The new film The Forge premiered on Friday and brought a story about faith, mentorship and personal growth to the screen.
Directed by Alex Kendrick and produced by Stephen Kendrick. The Forgea spinoff of the film War Roomtells the story of Isaiah Wright (Aspen Kennedy), a 19-year-old basketball enthusiast with no clear direction.
Isaiah struggles with his relationship with his single mother Cynthia (Priscilla Shirer) and is forced to confront his past and future when he is given an ultimatum: make a decision or move out.
Isaiah’s journey takes a significant turn when he gets a job at Moore Fitness, where the owner, Joshua Moore (Cameron Arnett), becomes a key mentor. Through the guidance of his new mentor and the prayers of his mother, Isaiah begins to realize that God may have a bigger plan for him than he ever imagined. The Forge is a religious film that deals with emotional themes such as forgiveness, growth and direction.
The film’s cast includes Shirer, Cameron Arnett, Karen Abercrombie and newcomer Aspen Kennedy. Other leading roles include TC Stallings, BJ Arnett, Ken Bevel, Benjamin Watson, Jonathan Evans, Jerry Shirer and Tommy Woodard.
Alex Kendrick said at the film’s premiere: “We made this film to inspire, challenge and motivate viewers to follow Jesus wholeheartedly. We hope audiences around the world will recognize the critical role that divine mentorship plays in shaping the next generation.”
Shirer added, “The topic of discipleship is very close to my heart, especially as a mother of three boys. I pray that this film will inspire parents to pray fervently for their children and for the mentors God will use to impact their lives.”
For Kennedy, art imitates life. His journey as a child raised by a single parent prepared him for the role of Isaiah.
“Isaiah’s journey was so similar to my journey,” Kennedy explained. “God put it on my heart to forgive my father years ago, and I didn’t understand why because I wasn’t angry or crazy. Looking back, God wanted me to be part of this project.”
Kennedy shared what he wanted audiences to take away from this film: “There is a wonderful thing about truly surrendering. If you surrender your life to God, He will show up and take you exactly where you need to be.”
Yvonne Orji from Unsure has never hidden her faith and told us that she has allowed her relationship with God to become her “centripetal force that sustains her.”
Musician MAJOR, who was there to support the film and promote his latest song “Joy,” said the most important relationship is with God, who “centers him at his core and in everything else.”
He said, “I will return there if I do not understand the circumstances, because nothing that is meant for me will miss me, and that is because of the purpose and design intended by God.”
Trina Braxton said she was taught early on “the difference between religion and relationships.”
“Religion can be taught, but the relationship with the Lord is different. Your relationship determines how you behave,” she said.
The Forge is now in theaters.
