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MY BROTHER’S CROSSING: A Relevant Story of Redemption and Unity

Photo from My Brother’s Crossing Instagram

MY BROTHER’S CROSSING: A Relevant Story of Redemption and Unity

By Cooper Dowd, Staff Writer

After circumstances forced the new faith-based movie MY BROTHER’S CROSSING to release over nine months later than initially planned, the movie’s crew said God moved in the delays to help the inspirational true story get told.  

“Everyone that is involved with the film right now keeps saying the Lord saved this film for such a time as this, that God knew what was going to be happening in the United States in the spring and summer of 2020,” director Ricky Borba told MOVIEGUIDE®. “Had the film come out on Thanksgiving or April, it may have done well, but I don’t believe it would have touched hearts and minds the way that it’s going to now for people who see it.”

MY BROTHER’S CROSSING is the true story of the unlikely bond between C.J. Martin, a pastor, and J.T. Clark, an unbeliever, whose paths cross after a tragic accident in August 2015. Based on the book written by Clark and his wife, Terri Lee, In the Blink of an Eye: Forgiveness in Black and White, the movie adaptation tells a story of forgiveness, conversion, unity, and friendship relevant for current times.  

Borba said he recognized the influence that telling this story on screen could have in today’s culture.  

“I thought it was pertinent for this time in the world,” Borba said. “I think a lot of people would say something to the effect of, you know, ‘Our nation is broken right now. And our world is hurting.'” 

Although there is brokenness in the world today, stories like MY BROTHER’S CROSSING look to shed a light on the true stories of hope not shown by mainstream media.  

“I think parts of our nation are broken and part of this world is hurting. I don’t see it as a whole, that everyone is hurting and everybody’s broken, because there are people on both sides of this issue who don’t agree with what the mainstream media is putting out,” Borba said.

Taking place shortly after Ferguson and Missouri riots in August 2014, the movie also addresses a story of forgiveness across races.   

“You know, they want you to believe that there’s unrest among everybody that walks into a store [and that] you should be leery of the person next to you,” Borba continued. “But then you have a real true story like this … I saw it as a wonderful tool to tell people, ‘Hey, there are still good people out there that love the Lord that also want to do what’s right, no matter how hard it is.’

“And I wanted to tell that story to give people who are enduring difficulties in that realm right now with racial unrest, hope that it can still get better and be better because there are people out there who really do truly love you, no matter what your skin color is,” Borba added. 

Both J.T. Clark and his wife, Terri Lee Clark, were integral in making the movie. According to Borba, it was paramount that the writers and producers honored their stories by seeking their involvement from day one.  

As a filmmaker, Borba said that one of his goals is always to create dialogue and story that do not shun non-Christian viewers by being too preachy or unbelievable.  

“I want them [my movies] to inspire hope. I want them to give people encouragement. But I don’t want them to be done in a way where non-Christians feel they’re being preached at or that the words coming out of the actor’s mouth are unrealistic, because nobody talks like that,” Borba said.  

“A lot of times with Christian films, you’ll walk in and as a Christian, you’ll be like, ‘Okay, well, that’s language I hear in the church. And that’s language I hear in my family gatherings.’ But your non-Christian friends are like, ‘Who the heck talks like that?'” Borba added. 

Along with the delays for releasing the film, Borba said that God helped the cast and the crew to come together and create a movie that will relate to audiences.  

“I’m really proud of the performances. I’m really proud of the crew on this film that worked so hard in such unique conditions,” Borba said. “Most people on that set didn’t know each other. So we bonded as a family very quickly, and I believe that the performances in that movie are what’s going to stand out, and I’m really, really proud of that.”

Part of the relatability comes from the powerful bond between two families. However, Borba points out that the story centers around a story of conversion.  

“While it is a film about two families, it’s really a film about… a conversion of someone’s heart after a tragedy,” Borba said. “That’s applicable to everyone because everyone has had some sort of tragedy happen in their lives, everyone’s had some sort of hardship.”

The movie demonstrates a positive response in the face of struggle, which is applicable for many today, Christian or otherwise.  People are searching for a saving grace, and while many do not realize that the answer is finding hope in Jesus, they are still looking, and stories like this can point them there.  

“If you can respond well in those times, then not only do you come out on the other end better, but you can also inspire other people,” Borba said. “And I believe that this film and J.T.’s story is going to inspire people.”

The movie debuted September 3, 2020, and is directed by Ricky Borba with Tony D. White producing and Edna Janeen White writing.  

Check out MOVIEGUIDE® for the full review.

 

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.