For the love of diversity, PLEASE see Queen of Katwe

If you love diversity(or say you do), especially in entertainment, then go see Queen of Katwe this week (ALREADY in selected theaters, and many more next week, starting this Friday, September 30).

There are people who have probably written much more persuasive (and longer) pieces, but i'd like to throw out my feelings and thoughts, and hope you can agree at least on one small action.

Now, this weekend, The Magnificent 7 remake is out as well. That too is an excellent example of diversity (the 7 are a diverse bunch), as well as Antwone Fuqua as director. The thing is, this is a Hollywood blockbuster, and since it's opening in late September, it will likely be #1 at the box office for the next 2-3 weeks. So while it could also use the support (it was already #1 on its opening weekend),  it won't need it as much as a lower budget (approximately $15 million) film  could use the help.

None of the stars of this movie are white  (and in fact are 1st or 2nd Generation African), which may turn off many potential moviegoers. Let's buck that trend, and not give Hollywood an excuse to stop making films featuring non-whites, as well as excuses for focusing just on sex and violence.

So if you can only see one movie this weekend, see Queen of Katwe. If you can see two, then go for Magnificent 7. But sacrifice a little to make a big impact.

Thanks for taking the time (and just a bit of money)  to help support diversity, and quality entertainment.

Christians need to see Queen of Katwe

I really want to encourage my Christian friends to take some time this weekend and see the movie Queen of Katwe. This is a movie about a young Ugandan girl who becomes a chess champion.

The reason why I want to see this movie this weekend as opposed to waiting to DVD or another weekend is because the opening weekend of a movie is how to make a huge impact. This will send a signal to the studio executives that these kinds of family-oriented movies are important and really need to be out there.  (It opened in limited release last week, but the full opening is this weekend).

Now, this Christian movie is not as blatantly Christian is The Passion of the Christ or this year's movie Risen. However, this is one of those rare movies that shows Christians in a positive light. It shows us doing Simple everyday Ministry, which shows how we can have a great impact around the world.

My oldest daughter is excited to see it, and I can wait to see it with her, and talk all about it after it's over.

Let's get all out there as well. This is our opportunity to make a difference. And it won't cost us very much money and just a couple hours of our time.