Lionsgate and Kingdom Story Company, the studios behind the faith-based hits I Can Only Imagine and Jesus Revolution, among others, are set to begin production on My Jesus, the emotional and heartfelt story behind multi-platinum Christian and country artist Anne Wilson's rise to fame and the breakout song that connected with so many, with cameras slated to begin rolling next month.
Kay Oyegun will direct the film in her feature directorial debut and has also written the screenplay, based on Wilson's book My Jesus: From Heartache to Hope. Kingdom Story Company's Joshua Walsh, Brandon Gregory, Andrew Erwin and Daryl LeFever will produce, with Jim Miller, Matthew West and Robert Deaton serving as executive producers.
The music-driven, coming of age film follows the inspiring story of Anne, a regular teenager who is driven by a life-altering moment to post a video of herself singing online, triggering an avalanche of response and catches the attention of executives across the Christian and country music industries. But finding her voice means Anne must also navigate the impact her gift has on everyone around her, including the changes it brings to her family and friends and the weight of her own expectations. Along the way, she must redefine how she views herself, her place in the world, her relationship with God and ultimately, her purpose.
Aliza Kate Barlow will play Anne; portraying Jacob is Gavin Casalegno, best-known for his star-making turn in “The Summer I Turned Pretty” and his recent turn in The Devil's Mouth. Monica Potter will play Anne and Jacob's mother, Lynn, with Charles Esten playing Kent, their father and Beau Bridges playing their grandfather, Bob.
“My Jesus” topped Billboard's Hot Christian Songs chart and spent seven weeks at No. 1 on the Christian Airplay chart, making Wilson the first female solo artist to lead the latter with a debut single since the chart launched in 2003. The deeply personal breakout ballad won the GMA Dove Award for Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year and earned a Billboard Music Award nomination for Top Christian Song, while her debut album of the same name received a GRAMMY nomination for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album.
Erin Westerman, president, Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, said, “Anne's story is the ultimate wish fulfillment story—a regular girl finds a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to share her gift with the world—but what sets her story apart is that her true gift a testament to the power of faith, family, friendship, love and devotion. Her journey isn't just evocative and emotional—it shows how trusting that faith changed her life in every way. Kay has a wonderful take on this touching story, and we're passionate about bringing it to life.”
Kingdom Story Company's Brandon Gregory added, “We couldn't be more honored to bring Anne's story to the big screen with Kay and this talented cast. My Jesus is a story for a generation that loves the communal experience of going to the movies and is increasingly bold and unapologetic about their faith. Working alongside our incredible partners at Lionsgate to deliver an experience for that audience that feels fresh, entertaining and deeply authentic is beyond exciting for all of us at Kingdom Story Company.”
Meredith Wieck and Maria Ascanio are overseeing for Lionsgate. Gaby Ludlow at Kingdom Story Company and Phil Strina at Lionsgate negotiated the deals.
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