(Review) ‘Kirk Franklin’s A Christmas Gospel’ Teaches The Reason For The Season
The holiday season is a time that instantly puts us in a joyful spirit. From the decorations to family traditions, it is just a wonderful time of year. There’s nothing like the holiday spirit and Kirk Franklins A Gospel Christmas exudes that very feeling.
Lifetime is set to release Kirk Franklin’s A Gospel Christmas this holiday season. The film stars Demetria McKinney, Chaz Lamar Shepherd, Regina Belle, Angela Birchette, and Kirk Franklin. Kirk Franklin’s A Gospel Christmas airs December 4th 8/7c on Lifetime.
About Kirk Franklin’s A Gospel Christmas
When Olivia (Demetria McKinney), a young assistant pastor, gets assigned to be a lead pastor at a new church a month before Christmas, she’s fearful she can’t manage the transition, including getting the choir ready to open the town’s annual Winter Jamboree. Banding together with her new congregation, Olivia discovers a new home for herself, and even finds a little Christmas romance along the way! Featuring a special appearance and songs written and arranged by Kirk Franklin. (Scroll down to watch the trailer.)
Kirk Franklin’s A Gospel Christmas is produced by Swirl Films and Big Dreams Entertainment. Executive produced by Kirk Franklin and Tracy “Twinkie” Byrd and produced by Leslie Greif, Eric Tomosunas, and Ron Robinson. Erica Sutherlin directs a script by Kourtney Richard.
This film is especially important because it broke a milestone being the first Black Christmas gospel film. With it being the first of its kind, the entire team of producers and actors worked extremely hard putting their best effort into creating an amazing film.
During a virtual press conference, we had the opportunity to speak with Executive Producer Tracey “Twinkie” Byrd and actresses Demetria McKinney, Regina Belle, and Angela Birchette to get their inside thoughts relating to the film. In the movie, there is a church tradition of giving a wreath which symbolizes the idea that in order to give, you must receive. The ladies were asked if they could give anything to the world, what would it be? Demetria Mckinney responded she would give the world empathy. She feels the world often lacks care for others and a simple expression of empathy could be all a person needs to overcome their battles. Angela Belle says she would give the world grace, and Tracey “Twinkie” Byrd says she would give the truth and deprogram the colonized mindset that many have.
The ladies were also asked what were their favorite scenes. Regina Belle expressed that she loved seeing her daughter Olivia come into her new position as the pastor of a church. Regina especially enjoyed it because she is a mother in real life and connected to this role as a parent. Tracey “Twinkie” Byrd said she enjoyed placing Easter eggs throughout the film. “Easter eggs” is a term used to describe a hidden detail left in a movie by the filmmaker. Some hidden items throughout the film were images of a family member who passed away, one of her favorite books, and art created by a Black artist. This made me appreciate Tracey “Twinkie” Byrd’s thoughtfulness while producing the film. Her going the extra mile and layering elements made the movie even more special.
Review
After watching the film, I was immediately in the holiday spirit and ready to decorate. Seeing holiday films always puts me in a cheerful spirit, but this film made me want to act on the spirit of giving. The singing throughout the movie was phenomenal and clearly a part everyone enjoyed. They also did an excellent job at accurately portraying a Black church. To see that be done on a network like Lifetime was an achievement in itself.
While watching the movie, I personally resonated with Olivia’s fear of something unfamiliar. Many people can relate to this feeling because it is natural to fear the unknown. Olivia was well prepared for her new venture at the church but didn’t believe in herself. In life, uncomfortable situations force you to evolve, and that is exactly what happened for Olivia.
Overall, I can honestly say this was a phenomenal Christmas gospel movie. Every aspect from the storyline to the singing was skillful in its own way. Not only is it a great watch, but you will also reflect on yourself through the characters’ actions. What sets this film apart from the typical cliche Christmas film is its inclusion of the church home and teaching viewers the true “reason for the season.”
Be sure to set your DVR for Kirk Franklin’s A Gospel Christmas on December 4th 8/7c on Lifetime. You will definitely want to watch this movie more than once!