Back from El Paso, Texas where I was on scene for some of the shooting of Unlimited, an upcoming action/suspense film with a strong faith theme running through it.  More on that tomorrow.  Till then, here are today’s dispatches from the crossroads of faith, media and culture.

1. Clarence Bucaro and the Child of War. The singer-songwriter ode to warfare’s  most innocent victims was inspired by his own travels through his own Middle Eastern travels, as well as by Asne Seierstad’s book The Angel of Grozny which is about life in war-town Chechnya.  Bucaro will donate all his proceeds from the single to War Child International, a charity that works with families living in conflict zones around the world.

2. October surprise. The pro-life film October Baby made an impressive bow last week and had a relatively small drop off in it second weekend. For that, filmmakers Jon and Andy Erwin are grateful the audience — and made a video to say so.

3. Holy Week on GMC. The Gospel-themed cable network celebrates the Easter season with a strong slate of Bible-based films.

Monday, April 2

Abraham (Parts 1 & 2) – 8 p.m. – 12 a.m. EDT
A man commanded by God to lead his family to the promised land of Canaan with the promise that if he does so, his descendants will become a great and numerous tribe. His obedience, as well as that of his children and grandchildren, is severely tested as they prove their faith to God. Stars Richard Harris, Barbara Hershey, Maximillian Schell (1994).

Tuesday, April 3

Joseph (Parts 1 & 2) – 8 p.m. – 12 a.m. EDT
A man who abandons his family and the woman he loves in order to relay God’s message in Jerusalem. Although he is persecuted and branded as a traitor for warning others of the destruction of the Holy City, he continues fearlessly with his mission. Stars Patrick Dempsey, Keaus Maria Brandauer (1999).

Wednesday, April 4

The Ten Commandments (Parts 1 & 2) – 8 p.m. – 12 a.m. EDT
The story of Moses, who against impossible odds, leads the Jews out of Egyptian slavery into perilous freedom. Stars Dougray Scott, Paul Rhys, Omar Shariff and Naveen Andrews (2006).

Thursday, April 5

The Greatest Story Ever Told – 8 p.m. – 12:30 a.m. EDT
A George Stevens’ epic production is a retelling of the story of Jesus Christ from the Nativity through the Resurrection. This film was nominated for five Academy® Awards and features a star-studded cast including Max Von Sydow (as Jesus), Dorothy McGuire (as Mary), Robert Loggia (as Joseph), Charlton Heston (as John the Baptist), Michael Anderson, Jr., Robert Blake, Jamie Farr, Roddy McDowall, Sidney Poitier, Pat Boone, Shelley Winters, John Wayne, Telly Savalas, Angela Lansbury, Martin Landau, Victor Buono, Jose Ferrer, Claude Rains, Donald Pleasence and many more. (1965)

Friday, April 6 (Good Friday)

Jesus (Parts 1 & 2) – 8– 11:30 p.m. EDT
An epic-but-intimate drama about the life of Christ (which first aired on CBS in 2000) stars Jeremy Sisto (Law & Order, Six Feet Under, Suburgatory) in the title role. The all-star cast also includes Jacqueline Bisset (Rizzoli & Isles, Joan of Arc) as Mary, Debra Messing (Smash, Will & Grace) as Mary Magdalene and Gary Oldman (Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, The Book of Eli, The Dark Knight, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows) as Pontius Pilate.

Saturday, April 7

The Greatest Story Ever Told – 7 – 11:30 p.m. EDT

Easter Sunday, April 8

Joseph (Parts 1 & 2) – 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. EDT
Sold to slavery by his brothers who were jealous of both his prophetic ability and of their father’s favor. Stars Ben Kingsley, Paul Mercurio (1994).

Jesus (Parts 1 & 2) – 1:30 p.m. – 5 p.m. EDT

Encourage one another and build each other up – 1 Thessalonians 5:11