Chicago, May 6, 2011—T.D. Jakes’ April 25th screening of his film, Jumping the Broom, drew a large crowd to the AMC River East 21 Theater.
Jumping the Broom is a romantic comedy that tells the story about a clash between two African American families from opposite ends of the socioeconomic spectrum, who meet for the first time during a weekend wedding in Martha’s Vineyard. The cast includes Angela Bassett, Loretta Devine, Julie Bowen, Paula Patton, Laz Alonso, Mike Epps, Tasha Smith, Gary Dourdan, Valarie Pettiford, Vera Cudjoe, Meagan Good, Romeo Miller, DeRay Davis, and Pooch Hall.
The screening was followed by a Q&A with T.D. Jakes.
Q: Where did you film the movie?
A: The film took place in Nova Scotia and it took about 6 weeks to film.
Q: What about this movie had to be different from other films that portrayed African American families?
A: We wanted to clear up some misconceptions about African American people and show an example of upward mobility and grassroots in the African American community. Also, we wanted to let people know that just because people have money doesn’t mean that they don’t have problems.
Q: As a Bishop, how do you feel about a 5 month quarting period?
A: Sometimes it’s not about the depth of the relationship it’s about the commitment between the two people and really getting to know that person. You can’t put a time frame on getting to know a person.
Q:What is the message that you want people to take away from this film?
A:The movie is about relationships and life, but the underlying message is about forgiveness. You have to learn how to forgive people in order to move on in your life.
Q: What was it like to work with such an all-star cast?
A: [Laughs] Well Angela is very classy and Loretta she is crazy and fun. Really it was a wonderful cast to work with.
About Jumping the Broom
Jumping the Broom is directed and co-produced by Salim Akil and produced by T.D. Jakes, Tracey E. Edmonds, Curtis Wallace, Elizabeth Hunter, and Glendon Palmer. Screenplay is by Elizabeth Hunter and Arlene Gibbs, and is distributed by Sony Pictures. For more information on Jumping the Broom, visit http://www.jumpingthebroom-movie.com/.
