Henrick Vartanian
As a response to the national narrative of division this election season, Grace-Based Films’ compelling documentary A CASE FOR LOVE, directed by Brian Ide, debuted on major TVOD platforms in United States and Canada on October 1st.
Watch the trailer for the film at the bottom of this post.
Featuring in-depth interviews with everyday citizens and well-known public figures, A CASE FOR LOVE is inspired by the writings and teachings of Bishop Michael B. Curry, Presiding Bishop and Primate of The Episcopal Church, and first African American to hold that position. He is best known for his passionate sermon about “The Power of Love” at the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
The film explores whether or not love, specifically unselfish love, is the solution to the extreme societal and political divide facing our world today.
A CASE FOR LOVE is inspired by the teachings of Bishop Michael B. Curry, best known for his passionate sermon about “The Power of Love” at the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
Well-known figures, including Secretary Pete Buttigieg (Mayor Pete), NBC’s Al Roker, actor Sam Waterston (Law & Order), Reverend Becca Stevens (Thistle Farms), Representative John Clyburn, Dr. Russell Moore, Reverend Kelly Brown Douglas, Former Republican Senator John Danforth, Rabbi Yeheil Poupko, Dr. Mohammed Elsanousi, Rabbi Shoshana Conover, and Jon Meacham offer their insights on the theme.
“We’re very honored to share our film with audiences in the United States and Canada this October,” comments Ide. “Hopefully A CASE FOR LOVE will do just that… serve as a catalyst of positive change in our current tumultuous times by inspiring us to practice inclusion, tolerance and unselfish love.”
In a series of seven chapters featuring the personal, real-life stories of everyday people from all walks of life, A Case For Love explores the themes of racial justice, sexual identity, military service, foster care, politics, sex trafficking, disability, loss of loved ones, refugees, volunteerism, food justice, immigration, and more. The chapters explore Being Dealt A Bad Hand, Love and Loss, Exclusion, Making It Look Easy, Answering the Call, Hope, and Love Is…
Co-presented by Fathom Events and Grace Based Films, the film had a very successful, one night only theatrical world premiere on 821 screens nationwide on January 23, 2024, marking the launch of a “Month of Unselfish Love.” During those 30 days, people across the country were encouraged to perform daily acts of selflessness and journal these moments. The guide is now available for free on the film’s website for those who would like to participate.
“A Case for Love is the film America and every American needs right now. Our society and personal relationships are being poisoned by polarization. The way out of this toxic vortex is curiosity, compassion, and seeing humanity in those unlike ourselves. In a word, love,” comments Pearce Godwin, founder of Listen First Project, the collective impact leader for the bridging divides movement of 500+ organizations in the Listen First Coalition.
About the Filmmaker: Director Brian Ide has worked in the entertainment industry for over 20 years as a producer/director. A Case for Love is his premiere feature-length documentary. After producing and directing his last feature film, This Day Forward, he traveled the U.S., presenting the movie in religious institutions, theaters, and community centers while discussing the film’s message and experiencing its impact on audiences. Following that tour, the Lutheran Church of Australia called him to their communities to do the same. The film’s website has 50 pages of responses to that tour.
Before founding Grace-Based Films, he directed Clear Lake, WI and the recent faith-based short film Reconcile, which has been viewed and used in 47 countries. A three-time national judge for the Polly Bond Awards, he has spoken to colleges, faith centers, and film programs nationwide about the intersection of film and faith, and is drawn to stories that focus on what unites us rather than what divides.
Where to Watch: Distributed by Stonecutter Media, A CASE FOR LOVE is available now, for sale or rental via iNDEMAND (Comcast, Cox Cable, Charter, Altice Cable, RCN Cable), Dish Network, Sling TV, DirecTV, UVerse, Verizon Fios, Amazon Video Direct, Vudu, iTunes, Microsoft and Google Play, as well as in Canada on Rogers West.
Below, watch the trailer for A CASE FOR LOVE, directed by Brian Ide.
