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

A new Mission for Bond. The recent announcement that Cantinas Entertainment has acquired Mission Pictures, the inspirational/faith-themed film distribution company co-founded by Cindy Bond, is seen by both sides as a win for makers of life-affirming films. The  deal combines with an established P&A fund to create Cantinas Distribution which is actively acquiring product for North American theatrical release. The newly-formed company is being overseen by Bond who says  she and her team plan to have a major presence in major film markets.

Greg Campbell, Cantinas Entertainment Co-Founder and CEO, says the deal “fulfills one of the core components for Cantinas Entertainment to become one of the next-gen content providers of quality entertainment.” He adds “We are equally excited to be partnering with Cindy who is a respected industry leader and her vision that is in lock-step with our long-term strategic goals for the company.”

Bond says “This is an incredibly exciting opportunity for Mission Pictures and me personally…I look forward to putting my passion and experience into action alongside Greg and his team to make Cantinas the global destination for high-quality, inspirational entertainment.”

Cantinas already has several projects in the pipeline including the live-action feature Heaven Sent (directed by Michael Landon, Jr), Redeeming Love (based on the Francine Rivers bestseller) and a co-production and financing deal for Bridge to Jabez (with Mike Medavoy of Phoenix Pictures and his new company, producers Doug McKay and Robert Kaplan of Rubicon Entertainment and producer Christopher Trunkey). In addition, McKay and Kaplan are currently set to produce the upcoming Cantinas feature based on Brenda Spahn’s book Miss Brenda and the Loveladies: A Heartwarming True Story of Grace, God and Gumption.

According to the press released which announced the deal “Cantinas Entertainment is a fully-funded new business venture dedicated to releasing multi-platform entertainment that inspires and informs through positive, life affirming stories. Cantinas believes entertainment should reinforce messages of selfless giving, elevating stories of compassion heroism and optimism. Cantinas aims to spark a sense of hope in audiences around the globe.”

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