The Forge, set to hit theaters nationwide on Friday, August 23, 2024, marks a significant milestone in the journey of Anna Douglas. Known for her comedic prowess on social media, especially in the gospel entertainment industry, Douglas is set to make her feature appearance in the Kendrick Brothers movies, who are best known for movies like the War Room and Overcomers. The movie also stars Priscilla Shirer, Karen Abercrombie, Aspen Kennedy, Cameron Arnett, and T.C. Stallings
Her rise from a social media comedian to a movie actress in a major film is a testament to her talent and dedication. Many of her videos have gone viral with her comedy skits which includes her taking snippets of videos add a funny twist to it. She can also have been seen shouting, and yelling her “give him the glory” theatrics while wearing her infamous red blazer.
This is not Douglas’s first time acting, as she performed in gospel plays, made TV appearances, according to her website. According to Clean Comedy Clinic, her acting skills started in her early heydays when she participated in high school plays and dramas.
The Fayetteville, North Carolina native has also done comedy shows across the country for many venues and concerts. She has worked with well-known artists in the gospel industry, such as the Clark Sisters, Tamala Mann, Marvin Sapp, Byron Cage, Shirley Caesar, Donnie McClurkin, Vicky Winans, Hezekiah Walker, and Dorothy Norwood.
She expressed her excitement about being featured in the film, saying that it wasn’t nothing but God. During the August 9th virtual interview session, the 38 year-old shared, who makes a cameo appearance in the salon, said that she’s also a hairstylist. She said that it was a great experience for Douglas to meet the Kendrick Brothers and to see how they maneuver behind the scenes.
As a social media influencer who made a name for herself on platform, Douglas shared the movie deeply influenced her spiritual journey. The movie’s theme is discipleship was so moving to the point that it helped shape her perspective to look at herself on what’s distracting or keeping her from having a much deeper relationship with God.
“I am so excited that this is a body of work that is anointed. We’re able to allow the world can see the anointing in a movie theater. The Kendrick brothers doesn’t play about the message of God and I love it,” she shared.
“This is truly the Lord that put me in this film and I am so grateful for that. And even to my sister, Priscilla, she kind of helped, reached out to me and really was a blessing to me throughout this,” she continued in describing the opportunity of her feature role and the support from fellow cast member, Priscilla Shirer.
She also shared that the Kendrick Brothers don’t sugarcoat anything about the message they convey in their movies. They are filmmakers who mean business and are very clear with their message, she expressed—ministering to those through movies while glorifying God while viewers can be entertained.
When the Exclusive Press asks what she wants viewers to take from the film, she states that the key to discipleship is fellowship. With fellowship, believers can help them grasp the necessity of relationship, even as disciples. Creating relationships is a valuable component as disciples, to believers and non-believers, help us grow in Christ.
Ticket goers can visit www.theforgemovie.com to purchase tickets to watch this dynamic movie.
