
Pettiford, Gary Dourdan and Vera Cudjoe
Special Guests Include Robin Thicke, Courtney B. Vance,
Emmitt Smith, Kirk Franklin,
David and Tamela Mann, Michael Irvin, Fred Hammond, and Ledisi
DALLAS, April 27, 2011 -- T.D. Jakes' April 23 red carpet
screening of his upcoming film, Jumping the Broom, a project with Sony
Pictures, drew an impressive parade of Hollywood stars and other dignitaries to
Dallas' NorthPark AMC Theater. The special preview was followed by Easter
service at The Potter's House Church on Sunday, April 24.
Debuting in theaters on May 6, 2011, Jumping the Broom is a light-hearted movie
showing the clash of two families from different backgrounds during a weekend
wedding. With wit and wisdom, Jumping the Broom explores the cultural and
spiritual challenges of abstinence, motherhood, family, and relationships
alongside themes such as forgiveness, family secrets, and misperceptions.
The remarkable cast includes Angela Bassett, Loretta Devine, Julie Bowen,
Paula Patton, Laz Alonso, Mike Epps, Tasha Smith, Gary Dourdan, Valarie
Pettiford, Vera Cudjoe, Meagan Good, Romeo Miller, DeRay Davis, and Pooch
Hall-many of whom attended the Dallas event. Bassett and Patton were
also joined by their celebrity spouses, actor Courtney B. Vance and R&B
heartthrob Robin Thicke.
"The entire weekend is meant to send a message," Jakes said to media
from more than 50 outlets across the nation. "It's a new day for diversity
in filmmaking and for growth of the Dallas-based film market. So while the Los
Angeles premiere comes next week, the real celebration is here with my city,
friends, and The Potter's House congregation."
For its part, the City of Dallas named Saturday, April 23, 2011 "T.D.
Jakes/Jumping the Broom Day."
Columbia Pictures Vice President of Production DeVon Franklin also attended
weekend festivities. "To call this Easter celebration weekend
amazing is an understatement," he said. These moments with Bishop Jakes
and The Potter's House-emotional and soul-stirring-underline how much we value
our partnership with him and TDJE. He is not only a dynamic producer but
also incredibly gifted at bringing the themes of our films to life!"
Oscar-nominated actress Angela Bassett, who plays the mother of the bride in
Jumping the Broom, spoke glowingly of working with Jakes. "I've enjoyed
T.D. Jakes, his message and his wisdom for many, many years," she said in
an interview.
"The
chance to work with him on this film and on a script with a message common to
every person—the desire for intimacy with our loved ones—hooked me from the
start."
Following the screening, Washington Post reporter Sally Quinn moderated a
lively and insightful Q&A with the cast and creative team that brought the
film to life, including T.D. Jakes, Tracey E. Edmonds, Curtis Wallace,
Elizabeth Hunter, and Glendon Palmer.
Edmonds, the seasoned Hollywood producer who partnered with Jakes on the
project, echoed the night's enthusiasm. Noting the film's broad appeal and
universal themes, Edmonds, Jakes, and others wished aloud for audiences of
every ethnic, socio-economic, and cultural background to find themselves in the
movie and relate to its messages about love and relationships. "We set out
to do a positive, uplifting film," she said. "In recent history, a
lot of African-American stories have been a little 'darker.' We wanted to
portray Black love with the message that African-American men love their
women."
On Sunday, the Easter Service at The Potter's House Church of Dallas, seating
nearly 10,000, treated cast, crew and other dignitaries to a spectacular
illustration of the Resurrection story. A private post-service brunch for
invited guests and their families recreated the wedding dinner scene from Jumping
the Broom, followed by an Easter egg hunt, bunny rabbits, and
horse-and-carriage rides.
Other celebrities at the festivities included Gospel superstars Kirk Franklin
and Fred Hammond; Meet The Browns' David and Tamela Mann; NFL greats Emmitt
Smith, Deion Sanders, and Michael Irvin; and fitness gurus Donna Richardson
Joyner and Jeanette Jenkins. The day ended on a high note with a rousing
performance from soulful songstress Ledisi.
About Jumping the Broom
Jumping the Broom is directed and co-produced by Salim Akil and produced by
T.D. Jakes, Tracey E. Edmonds, Curtis Wallace, Elizabeth Hunter, and Glendon
Palmer. Screenplay is by Elizabeth Hunter and Arlene Gibbs, and is
distributed by Sony Pictures. For more information on Jumping the Broom, visit http://www.jumpingthebroom-movie.com/.
About TDJ Enterprises
Bishop T. D. Jakes is a charismatic leader, visionary, provocative thinker, and
entrepreneur who serves as the senior pastor of the 30,000-member church The
Potter's House located in Dallas. Under the TDJ Enterprises umbrella, a
for-profit organization, are film, music, bestselling books, and other products
helping disseminate a faith-based message to a wide audience. Visit http://tdjakes.com for more information.
<< Back