The Kennedy Center, a key venue for the performing arts in the U.S., is set to screen some of this year’s top Christian films. This initiative comes amid a wave of conservative influence in Washington, D.C. The center will premiere the new film King of Kings on June 1st, which is an animated depiction of the life of Christ. This film, produced by Angel Studios, has already made waves, raking in around $60 million domestically and has been labeled the best-selling biblical animated film to date. Last year, the center featured Jesus Christ Superstar, a rock opera that stirred debate due to its unconventional themes upon its initial release in the 1970s. In contrast, King of Kings has reportedly gained significant approval from conservative Christian audiences.
The Kennedy Center stands as a hallmark of American culture, renowned for hosting extraordinary performances from legends like Leonard Bernstein, Aretha Franklin, and Itzhak Perlman, among others, as well as prestigious events like the Kennedy Center Honors.
The center’s new president expressed intentions to feature more films like King of Kings. Richard Grenell, the president, mentioned that when he saw an advertisement for the film, he became enthusiastic about the programming. He even had the opportunity to discuss it with the CEO of Angel Studios, emphasizing a future filled with family-friendly events.
King of Kings narrates the story of Jesus through a lens inspired by Charles Dickens. The narrative unfolds as Dickens, a devoted father, recounts biblical tales to his attentive son, Walter, beside a cozy fire. This film draws inspiration from Dickens’s own literary work about the life of Christ.
The cast includes Oscar Isaac as Jesus, Kenneth Branagh as Charles Dickens, and Uma Thurman as Katherine Dickens. Notable actors like Pierce Brosnan, Mark Hamill, Forest Whitaker, and Ben Kingsley also depict significant biblical figures.
The Kennedy Center’s website describes the film as exploring the “life, death, and revival of Jesus Christ,” noting that it presents this story in a visually stunning manner with a memorable cast.
Free screenings will take place at 3 PM local time.
This summer, King of Kings won’t be the only faith-based offering at the Kennedy Center. On June 4th, the center will host the premiere of The Miracle of America, a documentary that recounts the nation’s founding and posits that it was achieved through divine intervention.
