Waxahachie, TX
January 29, 2020 | Andrew Hurst
Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU) Cinema recently signed a contract with international film distributor, Timeless Life , to begin distributing the “Forgiven Felons” documentary series .
This is a first-ever for SAGU Cinema according to Rob Price, Executive Producer of Forgiven Felons and head of SAGU’s Digital Media Arts program.
Over the next year, Timeless Life will distribute the film to a wide range of digital platforms along with free-to-air television channels and other interested parties.
Timeless Life Distribution Representative, Mark Haville, says, “Forgiven Felons is a realistic yet hope-filled documentary showing the possibility of redemption to those widely considered unredeemable. I like the flow, style, and transparency of the stories, and the consistency of results shown.
production crew during filming of the documentary
“I felt like this doc would get acceptance in the digital market place where other docs are generally rejected.”- Mark Haville, Timeless Life Representative
The SAGU Cinema original shares the story of six residents transitioning from incarceration to being free citizens through the help of the Forgiven Felons organization. The organization’s founder, Jay Dan Gumm, believes the documentary will bring more awareness about the ministry and give hope to those with incarcerated friends and family members.
“I’m excited for the world to know that through Jesus, anyone can turn around,” says Dan Gumm.
The stories depicted in the film demonstrate the second chance at life for the men transitioning to life outside of incarceration. It incorporates dramatic re-enactments and current-day stories hosted by WWE Hall of Fame Wrestler, Sting.
While there is no set timeline or established date in which the documentary will be picked up and aired by interested parties, Haville and Rob Price are optimistic about the film’s appeal to a broader audience.
“It’s a first-class, high-production-value documentary that deserves to be told beyond just a local premiere for our SAGU family,” says Price.
“I also believe that Timeless Life may want to consider prior and even future SAGU Cinema content for distribution. The explosion of online digital platforms in the last decade has really leveled the playing field for us.”
Price hopes that this breakthrough helps SAGU market their Digital Media Arts program and recruit young storytellers and producers that would like to study at a place like SAGU.
SAGU’s Digital Media Arts program provides an opportunity to make an impact on culture through creative arts. The program spans equipment, creative management, writing, communication, and creative production. To learn more about SAGU’s Digital Media Arts program, click here .
As a leading Christian university, SAGU educates and prepares individuals who want to serve Christ and others. SAGU helps students discover and develop their God-given callings in a Spirit-empowered, learning community.
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