‘Pass the Light’ acquired by Freestyle Digital Media

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This week it’s been announced that Freestyle Digital Media, the digital film distribution arm of Byron Allen’s Entertainment Studios—theGrio’s parent company–, has acquired North American rights to the family and faith-themed drama Pass the Light.

According to a press release sent to theGrio, the film, “follows a 17-year-old high school student name Steve Bellafiore, who runs for Congress because he is disturbed by the message of hatred and intolerance espoused by the popular candidate Franklin Baumann. Steve is a bright, religiously devout teen that yearns to become a football starter and works twice as hard as his high school peers to accomplish that goal. Steve’s work ethic and kindness radiate through his life.

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Currently upset by his parents’ seeming estrangement, Steve is even more disturbed by the message of hatred and intolerance espoused by Franklin Baumann, an extreme candidate for Congress. Steve wants to make the point that Baumann’s exclusionary and fear-based message has very little to do with his Christian perception of Christ’s teachings. In retaliation, Steve announces his own candidacy for Congress. What begins as a tiny movement soon grows into a phenomenon, as people throughout the area – including the most popular girl in school – embrace Steve and his Faith Crusade, whose “Pass the Light” campaign unites the community as never before.”

“Pass The Light is more relevant now than ever,” said filmmaker Malcolm Goodwin who also co-produced the project with Vanessa Goodwin, Angie Canuel, Nikki Love, and Victor Hawks. “This is a story about accepting everyone as they are, and it is necessary.” 

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The film also features an ensemble cast including Cameron Palatas (‘Steve Bellafiore’), Alexandria Deberry (‘Jackie Burns’), Jon Gries (‘Franklin Baumann’), Milena Govich (‘Anne Bellafiore’), Dalpre Grayer (‘Willy’), Colby French (‘Pete Bellafiore’), and Lawrence Saint-Victor (‘Trevor’). 

“With all of the division in the world, the idealist viewpoint of a kid running for congress, is a story we need,” said Hawks. “Steve can’t officially win, but he still wants the chance to let the world know that we are always stronger together. That notion is timeless.”

Steve DesJardins, Gina Santori, Julie DesJardins, Richard and Arlene Hawks, Craig and Jan Mahlstedt, Denny and Ande Hawks, Belinda Des Jardins, and Mike Evariste are executive producers for the feature which will be available to rent and own on global digital HD internet, cable, and satellite platforms through Freestyle Digital Media on December 4 and on DVD on December 8.

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