Anathema, a documentary movie about the white garment church is set to premiere on Friday, November 11, 2022, at the Irvin Arts Centre, Texas, the United States of America.
The PUNCH reported that the docudrama from the stable of Cheser Media Inc. sets out to explore the church denomination, its inception and journey so far.
The project documents the growth and challenges of the Aladura churches by exploring contributions from member and non-members who shared their personal experiences, views and stigmatisation.
The docudrama which was shot both in Nigeria and the US, features notable members in the Cherubim and Seraphim Church, as well as the Celestial Church of Christ.
It also features renowned personalities in the Nigerian entertainment industry.
Its first soundtrack, titled: “Egbe Kerubu tiye” was released in June, featuring Seraph gospel acts, Dare Fashola; Israel Classic; ID Olohun Iyo and ID Tones. The soundtrack had since earned positive remarks from across board.
Speaking on what to expect in the movie, the Executive producer, Pastor Samuel Ogunyooye, said the project is a complement to various efforts by passionate adherents to tell the story of the church, adding that Anathema, though, is in a unique class of its own.
He said, “Anathema is a vehement dislike for something. But sometimes people seem to dislike what they have little or no knowledge about. This informed the need to tell the story in a way that captures the light of the church, cutting across all demography, especially the younger generation who are the future of the church.”
“It also became imperative to bring on Nollywood personalities, as their input is critical to what we tend to achieve, given their portrayal of the white garment church in movies”.
According to him, the significance of the project is to equally ensure that the story, in its contemporary setting, is told in a less controversial, yet simplified way that appeals to the yearnings of those who wish to know what the origin of the church looks like.
The documentary is produced by Francisca Eleyele; The project coordinator, Bod Olaibi, while the Premiere is to be anchored by popular TV host/ Comedian Teju Babyface.