Selma movie premiere used to promote peace & tolerance

Arrangements are in top gear for the premiere in Nigeria of award-winning movie, Selma. The movie, which chronicles the true life story of late Dr. Martin Luther King jr. depicting the struggle against racism and inequality, is billed to hit the wide screen at the House on The Rock church premises.

Selma, a 2014 American historical drama film directed by Ava DuVernay and written by Paul Webb and Ava DuVernay features British-born Nigerian international movie star, David Oyelowo is coming to Nigeria courtesy House on The Rock in partnership with the Embassy of the United States of America as an answer to Nigeria’s current socio-political and particularly election crisis.

In a statement, the senior pastor of the church, Paul Adefarasin said “Peace and harmony is important to us all. Regardless of our ethnicity, religion or political persuasion, our country Nigeria must remain united and peaceful. This is why House on The Rock Church, positioned as a centre for Social Justice and Equity has decided to bring people from various classes in the Nigerian society together for a remarkable event where we can all stand united for peace at a time like this. We also seek to remind individuals with the Selma movie premiere event that regardless of any differences or grievances we may have, violence is not the answer, thus non-violence must continually be our stance.” 

Adefarasin further stated the need for the Church to be the voice of reason promoting non-violence in the times leading to elections and beyond stressing that ‘’the pulpit of God is not for partisan politics but for promoting the Kingdom of God”.  

The Selma movie premiere event is expected to feature high profile personalities from corporate Nigeria, various cadres of the government, the media, the diplomatic corps, politicians including governorship and presidential candidates of various political parties amongst other eminent personalities.

In furtherance of the House of The Rock’s efforts to continually promote peace during and after the country’s general elections, the church United for Peace campaign will also be visible across social media with the hashtag #United4Peace. This social media campaign will provide people the opportunity to also participate by taking a stand for peace and non-violence before, during and after the elections.

In the same vein, the House on The Rock nationwide peace initiative, United4Peace will run from now, all through the elections and afterwards to remind the Nigerian citizens that peace is non-negotiable and highly important for the stability of the nation.

In the twenty years of its existence, House on The Rock has been in the forefront of many community development initiatives notably in the areas of health and social justice

Its most recent Project, SPREAD reached over 4,000 families in Lagos during the yuletide celebrations. 

Selma had four Golden Globe Award nominations, including Best Motion Picture – Drama, Best Director, and Best Actor, and won for Best Original Song. It also garnered nominations for Best Picture and Best Original Song at the 87th Academy Awards.