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'The Book of Clarence' Challenges Lack of Black Representation in Biblical Films

Nicholas Pinnock, who portrays Jesus Christ in the film, welcomes potential backlash, stating that pushing boundaries is part of their job as artists.

Overview

  • Jeymes Samuel's 'The Book of Clarence' features a predominantly Black cast, including David Oyelowo as John the Baptist and Nicholas Pinnock as Jesus Christ, challenging the lack of Black representation in biblical films.
  • The film follows the journey of Clarence, a young man living in A.D. 33 Jerusalem who lacks faith but seeks to find purpose in life by misleading his community into believing he is the New Messiah.
  • Samuel wrote, directed, produced and scored the satirical drama, conceiving the idea a decade ago and drawing inspiration from biblical epics and landmark 'hood tales'.
  • The film has sparked conversation about the depiction of biblical figures, with Pinnock stating that the film is not about reclamation but about having access to these stories.
  • Despite potential backlash, Pinnock welcomes controversy, stating that if they do not push boundaries within their medium, then they are not doing their job.