JET MAGAZINE SPOTLIGHTS NEW ACCLAIMED FILMS
Jennifer Hudson
In the November 4 issue of JET magazine, the publication spotlights some of the most critically acclaimed films due to release this season, representing an array of established and up-and-coming Black actors, directors and producers.
T.D. Jakes graces the cover and discusses his new TV show, upcoming film and how he has utilized modern technology to reach the masses on a spiritual level. While he is nationally known as a spiritual leader, he has also gained recognition for producing popular African-American films such as Jumping the Broom, Sparkle and Woman Thou Art Loosed: On the 7th Day.
“The great commission calls Christians to go into the world and spread the Good News,” says Jakes. “We can use television, we can use books, but there are more people in the theaters on Friday nights than the pews on Sunday morning.”
The media mogul dishes to JET about the latest medium added to his arsenal – a talk show. T.D. Jakes: Mind, Body & Soul, airing now on BET, uses celebrities and guests to address issues plaguing our community. But the ground breaking national platform isn’t his only big reveal. On Thanksgiving Day, Fox Searchlight will release Jakes’ film, Black Nativity, an adaption of Langston Hughes’ 1961 play, which stars Angela Bassett, Forest Whitaker and Tyrese Gibson, to name a few.
In support of 12 Years a Slave hitting theaters on October 18, JET also features actor Chiwetel Ejiofor, who is garnering much Oscar buzz for his captivating performance as Solomon Northup, a free Black man kidnapped and sold into slavery.
“Against everything, the love and the passion that Solomon has for his family really spoke to me, and that’s what I really wanted to uncover,” says Ejiofor regarding his role in the film.
JET also highlights another actor on the verge of superstardom. The Spotlight section introduces readers to Skylan Brooks, known for his roles in iCarly and Our Family Wedding. The teen is gaining praise for his dramatic portrayal of Mister, a young man coping with the hardships of living with a drug-addicted parent in the film, The Inevitable Defeat of Mister & Pete.
“There were many hard stories that influenced me,” says Brooks on his preparation for the role. “I met kids with parents on drugs and they had to get away from that by going to facilities. They taught me so much. I did not know it was that bad,” he explained.
The film is directed by George Tillman Jr.; produced by Grammy winner Alicia Keys; and stars Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson.
In addition to highlighting what’s new in movie theaters, the issue also covers the top technology news in 2013, including:
· How classrooms are transitioning from textbooks to digital study aids
· The technological education needed for today’s manufacturing jobs
· Innovative inventions, such as Google Glass
· How to stop and prevent online and text bullying among your children
· Tips for online dating
The November 4 issue of JET magazine is available on newsstands beginning October 14.
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