The Kendrick Brothers’ film, The Forge, symbolizes the transformative process of discipleship, adding a visual depiction of a successful businessman named Joshua Moore, played by actor Cameron Arnett, and his relationship with 19-year-old Isaiah Wright, played by Aspen Kennedy, while guiding him through manhood. This Christian film illustrates a genuine relationship with Christ following adoption into His family, emulating the process of building and nurturing relationships within your own family.
Speaking of family, did you know that The Forge, currently gracing theaters nationwide, is more than just a film? It’s a unique cinematic experience that stars real-life family members. This personal touch not only adds authenticity to the story but also enhances the emotional resonance of the film, making it a must-watch for all, especially for Christian film enthusiasts.
During a virtual meet-and-greet on August 9th, hosted by Front Page Firm, Cameron Arnett and Priscilla Shirer opened up about their art-intimating life experiences on set. The media attended the event, offering a unique opportunity to interact with the cast and gain insights into the film’s making.
Some of the cast members at the Forge Red Carpet event at the National Association of Black Journalist Convention in Chicago: L-R: Cameron and BJ Arnett, Moderator, Jawn Murray (Executive Producer of SHERRI), Karen Abercrombie, Priscilla Shirer, and Aspen Kennedy; Courtesy of Jawn Murray/Facebook
Shirer makes her third appearance in the Kendrick Brothers film, following her roles in War Room and Overcomer. Arnett, who previously appeared in Overcomer, makes his second appearance in the film.
WE ARE FAMILY
The movie features Shirer’s husband and son. The men weren’t actors in the Forge scene; instead, the producers took a different approach, handpicking them specifically for the scene.
“These were real-life men they knew from their local church in Albany, GA, who are part of their lives outside of [their church] circle and are already disciplining young men,” the two-time New York Bestselling author and minister explained.
Left: Husband and Wife Duo, Cameron and BJ Arnett; Courtesy of Cameron Arnett Speaks/Facebook; and Right: Jerry and Priscilla Shirer (2nd-3rd person to the left) and their three children (L-R): JC, Jude, and Jackson Shirer); Courtesy of Priscilla Shirer/Instagram
“My husband is a behind-the-scenes type of guy, but he decided to go for it in honor of his brother, whom he was close to, who recently passed away,” said the Dallas native.
The producer gave Shirer’s husband and son the option to name their roles. She explained that her husband named his character Vaughn after his late brother. Meanwhile, their son, Jude, named their character after his father’s name, Jerry. Additionally, the film features Shirer’s brother, Jonathan Evans, who uses his real name in the Forge scene.
BJ Arnett portrays Arnett’s on-screen and real-life wife. In the movie, his wife plays his business partner. In real life, they both work hand in hand with their company, Camy Arnett Production Studios (CAPS), in which they build faith-based and family-friendly films.
As a seasoned actor, Arnett’s credits include NBC’s Miami Vice, Fox’s Star Trek: The Next Generation, ABC’s China Beach, Doogie Howser MD, VHI’s Single Ladies, and Tyler Perry’s Meet the Browns. According to his website, he has appeared in at least 35 films in the last ten years. His most recent projects include Running the Bases, Saved by Grace, the crime series Vindication, Angels Unaware, and Making Him Famous.
In describing his experience working on this project with his wife, he said it’s truly fulfilling for them to share the spotlight.
“[I get to] kiss my wife and get paid for it. So that is the awesome thing in itself,” he joked.
To Arnett, it’s a mind-blowing experience and a testament to the power of God and how God continues to work in his and his wife’s lives and work together with his wife on set.
He talks about his wife being a gift from God, as well as their movie experience.
“God is saying, ‘Hey, you’re not insane.’ I put you [two] together for a reason, and you’re going to find out what it is,” he said.
“There is no doubt in my mind that God orchestrated our lives together, and we continue to really look to him as our orchestrator,” he added.
ART IMITATING LIFE
The characters also gave Shirer and Arnett a real-life experience, bringing depth and authenticity to their role performances. While portraying her character, Shirer drew from her own experiences as a mother.
“I’m a mother of three sons, and they are about the same age as Isaiah in this film. There are some things in the script for me to say, and I didn’t need to add much change to it,” she said.
Shirer understood her character and said she just had to sound like she was challenging and encouraging her sons, gently reminding them to step up and become the men God had called them to be. Shirer also credits her mother-in-law, drawing from her experience raising her husband and late brother-in-law into manhood as a single mother. Shirer reflected on the stories told by her mother-in-law about her husband’s and brother’s upbringing, which she found incredibly enlightening and instructional as she prepared for her character.
L-R: Actor, Cameron Arnett’s professional photo; Photo Credit: Leanne Ring, and Priscilla Shirer’s professional photo; Courtesy of Lifeway
The role was ideal for Arnett, who portrays a successful businessman who takes the time to steer Isaiah in the right direction. Arnett, a businessman, founded his ministry on discipleship. His two ministry Childless Dads, Saving Destinies, through which he authored a children book, A Good Man: A Child’s I Coulda, Woulda, Shoulda Book Series. His other ministry, Christ Over Career, is a global movement calling the church back to the lordship of Jesus Christ and placing and keeping him at the helm.
He also reflects on his wife being his most prominent supporter and cheerleader in everything he does, which is similar to the depicted scenes of the movie.
BETTER THAN YESTERDAY
The film has been a blessing for Arnett and Shirer. On the set, the Haitian native shared that he and his wife were able to create and grow their relationships with half of the crew, fostering a sense of unity and shared experience. According to Arnett, the film also strengthened his and his wife’s relationship even more, taking them into a deeper dimension as true followers of Jesus. Shirer, the owner of Going Beyond Ministries, shared that her experience on set was a profound learning journey that improved her as a person and served as an inspiration for personal growth. Shirer and Arnett embody their real-life experiences through discipleship, hoping to minister to the audience in ways that both inspire and honor God.