Sorted Magazine

Category: Featured

  • Sport: Kyren Wilson wins world snooker championship

    Excitement was off the scale here at Sorted HQ as we watched Kyren Wilson win his second World Championship final against Welsh qualifier Jak Jones. BBC Sport reports Wilson beating Jones 18-14 to win the world championship. Last year I had the pleasure of getting to know Kyren a little bit better when I interviewed him for Sorted Magazine. I’m a big snooker fan so what a thrill it was to speak to one of the top guys in the world – World Number Seven, Kyren Wilson. Here’s how it went:

    Steve Legg (SL): Hi Kyren. That’s an unusual name that I’ve heard pronounced differently. What do your friends call your Ky, Kyren or nothing at all?

    Kyren Wilson (KW): Ky, Kyren or anything but never Keiron.

    SL: I’ve seen you play many times, and they mess it up sometimes, don’t they?

    KW: I know. My very first debut on TV was on Eurosport. My management company had to message the commentators saying it’s Ky as in sky and Ren as in running. That’s how they got them to pronounce it correctly. My mum and dad were actually torn between Kyle and Kieron. So they mixed the two. That is as simple as that.

    SL: So now we know. Ky, my love for snooker came from watching Pot Black, because I’m older than you. Where did it come from for you?

    KW: Just a natural obsession with it. You know, there’s a picture that my mum and dad have from when I was two or three years old. There’s like a toy baby golf set. And instead of using it the traditional way, I put the golf ball on a coffee table, turn the golf club around, and start queuing with it. You know, nobody told me what to do with it. You know, there was just a fascination. That’s the way I wanted to do it. And yeah, my dad was a very keen pool player. Yeah. And at the time, it was frowned upon for younger children to play in pubs and stuff like that. There’s an old saying of something you can’t have, you want to even more so yeah, just an obsession from a young age.

    SL: Because it’s not one of those sports like footy or tennis, you can pick up as a toddler by kicking or hitting a ball about. Snooker is an entirely different kettle of fish, though; I assume countries in the far east have some fantastic young talents. Do they have special tables for little kids?

    KW: Um, yeah, you know, one of the most amazing things that I ever saw in my travels with the world snooker tour in Shanghai, and in between the Shanghai Masters I went to visit one of their local schools. And half of the school was a snooker club. You had about four or five snooker tables, some smaller tables for the younger children. And one of them gave me their book. And I said, you know, what’s this? And it was like, their homework and it was different practice routines. So yeah, if I was born in China, I’d have loved school more.

    SL: I bet. So do you remember your first visit to a snooker club with your dad?

    KW: We were quite lucky in Kettering. There were lots of good clubs around. We went there quite often during the week. My dad used to have quite a few arguments with my mum about it, because my mum was very much into education and my dad wanted me to carry on practising. He could see that as a natural talent. So I was very lucky to have it from a young age.

    SL: So when did you realise you were outstanding?

    KW: It was when I was six years old. I played Peter Ebdon in a local charity pool match. And Peter broke off and he didn’t pot a ball. And I stepped up to the table, just six years old, wearing black trousers, a white shirt, and a red waistcoat and cleared the table. So he turned to my mum and dad and said, you know, get him into snooker. He’s got a real natural talent and that’s where his future lies.

    SL: That is amazing. Peter Ebdon is a good pal of yours and is in your corner these days and does a bit of coaching with you?

    KW: Yeah, we work closely together and he’s greatly influenced me over the years. And I was very lucky to have him as a solid, consistent practice partner for many years up until, unfortunately, recently, when he had to retire due to health reasons. So yeah, it’s been a significant impact on my career. So I’m very grateful for that.

    Footnote: The full interview was published in the July/August 2023 print edition of Sorted Magazine or listen to our conversation at Konnect Radio.

    Main Photo Credit: Courtesy of Kyren Wilson

  • Comment: Heatwave in India

    The Chief Executive of The Leprosy Mission has voiced his concern over the severe effects of climate change in Asia. The World Meteorological Organization has warned that Asia is bearing the brunt of climate change. The warning from the United Nations weather agency coincides with a severe heatwave in India. Temperatures are soaring to as high as 45 degrees across great swathes of the country.

    Chief Executive Peter Waddup said the World Meteorological Organization’s findings sadly come as no surprise. He said: “Over the past few years we have witnessed our colleagues in Asia struggle with severe heatwaves, floods and storms. In fact we now need to budget for extreme climate emergencies which happen every year. Last year we provided emergency food and medical supplies to communities in Myanmar. This was in the aftermath of Cyclone Mocha which made landfall in Western Myanmar on May 14th. With wind speeds of up to 250km per hour, it was one of the strongest cyclones to ever hit the country, destroying homes and livelihoods.

    “Now my colleagues in India are battling daily life in hospitals and clinics without air conditioning. Their concern is to make the patients as comfortable as possible.” Peter said that in India, where the majority of people live hand to mouth, there is little option but to carry on. “For the majority in India, not working equates to not eating,” he said.

    “My colleague at Salur Hospital in Andhra Pradesh sent over a photo of women labourers working on the site yesterday in 45 degree heat. They are immaculately dressed in colourful saris and were stoically carrying on. I simply cannot imagine doing such physical work in insufferable temperatures. People continue to queue in the blistering heat outside our Outpatients’ departments in India. These are often the only places where they can see a doctor free of charge and places where they are loved , accepted and cared for. So although terribly uncomfortable, a wait in the burning sun is simply a means to an end.

    “I keep recalling the feeling of dread I had running up to July 19th 2022. This is when meteorologists had warned that, for the first time in the UK, temperatures would exceed 40 degrees. We all planned our lives so there was minimal movement for two days simply to make life bearable. I really cannot imagine how they can carry on for weeks in India in such severe heat. The summer monsoon will bring some relief but it is still weeks away.”

    The news that Asia’s struggle with climate change is greater than the rest of the world’s came a day after Earth Day on Monday [22 April]. Peter said: “I love looking at the photos that NASA release every year on Earth Day in celebration of our incredible planet. Taken from satellites, aircraft and deep-space missions, they leave me in awe and wonder. How to protect our beautiful planet is a monumental challenge. The World Meteorological Organization is calling for national weather services across Asia to improve disaster planning. There are also renewed calls for governments to implement net zero emissions by 2040 to help quell rising temperatures.

    “In our own lives we are encouraged to reduce our carbon footprints by flying and driving less and switching to renewable energy. I just hope and pray this will be enough to protect the people suffering the very most from climate change.”

    Main Photo Credit: Umesh Negi via Getty Images

  • Opinion: Do I dare to disagree with Monty Don?

    No Mow May is a popular gardening trend which advocates leaving lawns uncut throughout the month of May. The idea is to provide sources of food for pollinators and insects and this in turn helps creatures further up the food chain such as birds and small mammals. Leaving lawns uncut, for any length of time, to benefit the natural world is a lovely idea … in theory.

    In reality the soggy long grass resulting from No Mow May can often lead to Jammed Mower June followed by Junked Mower July and subsequently Absent Mower August. Bear in mind that as benefits to garden wildlife increase, the bank balance can potentially decrease. Domestic mowers are made for cutting shortish grass, meaning the motor can strain, and even burn out, under the extra power needed to cut long, thick, grass. Are lawn mower manufacturers the real winners in this equation? (If you don’t mind the endless gnawing ache of stooping, a decent strimmer is better at handling long wet grass.)

    “Leave grass long to attract small mammals” the sagely Monty Don advises. Hedgehogs and voles can bring their quaint story book personalities to the garden, making you feel as if you’re living in a magical woodland and a fairy might appear perched on a red spotted toadstool at any moment. In the reality of an urban setting, even a very posh one, the phrase “small mammals” is more likely to mean rats. What used to be called “vermin”. As well as their reputation for spreading deadly diseases (remember the Bubonic Plague?) vermin, particularly mice, can attract the neighbourhood cats, as many as four per night, each of them depositing a stinky poo parcel lurking within said long grass. Have you ever witnessed the fall out when barefooted children innocently run through long grass? It’s horrendous! I’m sorry Monty, you’re lovely and very wise about lots of things, but my grass will be mown and manicured in May and beyond.

    Main Photo Credit: Wellington Silva via Pexels

  • The Subaru Crosstrek: The family car that takes you anywhere

    Are you looking for a practical, reliable car that can handle muddy terrain and harsh weather conditions? Look no further than the Subaru Crosstrek, writes Tim Barnes-Clay.

    This vehicle is a cross between a hatchback and an SUV and blends style, comfort, and performance in one package, making it perfect for British roads and our changeable climate.

    The Crosstrek’s bold front grille, sharp headlights, and distinctive body lines give it a modern and stylish look. The vehicle sits on 18-inch alloy wheels that provide a smooth, comfortable ride, even on bumpy, pothole-peppered roads.

    The car’s all-wheel-drive system is one of its most significant selling points, especially in the often-wet UK. With this feature, you can motor along with confidence in any season. Additionally, the Crosstrek’s impressive 220mm of ground clearance allows it to handle rough, off-the-beaten-track surfaces easily.

    Inside, the Subaru offers a spacious cabin accommodating up to five passengers. The seats are well-cushioned and supportive, making long journeys more comfortable. The interior has various tech features, such as a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay/ Android Auto and a rearview camera.

    The Crosstrek’s 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine combined with hybrid power provides a decent balance of clout with 136PS and 184Nm of torque. What’s more, the engine is paired with a single-speed auto continuously variable transmission (CVT). The ‘Scooby’ will achieve mid-30s mpg and zero to 62mph arrives in a seemingly leisurely 10.8 seconds. However, it feels quicker than that – and the maximum speed is 123mph.

    Regarding safety, the Crosstrek comes loaded with tech such as Subaru’s first-class EyeSight kit. This feature helps prevent accidents and protects you and your passengers.

    Overall, this Subaru is a good choice for anyone after a car that offers style, comfort, and mount-goat-like performance. With its all-wheel-drive system, notable ground clearance, and advanced safety features, the Crosstrek is an excellent vehicle for daily commutes, weekend getaways, and outdoor adventures.

    Choose the Subaru Crosstrek and drive it on any road, muddy rural trail, or in any weather with confidence.

    Fast Facts – Subaru Crosstrek 2.0i e-Boxer Touring as tested:

    • Max speed: 123 mph
    • 0-62 mph: 10.8 secs
    • MPG: 36.8
    • Engine layout: 1,995cc four-cylinder petrol hybrid
    • Max. power (PS): 136
    • CO2: 174 g/km
    • Price: £36,290

    All Photos courtesy of Subaru Crosstrek

  • Prom Praise presents Chariots of Fire celebration

    A century ago, Olympic sprinter and Christian missionary Eric Liddell refused to compete in his favoured 100 metre race because it was held on a Sunday. Instead, he competed in the 400 metres … and won. Liddell’s story and the convictions that motivated him formed the foundations for the 1981 film Chariots of Fire.

    As the Olympics return to Paris this summer and to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Eric Liddell’s historic race, All Souls Music are delighted to confirm guest artists for Prom Praise: Chariots of Fire, broadcast live from the Royal Albert Hall on Saturday 4 May 2024.

    The concert will draw inspiration from Liddell’s tale of integrity, presenting an evening of musical sportsmanship that champions perseverance, character and hope.

    Artists include YolanDa Brown OBE, Martin Smith (pictured above), Ellie Limebear and Natasha Da Costa. Livestream host and Channel 5 News anchor Dan Walker (main photo above) will take to the stage with former Strictly Come Dancing partner, Nadiya Bychkova, performing a sensational new dance to Vangelis’ iconic Chariots of Fire main theme.

    Graham Daniels, General Director of Christians in Sport and a Director of Cambridge United Football Club, will offer a brief pause for thought and Eltham College Choir and musicians will be performing, honouring the school which formed such a crucial role in Liddell’s early life.

    Ellie Limebear (pictured above)

    The concert will also feature the World Premiere of a new orchestration of ‘How Great Thou Art’, celebrating the 75th anniversary of this well-known hymn, as well as featuring performances from Searchlight Theatre Company, bringing Liddell’s story to life.

    Sponsored by Christians in Sport and supported by Wycliffe Bible Translators and the Stuart Hine Trust, Prom Praise: Chariots of Fire promises to be a whirlwind of musical energy, celebrating an Olympic year and worthy of a giant of sport and faith.

    Natasha Da Costa (pictured above)

    Famous worldwide for a unique voice in music, the All Souls Orchestra has a longstanding residency at the Royal Albert Hall hosting an annual promenade concert, Prom Praise, which fuses a special partnership of classical and contemporary musicians for an evening of world-class music.

    PROGRAMME INCLUDES:

    Miklós Rózsa March of the Charioteers from Ben-Hur

    Vangelis Chariots of Fire Main Theme

    Rom Goodwin The Trap Main Theme

    Sibelius Finlandia

    FEATURING:

    All Souls Orchestra

    Prom Praise Massed Choir

    Conductor: Michael Andrews

    Special guests: Martin Smith, Ellie Limebear, YolanDa Brown OBE, Eltham College Choir and more

    Speaker: Graham Daniels

    Livestream host: Dan Walker

    The live event will be taking place at the Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, London, SW7 2AP on Saturday 4 May at 7.30pm. Tickets are available from the Royal Albert Hall Box Office.

    The Livestream will begin at 7.15pm at allsoulsmusic.org<http://allsoulsmusic.org>

    All Photos: Courtesy of Prom Praise

  • Review: Notes on Feminism – Being a Woman in a Church Led by Men

    Confession: I’m picky. And for good or ill I only review books which are of personal interest to me. Those which have actually caught my eye and caused me to ask myself: “What’s that all about?”. One of my motives for reading Journalist, Lauren Windle’s latest book, Notes on Feminism – Being a Woman in a Church Led by Men from SPCK Publishing, was to gain a better understanding of this old fashioned word “feminism”. How has it evolved? How is it currently understood? And that burning question, which I’m often asked, and have asked myself, but have thus far hesitated to answer: “Am I a feminist?” Would Windle’s book help me to figure this out?

    Notes on Feminism is, in some respects, a fresh evaluation of the current state of play. A sort of stock-take of where we’re up to now, particularly in relation to church matters. It’s a smooth read, moves along at a pleasant pace, is clearly written and thoroughly researched. Windle explores differing view points regarding feminism within the church. Much of the book is a balanced piece of journalism, offering different points of view, at other times it is much more informal, like a conversation you might have on social media. I found myself nodding, laughing and occasionally rolling my eyes in agreement/disagreement/solidarity/outrage. Notes on Feminism is seasoned with shocking facts, mind-opening quotes and searing honesty. At times I really did gasp.

    Windle includes a succinct run down on the history of feminism. This served as a very helpful reminder. Just like author Lauren, I’m a female journalist, who’s five foot three inches tall, with a fondness for tea and Eccles cake. But the similarities end there. She’s middle class and I’m working class. She’s a southerner and I’m a northerner. She’s young and I’m not quite so young. I can well remember the days before feminism had achieved all that it currently has. This makes me exceptionally grateful for just how far women’s rights have come. Possibly I’m too grateful, too resigned, too accepting, and maybe just a little bit tired. Windle clearly has plenty of fight left in her! In the flow of her considerable enthusiasm, at times her journalistic impartiality veers off into opinion, beliefs and personal preferences. For example it would seem that she doesn’t want men to dictate what women can and can’t say, only to bleat about the detail of what men can and can’t say.

    To the author’s credit she makes the case both for and against feminism. She has gathered and included the voices of women with completely opposing views on feminism. For example a fascinating chapter by Delphine Chui has been included. Journalist, Chui, shares with considerable honesty and openness exactly why she isn’t a feminist. There are notes from writer and model Katie Piper on true beauty, Olympian Abigail Irozuruon women’s bodies, comedian Cassandra Maria on why people think women aren’t funny and author Tiffany Bluhm on why people don’t believe women.

    At times the author appears to be working out her own issues in real time on the page. She explores how she herself feels about certain issues such as weddings and marriage. In this respect the first word in the book’s title “notes” is an accurate reflection of its content. Lauren Windle is a curious, chatty and likeable author with a friendly contemporary writing style. Her “likeability” makes for a pleasant, undemanding reading pace. The occasional “meatier” section is open minded, rather than authoritarian. She takes the reader by the hand and essentially asks them: “Have you ever thought about this?” She nails her colours to the mast on several issues. That said her approach is refreshing in that she is clear that these views aren’t fixed forever. That she is open to discussion. She is accepting and respectful of others views and willing to change her mind in the light of new information.

    Overall Notes on Feminism is rigorously analytical and strives towards fairness and accuracy. Yes, sometimes there is an angry undertone, and the author openly admits she is angry about some things. For me, this book was at times a challenging read, but also educational. It has helped me to answer some of my own questions about where I stand on feminism and it’s definitely worth persevering to the end. I particularly enjoyed this statement from author Lauren Windle: “And finally, don’t blindly make my opinions, or the opinions of anyone referenced in this book, your opinions. Take each of these topics and pray about them, read Scripture and a range of commentaries, and consult your church leaders. This isn’t a reference book for your new position on contentious topics; it’s the start of the conversation.”

    Notes on Feminism – Being a Woman in a Church Led by Men is available from SPCK Publishing

    Main Photo Credit: Siora Photography via Unsplash

  • Brits binge-watch The Chosen on big tellies

    Three friends, two vicars and a musician have encouraged me to watch the historical drama, The Chosen. What’s the buzz about? Why is The Chosen one of the most-watched shows in the world? Why is it consistently a top-performer across streaming platforms Amazon Prime, Peacock and Netflix and a top-rated broadcast weekly on The CW? Why have episodes drawn 770 million views? How has it grown from a crowdfunded project into one of the most popular series in the world? And why does The Chosen have over twelve million followers across social platforms?

    Over the course of its first three seasons, the series garnered praise from critics and fans alike for its historical and biblical accuracy, playful spirit, stirring drama, genuine humour, and disruptive impact. And I understand that ambitious plans are afoot to translate The Chosen into over 600 languages which could potentially make it the most translated series in the world. I needed to find out what everyone was talking about and, after a faltering start, began watching Season One in earnest. A trusted friend had confided that she had found it to be a slow burn to start with, that I should “stick with it”, that the pace would “pick up” and it would be “well worth the wait”.

    My friend was correct on all counts. Against everything I’d learned on screenwriting courses, with The Chosen Season One, there was no cutting to the chase. Because The Chosen is an ongoing series, rather than a one-off movie, the writers have had an abundance of screen time to work with. They have used this extra time to develop and build the storyline and unpack the backstories of some of the characters involved. In that respect, and in many other respects, The Chosen is unlike any other dramatization about Jesus’ life I have ever seen.

    I confess to experiencing feelings of impatience and frustration just waiting for the story to unfold, waiting for familiar historical events to “kick off”. During this adjustment of sitting patiently and slowing down to the pace of the story I realised that perhaps I was feeling, in a very small way, something of what the Israelites must have felt waiting and waiting and waiting for their promised Messiah to arrive. Waiting was what they knew well. And by the end of Season One’s third episode I began to feel a connection to them which I had never previously experienced. I began to relate to them a little better, to understand a little more of the slower times into which Jesus was born.

    After watching a few episodes of Season One I settled comfortably into the familiar rhythm of play. And so, it seemed to me, had the cast. The actors themselves seemed more at home. Easier in their own skins, easier about working together, easier with the dusty ancient world they were inhabiting. I observed my own mild irritation at what seemed like petty squabbles and one-up-man ship along with a growing realisation that these ancient people were probably no different to the rest of us. Sometimes they’d get caught up in the pushing and shoving between families, communities and colleagues which is common to everyone across the panorama of human existence.

    Why is The Chosen series off the scale in its creative risk taking? Why has the producer, director and writer, Dallas Jenkins (pictured above) boldly gone where no man has gone before? His vision to create a detailed and lengthy dramatization of the gospel accounts holds the potential to upend the understanding of the millions of people who feel they already know them well. People who hold them dear. Sacred even. Jenkins and his creative team have certainly shaken up something which is familiar, but many viewers seem to find this refreshing!

    I may have to accept that while watching The Chosen I’m seeing an imagined Middle Eastern world through the lens of contemporary western culture and mindsets. Nevertheless I believe that the writers and producers have done their homework and have succeeded in creating rich, relatable human story lines which form the framework for each episode. Issues I had never previously considered have presented themselves to me. Unresolved questions have been, at least partially, resolved. Especially in relation to the recording of the gospel accounts. As something of a frantic scribbler myself it’s been interesting and reassuring to witness Matthew (Paras Patel, pictured above) dutifully scribbling away like a court reporter, recording events and statements as they unfold in real time. Watching The Chosen has been like seeing a complex tapestry appear stitch, by surprising stitch, until eventually I was able to make out something familiar.

    Season Two shifts up a gear as the narrative gathers momentum and the disciples interact with Jesus more and more. And it has to be said, the acting is simply superb. Some scenes were performed with such intensity they gave me the shivers. The actor, Jonathan Roumie (pictured above; far right) consistently portrays a magnetic and masterful Jesus. Disclosure: As someone who aims to follow Jesus, from his first moment on screen, I felt I sort of knew him before I knew him, and yet wanted to know him all over again. Here was a Jesus I could recognise and relate to. What a joy to see Jesus dancing, running and splashing. To see his kindness towards his Mother Mary (pictured next to Jesus above).

    Season Three races along and delivers yet more surprises. I’ve been particularly intrigued by the Roman officer, Gaius, believably played by the seasoned actor Kirk Woller (pictured above left). Gaius, a powerful man, is essentially “the enemy” but Woller somehow injects him with a rare combination of don’t-mess-with-me strength, curiosity and softness. Sorted Magazine’s Andy Godfrey recently interviewed Kirk Woller and, as Digital Editor, I had the privilege of eavesdropping on their zoom conversation. He came across as a sensitive and compassionate man and perhaps these characteristics are somehow shining through on the screen.

    Gaius is not recorded by name in any of the gospel accounts. He’s a compilation of characters. Perhaps this is why I find him to be the most unpredictable, the most mysterious and possibly the most conflicted of all the characters on screen. At any moment Gaius might draw his sword or fall on his knees. I’m fearing and cheering him. He is the wild card we never knew about. He’s the outlier watching from the wings. The stakes are high for him, he has much to lose. Gaius actually reminds me of some people I know and I’m eagerly standing by for the release of Season Four, hoping I will discover more of what Gaius is really about.

    To find out more please visit:

    Season 1 | The Chosen

    Season 2 | The Chosen

    Season 3 | The Chosen

    All Photo Credits: Courtesy of The Chosen

  • Community: Teachers and family inspire good deeds

    Research commissioned by Tesco, as part of its Stronger Starts Golden Grants initiative suggests that Brits will carry out 265 good deeds a year. Popular acts of kindness include holding doors, checking in with someone or boosting their confidence, and donating items to food banks. Earlier this year customers in one hundred Tesco stores nationwide were given the opportunity to do their own good deed by awarding a local school or children’s group a £5,000 Stronger Starts Golden Grant.

    According to the Tesco research among the most common acts of kindness are holding the door open for someone (67%), checking in with someone to ensure they’re well (54%), trying to boost someone’s confidence (35%), picking up litter (23%) and donating items to a food bank (12%). The study indicates that inspirational people have played a significant role in motivating acts of kindness. 7% of respondents said they had been inspired by a teacher and 27% had been influenced by a family member. It would appear that both families and wider communities play a significant part in fostering a culture of kindness.

    Psychologist and broadcaster, Emma Kenny said: “Science tells us doing good deeds can have psychological benefits, strengthen social bonds, and there is even evidence to suggest it can improve physical health, potentially lowering blood pressure. So it’s great to see so many claiming to regularly be dishing out acts of kindness, not only is it likely to be helping someone else, it’s also likely to be helping them.”

    The research also showed that people hoping to fall on the receiving end of a good deed should not expect to get lucky during the morning commute or school run, with just 3% of the country saying they’re prone to doing good deeds before 9am. The research revealed that more than a third of the nation (37%) say they tend to do good deeds at a particular time of day, with 12.48pm the average time they’re likely to happen. This particular finding informed Tesco’s decision to arrange their Stronger Starts Golden Grants celebrations (which took place in 100 Tesco stores nationwide in March) from 12-1pm when customers were more likely to participate in an act of kindness. Tesco Stronger Starts is committed to supporting more than 5,000 schools and children’s groups with £5 million in funding every year. This funding aims to provide nutritious food and resources to keep children physically active throughout the school day.

    Main Photo Credit: Max Fischer via Pexels

  • Film: “Reaching a new generation”

    The Academy Awards are fresh on the minds of filmmakers and film-lovers alike. The ceremony is considered the pinnacle of recognition by those in and outside the film industry. However, a production house in Florida, which includes those who have worked on Oscar-winning films, have their attention fixed on what they consider the most important film they have ever worked on. The team, whose portfolios includeThe Lion King, Mulan, The Princess and The Frog, Big Hero 6, Spies in Disguise and more, is bringing the story of Jesus to life through animation.

    Ray Aguerrevere, Producer, Jesus said: “It is an honour to be working on this project. The realisation that this film will eventually be translated into over 2,000 languages and be distributed globally with the help of 1,800 ministry partners makes this by far the most important film I will ever work on. When production for Jesus started, it started humbly. As the excitement and support builds around the film, from a quality and visual standpoint, the parameters for what is possible continue to expand. We’ve had many artists leave their key positions in major studios and ask to join our production team. Some of the crew working on the film have told us that they have been longing to be a part of a film like this. 

    “Part of the beauty of it all is that ultimately this will be much more than a film. We’re creating digital assets that can stand alone and be redeployed for virtual reality, augmented reality, the metaverse, and in ways we haven’t even begun to consider today. We’re intentional in the way we build these assets to enable them to be as pliable and moldable for new technologies, and technologies not yet developed. 

    “With the film, we strive to be forerunners in driving the use of exciting technology. We’re utilizing a real-time pipeline which enables us to eliminate traditional rendering steps and see progress almost immediately. The Jesus film is being re-imagined from live action to animation. What better medium to transcend generations. Animation is timeless!”

    The Jesus Film Project®, a Cru® ministry, is releasing a feature-length animated film, Jesus, in partnership with production studio Premise Entertainment. This animated film stands on the shoulders of a 40-year legacy. The Jesus Film Project® released the live-action Jesus  film in 1979 which went on to be the most translated film in history. Now comes a re-imagining which is aimed at reaching a new generation with the latest technology. To find out more visit jesus.film.

    Main Photo Credit: Courtesy of The Jesus Film Project.

  • Faith: The bagpipes and the banjo

    Live music has always held a fascination for me and this morning I was intrigued by the deep bass sound of a euphonium. I went to investigate. Three cars were parked outside our house and the occupants were already out and warming up hands and instruments. Standing next to the euphonium player was a man with a banjo, and a few yards away a man arranging his bagpipes. I have always held the greatest of admiration for bagpipe players, not because of the sound they make, but because of their skill in getting all the various bits of the instrument in the right place. It’s up there with people who can set up a deck chair at the first attempt. I was keen to hear how such an unusual combination of different instruments would blend together.

    It was a bitterly cold morning; one when the weather forgot it should be spring. Within a few minutes there were cars arriving and parking in every spare bit of road and verge available. Some were more considerate than others. Clearly something was going on in the neighbourhood. Then it clicked. A neighbour had told me only a few weeks ago that a local business man who lived nearby had died. All these people had turned out to say farewell to him.

    A low loader lorry which was normally seen with a crumpled car on it’s back was decked with neatly arranged floral tributes from grieving relatives. Suddenly from around the corner came the sound of music. The bag piper, in full Scottish national dress, played a haunting tune. It wasn’t the best day to be wearing a kilt. The coffin was loaded onto a glass encased carriage pulled by six horses. Each horse looked immaculately groomed and was decked in full regalia of almost royal significance, with red plumes, white socks and shiny black coats. The hearse slowly moved into the main road led by an undertaker on foot. He was more adequately dressed than the piper given the weather. A floral tribute inside the carriage read Goodbye Grandad.

    Local traffic, which had already been severely impeded by the presence of cars parked everywhere, ground to a complete halt to enable the funeral cortège to move off. Immediately behind the hearse a band, comprising euphonium, clarinet, banjo and trumpet, played a trad jazz version of Just a closer walk with thee. It was a such contrast to the earlier drone of the bag pipes. I wondered what the connection was for these minstrels, and that song, with the man now lying in a coffin not more than ten feet in front of them. The low loader followed, and then relatives in the more familiar stretch limo funeral cars. And gradually the cars which had been parked slipped quietly into the procession as it made its way to the funeral ceremony at the local church.

    Death always puts things in perspective. It always draws out reflection on your own life, even though the focus is supposed to be on someone else.

    Tomorrow is Good Friday. A time when some remember when another man died. No stately funeral procession for him. No music, poignant or lively. But there was an air of bitter sweetness to these events too. In the hot dusty climate of Roman occupied Jerusalem, he had unjustly suffered a criminal’s death for challenging the ideas and behaviour of prominent people.

    A large crowd gathered around, including his mother and brothers. Men and women from all walks of life were there. He had had a profound effect on many, despite his short life. Some were so inspired by his teaching that they had left their jobs to follow him wherever he travelled. They had given three years of their lives listening to his wise teaching and believing his promises of freedom and justice for those held captive, witnessing blind people made able to see and the lame able to walk. But their dream was now shattered. They couldn’t believe it. This wasn’t how it was all supposed to end. They lurked on the perimeter of the crowd, hiding their faces, fearful of reprisals or further unjust trials, deeply aware that they might have made the biggest mistake of their lives.

    He had said things no one had dared to think before, he had made them feel important and valued, burning away years of tradition, oppression and confusion. It had all made so much more sense than all they had ever known. He had given so much hope in a hopeless world. The local power brokers were there too, smugly congratulating one another that they had rid their community of someone who challenged their control and hypocrisy, yet strangely jealous of his popularity and influence among ordinary people.

    At times like this, although we may be standing in a crowd, we each stand alone in silence with our own thoughts and reflections. The weirdest of memories and emotions can surface. Life is short; death always comes at an inappropriate time; always catches us on the wrong foot. We’re never fully prepared. But, in the aftermath there comes a time when a life is celebrated rather than a loss mourned. When joy replaces sadness; when hope replaces shattered dreams; when brokenness gets restored; when emptiness becomes fullness; when water is changed to wine.

    The bagpipes and the banjo, were a reminder that life can be both bitter and sweet. One day it will all make more sense.

    An extract from Beyond the Banter by Bob Fraser.

    Main Photo Credit: Brad Starkey via Unsplash

    Funeral procession photo: Used with permission from The Good Funeral Guide.