A new feature film inspired by Anne Wilson’s hit Christian country song “My Jesus” is set to begin production next month, with newcomer Aliza Kate Barlow making her feature-film debut in the lead role.
Titled My Jesus, the music-driven coming-of-age film is being produced by Lionsgate and Kingdom Story Company, the companies behind faith-based films including I Can Only Imagine and Jesus Revolution. The cast also includes Gavin Casalegno (The Summer I Turned Pretty), Monica Potter (Parenthood), Charles Esten (Outer Banks) and Beau Bridges (Matlock).
Kay Oyegun wrote the screenplay based on Wilson’s book My Jesus: From Heartache to Hope and will make her feature directorial debut with the project.
Barlow will portray Wilson, while Casalegno will play her brother, Jacob. Potter will portray their mother, Lynn, with Esten taking on the role of their father, Kent. Bridges will play the siblings’ grandfather, Bob.
The film follows Anne, a teenager whose life changes after a defining moment inspires her to post a video of herself singing online. The video quickly attracts widespread attention, eventually catching the eye of executives in both the Christian and country music industries.
As Anne’s musical journey takes off, she must deal with the effects her newfound opportunity has on the people closest to her. Her growing career brings changes to her family and friendships while also placing new pressure on her to live up to her own expectations.
Along the way, Anne is forced to reconsider how she sees herself, her place in the world and her relationship with God. Ultimately, her journey leads her to a deeper understanding of her purpose and what it means to use her voice.
“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,” said Erin Westerman, president of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group. “But what sets her story apart is that her true gift is a testament to the power of faith, family, friendship, love and devotion.”
Westerman added that Anne’s journey demonstrates how faith can transform every aspect of a person’s life, while praising Oyegun’s approach to the story and expressing Lionsgate’s enthusiasm for bringing it to the screen.
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