'My Brother's Crossing,' A faith-based film on racial reconciliation premieres in theaters

Sep 9

EEW Magazine Online // Entertainment // Faith-based films

My Brother’s Crossing is a spiritually-uplifting film depicting the true story of a Black pastor that gets into a head-on collision, accidentally slamming his car into a motorcycle and killing a white couple shortly after the Missouri riots in August 2014.

The movie began playing in select Regal and AMC theaters throughout the U.S. on Thursday, September 3rd.

Actor James Black plays the Black pastor who crashed into two motorcycle riders, killing them with his car. (Credit: My Brother’s Crossing film) — Actor James Black plays the Black pastor who crashed into two motorcycle riders, killing them with his car. (Credit: *My Brother’s Crossing film)*

My Brothers' Crossing is based on the book In the Blink of an Eye: Forgiveness in Black and White that details the tragic death of motorcycle bikers Bobby and Pam Clark. The story is told from the perspective of Bobby's brother J.T. Clark whose on-screen character is played by award-winning actor Daniel Roebuck (The Fugitive, Getting Grace).

J.T. eventually forgives C.J. Martin, the Black man who killed his brother, played by veteran actor James Black (Godzilla, Days of our Lives).

The compelling true-life tale dives deeper than just forgiveness, however, also chronicling the journey to J.T.'s salvation during the turmoil of losing his brother. According to him, My Brother’s Crossing “is like one of those stories you wouldn't believe unless it happened to you.”

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Movieguide, a values-based movie review site, gives the new release 3 out of 4 stars and calls it an “inspiring story about the power of forgiveness, loving your neighbor and the importance of God.”

The film, which was originally set to premiere in theaters last fall, is releasing at the perfect time says film director Ricky Borba. “We are very thankful it was delayed and is hitting theaters now when this country so desperately needs healing across all racial lines,” he said, adding, "I really believe God saved the film to premiere for such a time as this."

Borba said that he only had about two weeks to prepare to direct the movie which created a unique set of challenges but also created an incredible bond among the crew, helping them work together as a team. Borba beamed and said he couldn't be more proud of the onscreen and behind-the-scenes performances.

One thing he couldn't foresee, according to him, was how many life-saving doors God would open on such short notice during the shoot. Borba's favorite example was when the production crew needed to film at the local courthouse, and the court allowed the crew to use the courthouse without interruption for the entire day. That allowed them to stay on their shooting schedule without delay. For that, Borba was thankful to the Lord.

The movie was produced by Tony and Edna White and executive produced by Reverend Samuel Rodriquez who co-produced the film Breakthrough in 2019. Rodriguez says the story of forgiveness is timely in a way that cannot be mere coincidence.

"Especially at a time when we are confronted with the unresolved problem of racism in America, our nation needs to remember that forgiveness can eclipse our racial divisions and heal even our deepest wounds," Rodriquez said.

He continued, "I am honored to be part of such a powerful and compelling film, one that shares the hope of transformation for individuals and entire communities through the power of Jesus Christ."

My Brothers' Crossing is distributed by Atlas Distribution.