Here’s the latest dispatch from the crossroads of faith and media:

Just in time for All Saints Day, Harriet (from Focus Features) opens nationwide tomorrow (Nov. 1). Though she wasn’t Catholic and is, therefore, unlikely to ever be officially canonized, few would doubt that Harriet Tubman – a woman of fearless faith in God – is the embodiment of true sainthood. And now there’s finally a biopic telling her story. Why it took so song remains one of Hollywood’s great mysteries (almost as great a mystery as why the planned Tubman $20 bill is taking so long).

Directed by Kasi Lemmons (Talk to Me) who co-wrote the taut and moving script with Gregory Allen Howard (Remember the Titans), Harriet is an exciting, heart-pounding biography of an American Moses. The film effectively chronicles the harrowing and inspirational of Harriet Tubman’s escape from slavery and subsequent adventures as a hero of the Underground Railroad who led hundreds of slaves to freedom.

Cynthia Erivo (Broadway’s The Color Purple), a British actress of Nigerian heritage, was a controversial choice to play Tubman for some who felt the role should go to an actual descendant of an American slave but she proves mesmerizing in the role.  In fact, just about everything about this movie work. Highly recommended.

___

And coming to theaters November 19th, Waves (starring Sterling K. Brown of TV’s This is Us) follows the struggles of a modern suburban African-American family in the aftermath of a devestating loss.  The advance word on this story of love and forgiveness has been exceptional.

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