By DANIEL SMITH
ameron and B..J. Arnett star in the film “The Forge” as husband and wife business owners who minister to the community. This is a function they perform in real life.
Cameron & B.J.: It is our pleasure and privilege as well Dan. Thank you Message Magazine for sharing the latest chapter of our story.
Smith: So, let me just jump right into it. The movie “The Forge”, is blowing up…taking off…fantastically being received by the many millions of individuals that are flocking to see it in theaters. You all are some of the primary lead actors in the movie.
Cameron: Wow Dan, I don’t know about all of that (laughing) but Praise God we hear that it is being well received by the viewing audience.
B.J.: Yes we are hearing that a lot of individuals are liking the realism of the movie as it relates to the youth.
Smith: The Kendrick Brothers, who filmed “Fireproof,” “War Room,” “Facing the Giants” and a whole host of faith-based films, wrote, produced, and directed this movie as well?
Cameron: Yes, they are really gifted with their productions.
B.J.: Definitely God is with them.
Smith: How did you feel about the authenticity of the story being told from a white writer’s perspective portraying a story of a black family with all of their specific family and cultural dynamics?
B.J.: Well we read the script and it was telling a story that anyone could relate or connect with.
Cameron: Yeah, we all know, heard of or experienced even someone in our own family who had these issues with respecting authority, not having a good outlook on your own future plans, or just being influenced by the wrong set of friends. And not having a positive role model in the household.
B.J.: But this movie addressed all of these issues facing many of our typical American families no matter what ethnicity, race, or culture that you are from. That’s why we loved the script so much.
Smith: So did you see yourself as the character of Isaiah Wright, played by Aspen Kennedy, when you were younger?
Cameron: Absolutely! When I was young and trying to figure things out I was definitely like Isaiah at times.
B.J.: That is why “The Forge” focused so much on community and shared responsibility in helping our young black men. It definitely takes a village… a godly village to raise a child.
Smith: Yes, I was really impressed with the message of community awareness and discipleship. It wasn’t preachy either.
Cameron: The Kendrick Brothers have a way of making movies that are relatable and relevant to the times that we are now living in. Still showing God’s love and His involvement in the world in which He created is a real talent that they seemed to have harnessed for such a time as this.
Smith: Do you believe that there has been a void in movie making that speaks to Christians today?
B.J.: I do, with all of the mega million-dollar block-buster budget movies that Hollywood is making now they see the need for great simple life-changing movies that the family can relate to and identify with. There is a wave of new great faith-based content movies coming out. People still like a good story and there are no greater stories than what’s in the Bible and what God is doing in someone’s life.
Smith: I totally agree. So, what’s in the future for the Arnett family?
Cameron: Well, we still run our non-profit organization called Christ Over Career (COC), which is a global movement calling the Church back to Leadership of Jesus Christ, placing Him and keeping Him at the helm. I’m also in other productions and projects.
Smith: Mrs. Arnett or as you like to be called B.J., what about you?
B.J.: I have just been appointed Chair of the Fashion and Art Department at Clark Atlanta University. I am still acting and producing as well. I’m also Cameron Arnett’s manager.
Smith: Wow, God is definitely increasing the Arnett’s territory. When I saw the movie, I was impressed that there was a pastor there who took his church’s youth to the movie for service and had a discussion on discipling. They prayed over each other and for the success of the movie in the lobby after the movie was over. What is the take away you all would like Message readers to have regarding this movie?
B.J.: God has a plan for each of our lives, we just need to keep Him in the front of all of our plans.
Cameron: I would say, it is never too late to make a new start in your life as long as you have God, you are never a failure! Start mentoring youth and you will not be disappointed. That’s the ultimate giving back. Mentorship is discipleship.
Smith: Thank you B.J. and Cameron Arnett for this insightful interview for Message Magazine.
DANIEL SMITH, is a contributing writer for Message Magazine.