Denzel Washington, Mark Burnett Rent Out Theaters To Screen Christian Film On Chicago Homicides

Hollywood stars, including Oscar-winning actor Denzel Washington, have rented out movie theaters to show their support for a pastor-led documentary that opened in theatres nationwide Wednesday, “Chicago: America’s Hidden War.”

The timely documentary, led by Christian pastor Dimas Salaberrios, landed on this year’s Oscar eligibility list for an Academy Award in the best documentary feature category and has caught the attention of the 66-year-old Washington and his wife, Pauletta, along with other celebrities.

“‘Chicago America’s Hidden War’ pulls back the curtain to expose the pervasive genocidal-like behavior, explain what birthed and contributed to this war and why so little is done to stop it, and ultimately inspires a clear path toward change,” the film’s synopsis states. “It’s time for us all to unite and take a stand because this is no longer America’s Hidden War. This is Our War.”

The film, recently covered by Forbes, features firsthand testimonies from pastors, gangbangers and children who say they only feel safe “in school and in the church” as violence continues to increase.

Stars who joined Washington by renting out theaters to screen the film include Mark Burnett and Roma Downey, the creators of the record-breaking television miniseries “The Bible.”

Others include Charlamagne tha God, Willie Robertson, Darryl Strawberry, Dexter Darden, JoJo, Curtis Martin, Dean and Scott Winters, Angie Stone, BeBe Winans and Clifton Davis.

Theaters were offering buyouts in partnership with the producers of the film following the reopening of theaters.

Youth programs are also taking kids to see the film with the help of Hollywood celebrities, social justice leaders, faith communities and media personalities.

Directed by Daylight Supreme, the documentary was produced by Dimas and Tiffany Salaberrios, Mark W. Shaw, John Shepherd, A.R. Bernard, Lu-Shawn Thompson, David Pierce, Ron Hall, Eric Rojas, Richard Steele and Max Zoghbi in association with Miss Muffet Studios, Six+One Studios, Shaw Entertainment Group and SDG.