Vendetta Filmworks Releases a New Genre of Faith Based Films: The 23rd Psalm Is Now On DVD
Online, March 22, 2011 (Newswire.com) - Evil doesn't have a prayer.
In the quest to bring new, independent films, along with up-and-coming directors to its roster, Vendetta Filmworks and executive producer, John Ewing III, have kept the momentum going with the acquisition and release of The 23rd Psalm. Joining forces with the critically acclaimed writer/director, Christopher Odom, Vendetta Filmworks introduces a fairly new genre to the faith-based category: Christian Film Noir.
The 23rd Psalm has all of the elements of a great crime mystery: Murder, deceit, mayhem and lust. However, in this film noir, the cases are solved when faith and spirituality come into play.
Meet Los Angeles Police Detective, John Smith. He is a back-sliding believer with a bad attitude and a penchant for alcohol. Smith has all but given up on his faith and the goodness of any man. When the death of a known prostitute becomes Smith's newly assigned case, he becomes embroiled in an underground world where the notion of good versus evil is not what it seems.
Starring an all African-American cast, The 23rd Psalm is the creation of director Christopher Odom. "The 23rd Psalm is my lovechild. Initially, I wanted to write a story that revolved around spiritual stereotypes, twisted them, letting none of the characters behave as the stereotype would suggest, thus opening a channel for awareness and hope," says Odom.
Coupled with the DVD is the highly anticipated gospel soundtrack, featuring notable Christian artists, including Bishop Keith C. Smith, Pharis Evans Jr., Rev. Dr. Steven Thornton and the Memorial Mass Choir, Jannice D. White with the Family and Friends Mass Choir, and more.
The young cast includes many who are new to the screen, including Markhum Stansbury Jr., who plays the lead role of Detective John Smith. Additional notables are athlete-turned-actress and Pan African medalist, Arnita Champion (Jessie) and Mister Jones (Pastor Dennis Luther), a NAACP Best Actor Award recipient.
Named as an official selection in the Cannes Pan African Film Festival and winner of the Best Film category in Berlin's Black Cinema International, The 23rd Psalm promises to be a great addition to the faith-based film market.