Lecrae Film 'Unashamed World' Hits Theaters June 1
Christian hip-hop's premier rapper joins forces with director Art Hooker, great-nephew of blues legend, to tell the story of the Unashamed World movement
A 17-year project spanning ten countries and 37 cities while capturing over 10,000 hours of footage, Unashamed World is the high-energy, deeply personal story of Lecrae's Cinderella rise from a garage start-up artist to a global phenomenon.
Granting unprecedented access to Lecrae and fellow artists from the 116 Clique, the film features exclusive interviews, fan-generated videos, personal home videos -- including footage of Lecrae's visit to Ferguson, Mo. after the 2014 demonstrations, concert footage, and dramatic re-enactments to create a riveting 85-minute musical journey.
TheatriCast, the distribution initiative between Different Drummer and Tugg, will premiere the film June 1 as a one-night, fan-driven theatrical event in more than 200 cinemas nationwide.
A former CitiGroup executive and the great nephew of blues legend and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer John Lee Hooker, director Art Hooker spent more than a decade in seven different countries studying passion, creativity, and social movements which became the thematic framework for the creation of Unashamed World.
"I'm continually fascinated by how small, seemingly insignificant moments have the capacity to grow into a global phenomenon," said film writer & director Art Hooker. "I'm grateful for the chance to observe some of these incredible people from a 'front-row seat' and believe this film can inspire the next generation of movement-starters."
Hooker worked on the film exclusively with Reach Records and the leaders of the global 116 Clique -- Lecrae, Trip Lee, Tedashii, Andy Mineo, Sho Baraka, KB, Derek Minor, and DJ Official -- who have ten million fans world-wide and growing. From logo engraved tombstones to tattooed fans, the Unashamed World story is about more than music; it's a lifestyle that crosses age, socio-economic, racial, and global boundaries.
"Unashamed World is made for the fans by the fans," said Erik Lokkesmoe, the film's executive producer and principal at Different Drummer. "We've designed a marketing and distribution plan -- from theater locations to field teams to social -- that is very 'open source.' It's the future of distribution -- create the platform and let the fans write their own 'code' on it. "
Beyond the U.S. theatrical release, Unashamed World is pursuing global releases, home entertainment, and ancillary products and tours.
TheatriCast is asking fans to help determine the theaters where Unashamed World will premiere by submitting demands on www.unashamedworld.com. In addition, super fans can earn merchandise and a percentage of box office receipts by becoming an Event Producer at their neighborhood theater. Tickets will go on sale in April with limited seating available.