Christian Actor David Oyelowo Partners With AMC for Free Streaming Service
By Movieguide® Contributor
Co-Founder of Mansa and actor David Oyelowo partnered with AMC Theatres to bring a free ad-supported streaming service primarily focused on black culture.
The focus of the deal serves for specialty distributors and streamers to continue to find solutions to gaining the most from movies. Partly since many still question traditional distributors obligation to theatres.
Mansa was founded by actors David Oyelowo, Nate Parker and Chike Okonkwo. As well as tech entrepreneur Zak Tanjeloff.
Chris Yates, Mansa’s Chief Commercial Officer told Deadline, “A fundamental aspect of our business is to lift up underrepresented voices that have long been left out of traditional entertainment circles and distribution models. With this partnership in place, we will be able to begin to shift the status quo and give our filmmaker partners the distribution, exposure and recognition they deserve.”
Mansa’s main aim is to create “lasting, long-term relationships with all creators and talent who produce original content” for its streaming service. Actors and filmmakers “will share in the company’s success and become a part of its growing network of creatives.”
The reason for the partnership is largely due to Mansa’s mission as a company.
AMC’s SVP Content Strategist, Nikkole Denson-Rudolph told Deadline, “A core tenet of AMC’s inclusive programming strategy is bringing compelling and dynamic stories to our theatres that resonate with audiences, especially those that are often underrepresented on screen. This partnership with Mansa, and their range of original content, opens yet another avenue for AMC to deliver new and exciting content, from a diverse range of rising filmmakers and creatives, to our audiences across the country. ”
Movieguide® previously reported on David Oyelowo’s film THE WATER MAN and what motivated him to create the film:
“The inspiration for doing the film was other films that I think do this same thing incredibly well,” Oyelowo said. “One of the things I love about Pixar movies, is the fact that they also ask those questions. Look at a film like UP… look at THE INCREDIBLES … and I think the reason why those films are either classics or are going to be classics is because the whole family can watch them and the whole family can get something from them. And they’re actually about something.”
Oyelowo and his wife, Jessica, share four kids, that he says also inspired him to make a movie that centers around family and allows families to watch together.
“I have four kids. I kind of made this film very much with them in mind,” Oyelowo said. “I wanted to see those conversations had in a film because so often we would watch films together big tentpole movies that we would enjoy, but there wasn’t as much substance to them, they didn’t elicit a conversation, not the likes of which I had with my parents after I watched E.T., for instance.”
Faith also plays an essential role in Oyelowo’s life. While it is not explicit in most of his movies, it is always a source of meaning for Oyelowo in the movies he creates.
“In all of my work, I want to address the issue of faith without being prerogatory. You know, without sort of making it what the entire story is about. But it’s such a huge part of my own life that there is not a piece of work I do that doesn’t sort of touch on that in some way,” Oyelowo said, adding of THE WATER MAN: “When you have a kid who is basically decided to exhibit sacrificial love for his mom, who he’s on the precipice of losing, I mean, no one exhibited that better than Jesus Christ. And, you know, also the theme of what happens afterwards? And what can you control and not control, and how much just loving the moment you are in because you’re not promised tomorrow. These are all of course, you know, very pertinent biblical themes.”
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
