Here’s today’s dispatch from the crossroads of faith, media and culture.

Gimme Shelter preview released: The gritty all-star movie, written and directed by Ronald Krauss, has a pro-life perspective is set to open in theatres across the country on January 24, 2014. But the official trailer has just been released Vanessa Hudgens, who gives a powerful performance in the lead role of homeless pregnant teen, does the intro  via Yahoo! Movies.

Synopsis: Based on the inspiring true events, Gimme Shelter centers on the courageous story of Agnes “Apple” Bailey (Vanessa Hudgens) and her incredible path to motherhood as a pregnant, homeless teenager.  Forced to flee her abusive mother (Rosario Dawson), and turned away by her Wall Street father (Brendan Fraser), Apple finds herself on a desperate and isolated journey of survival.  In the depths of despair, she meets a compassionate stranger (James Earl Jones), who ultimately leads her to salvation and unprecedented support in a suburban shelter for homeless teenagers.   With gained confidence, and the warmth of her new home, Apple breaks from her inhibiting past, embracing the future with clarity and hope.

Hudgens immersed herself in the character and delivers a transformative and stunning performance.  To prepare, she lived for weeks in pregnancy shelters, interacting with the young, homeless mothers who also appear in the film, completely altering her appearance unrecognizable.

Sound of Music on NBC. The network is airing its live stage production on Thursday, Dec. 5. starring Carrie Underwood in the role made famous on film by Julie Andrews. While you might think airing it a week earlier on Thanksgiving might have made sense, you gotta give them credit for actually airing a major faith and family-friendly special at all. They are rather rare these days on broadcast television.  I certainly plan on watching.

Giveaway:  I’ve been given the opportunity to offer give away two Sound of Music gift packs that include a poster, T-shirt and a CD that features songs from the new production. Contact me at john@jwkmedia.com with your favorite Sound of Music memories. I’ll choose two and send the packs off to you.

Encourage one another and build each other up – 1 Thessalonians 5:11