Family-focused, pro-faith programming to have more prominent place at Kennedy Center
The Kennedy Center is undergoing a transformation in its family-focused programming, with a renewed emphasis on offering faith-based content that has been previously overlooked. One of the center’s initiatives includes hosting a free family screening of the new Angel Studios animated movie “The King of Kings,” which tells the story of Jesus from the perspective of a young boy discovering the power of faith.
The decision to showcase “The King of Kings” represents a shift towards providing more pro-Christian content at the Kennedy Center. In recent years, the center has only featured one other production with Christian themes, namely a 2022 showing of “Jesus Christ Superstar.” This move marks a departure from the center’s usual repertoire and aims to cater to a broader audience.
“When I saw the advertising campaign for ‘King of Kings,’ I immediately knew we needed to have it come to the Kennedy Center,” stated Ambassador Richard Grenell, President of The Kennedy Center. “This is family-friendly programming that we will be doing more of in the future.”
The screening of “King of Kings” will be a significant event for the Kennedy Center, as it will be the first Jesus-centric show since “Jesus Christ Superstar.” While the venue has previously hosted gospel singers and classical performances, this marks a new chapter in embracing religious themes in its programming.
“The King of Kings” has already made a splash in theaters, earning $19.3 million during its opening weekend. Produced by Angel Studios, a crowd-funded streaming service and film studio, the movie aims to uplift audiences with its message of truth and light.
Overall, the Kennedy Center’s decision to showcase “The King of Kings” reflects a broader trend towards diversifying its programming and catering to a wider range of interests. With a renewed focus on faith-based content, the center is poised to engage with new audiences and provide a platform for meaningful storytelling.
