Church on the Rock leans on '70XSeven' - Film proceeds to Ocho Rios building
Published:Sunday | March 26, 2017 | 12:00 AMCarl Gilchrist
Several Jamaican gospel artistes, including Lubert Levy, URIM 7 and NexChange, have made their acting debut in the film 70xSeven. It premieres on Friday, March 31, at Moxons Beach Club in Stewart Town, St Mary.
The film will be shown at Church on the Rock, Kingston, on April 1, and Church on the Rock, Montego Bay, on April 2. It begins at 6:30 each evening.
The movie is being presented by Church on the Rock Ocho Rios. Proceeds from 70xSeven will go towards building a home for Church on the Rock Ocho Rios, which currently meets in a plaza.
Shot in Jamaica, it is produced by Church on the Rock, in association with BarriVision Films. 70xSeven mirrors the Bible story of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15.
The predominantly black and white poster quotes from Matthew 18: 21:
"Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother who sins against me? Up to seven times? "No, not seven times," Jesus replied, "but 70 times seven."
The modern-day tale is about reggae superstar LJ, (played by Nick James), who returns home to Ocho Rios to relax after facing misfortune overseas.
He realises that his sister Cissy (played by gospel singer Deborah Coley-Bailey) is in the midst of preparing for a gospel competition.
LJ actually returns to his family and former church, where his misfortune has already been the topic of numerous discussions and sides have been taken.
"Secrets unfold; temptation takes root and malice surfaces in this true-to-life drama," Church on the Rock Ocho Rios said in a release.
The film is written and directed by author, screenwriter, film maker, poet and inspirational speaker, Judith Falloon-Reid,
"There is a lot of criticism today about religion and behaviours that affect how people view the church and people of all faiths. 70 x Seven tackles some of those very issues while maintaining the principal tenets of Christianity, which are ultimately built on love." Falloon-Reid said.
Admission is $1,500 for adults and $500 for children six to 12 years old.