Cast The First Stone – The Movie
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The St. Landry Parish Adult Reentry (STAR) Coalition is hosting a screening of a new film directed by Jonathan Stack and executive produced by David B. Deniger, “Cast the First Stone” on Tuesday, November 12, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. at the Historic Delta Grand Theatre in Opelousas, Louisiana.
“Cast the First Stone” is a feature documentary about the most powerful story in history performed by men and
women for whom it is perhaps most relevant. The story unfolds at the Angola Prison, on 18,000 acres – the largest maximum-security prison in the United States – where, in May 2012, 75 inmate actors at the Angola Prison and the Louisiana Correctional Institution for Women (LCIW) came together and after two years of rehearsals, over the course of three days, before an audience of a thousand free people, performed the Passion of Christ in perhaps the largest theatrical event ever staged in a prison.
“Cast the First Stone” intercuts the lives of the actors with the “making of” footage as well as scenes from the play performed. The film explores the deeper meaning of Christ’s message and its particular relevance to men and women who have acknowledged their sins and are serving some of the longest sentences in the world. An intimate powerful
view of redemption in real time, it is as much an insight into the life of the incarcerated as it is a chance to deepen ones understanding of Christ’s teachings.
The film’s distribution is bypassing television and theatrical releases and being offered through Highest Common Denominator Fund (HCD Fund). HCD Fund is a 501(c)(3)
nonprofit corporation organized exclusively for charitable and educational purposes and is dedicated to enhancing public education, promoting and defending human rights, and
fighting the cruelty and hardships caused by prejudice and discrimination. HCD Fund supports master storytellers in the documentary film industry who can not only focus
attention on social injustice, but also do so in a fashion that draws an audience into meaningful action.
The film’s director, Jonathan Stack, has written, produced and directed films for over 25 years with a catalog of 50 television programs including The Farm: Angola, USA, which
was honored with the Sundance Film Festival’s Grand Jury Prize, and nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary. Stack – who says this is the best film he’s ever made – will be present for the screening as will some of the actors.
“Truly, this is an event you don’t want to miss”, says STAR Coalition Chairperson, LaVonya Malveaux who has been working with the HCD Fund group, community leaders, businesses, and faith-based organizations to bring the film to St. Landry Parish.
“The parish’s reentry coalition was formed in 2010 to provide supportive assistance to “returning citizens” being released from local jails. We are excited to partner with the HCD Fund to build on the spirit of the film and create a community that supports the STAR Coalition and HCD Fund’s missions”, states Malveaux. “The film, itself, will
change many, many lives, and this is a chance for St. Landry Parish to be a part of it.”
The screening is free but due to the limited seating at the Delta Grand Theatre, persons are requested to RSVP by emailing Alyson@hcdmediagroup.com or
Lavonya@opelousascitycourt.com. You may also call LaVonya Malveaux at the 337948-2570 ext. 101 to reserve seats and secure a ticket. Persons will be admitted into the
theatre by ticket only. If you would like to learn more about “Cast The First Stone”, please visit the website for more information, www.castthefirststone-themovie.com.