This past weekend, ONE Compelling Picture, in collaboration with the Faith and Film Coalition of Churches, Colleges, and Community, hosted a private premiere for Pastor Sidney Bryant’s latest film, “Redwood.” This poignant film draws its inspiration from the tragic murder of Ahmaud Arbery in Brunswick in 2020. The film’s synopsis captures the essence of a mother’s heart-wrenching journey as she grapples with the fear of receiving news from police officers about her child’s murder. Marsha Thompson, portrayed in the film, is driven to seek divine intervention to achieve justice for her son, who was senselessly killed for jogging in the wrong neighborhood. This narrative not only sheds light on the painful reality faced by many but also serves as a powerful call for justice and compassion.
The premiere event was a night to remember, filled with emotions and laughter. Attendees were treated to a glamorous red carpet experience starting around 5:45 PM, where cast members and their families mingled, capturing memories in photos and enjoying heartfelt moments together. As the audience settled into the screening room, the energy was palpable, punctuated by gasps and laughter throughout the film. Pastor Sidney Bryant, the film’s writer and director, expressed his gratitude and fulfillment as he looked out over the diverse crowd that gathered for a common cause. “This has been my dream since we began making movies,” he reflected, emphasizing the importance of unity and understanding in a world often divided.
The cast of Redwood primarily consisted of local residents from Douglas but also featured a significant number of out-of-town individuals who dedicated fourteen days to being part of the production. The lineup included Brian Ray from Tifton in the role of Kasey StellaRide, Alena Norton from Tifton as Hailee Castille, Brandi Reaves from Douglas portraying Sharon Beckker, and Zainabu Temple from Douglas playing Lindsey Jowers. Additionally, Austin Adams from Jacksonville, Fla., took on the character of Joshua Thompson, while Issac King from Waycross played Charles Mathis Jr. Theodore Moore III from Jeffersonville, Ga., portrayed Charles Mathis Sr., and Teresa Shaw from Douglas assumed the role of Judge Jaqualine Debose. Dustilynn Vaughan, from Douglas played Marsha Thompson, Randy Murray from Douglas was cast as Wallace Thompson, Mathew Dykes from Douglas played Detective Elijah Peeples, and Horace Studstill from Douglas played Officer Burgess. Princess Haugebrook from Douglas portrayed Haley Ryles, Robert Preston Jr. of Douglas featured as Joshua’s baseball coach, and Melvin Williams, also of Douglas, played Danny Douglas. The production also featured a variety of extras who played jurors, some of whom traveled as far as Atlanta to take part.
Shawanda Merritt-Porter portrayed Assistant District Attorney Sabrina Cooper. Pastor Bryant shared a touching story about Merritt-Porter’s dedication to having her ailing father witness her performance on the big screen. Sadly, her father, Deacon George C. Merritt, passed away before he could see the film, prompting the OCP team to dedicate “Redwood” to his honor. This emotional tribute underscored the film’s deeper themes of family, loss, and the relentless pursuit of justice. With “Redwood” marking the second collaboration between ONE Compelling Picture and the Faith and Film Coalition, audiences can look forward to its release on platforms like Amazon Prime and Tubi, bringing this significant story to a wider audience.
Pastor Bryant and his team are the first production company in Coffee County to produce and distribute feature films to national and international streaming platforms without financial backing from another company. The collaboration between OCP and the FFCC allows Pastor Bryant and his team the ability to work 100 percent independently through local donors and partners. As they have continued to perfect their process, the company is poised to release two additional films later this year and are gearing up to produce a major motion picture in 2026 100 percent funded by the FFCC’s partners.