A Black Filmmaker Brings the Nativity Home in ‘God With Us’

Glenarden, Maryland, filmmaker Jimmy Jenkins is bringing the Nativity story of Mary and Joseph and the birth of Jesus into contemporary times, set in a Black neighborhood. 

The film, “God With Us,” opens in select theaters Friday, Nov. 13. It grew out of Jenkins’ encounter with an incarcerated 16-year-old who struggled to understand Scripture and questioned whether someone imprisoned for murder could receive God’s forgiveness.

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The teenager knew Jenkins made movies. Could he tell Jesus’ story in a neighborhood the young man could recognize?

Jenkins described that exchange in an interview with The Christian Post⁠. His answer became a modern Nativity centered on childhood sweethearts Mary Anne Thomas and Joseph “Junie” Love, whose relationship is tested by a miraculous pregnancy.

Reaching the Disillusioned

For the son of Pastor John K. Jenkins Sr. of First Baptist Church of Glenarden International, the story the younger Jenkins has told is intended to reach beyond people already comfortable in a pew. He told The Christian Post he wants to reach those who would never enter a church, including people convinced their past disqualifies them from God’s love.

“Just because the world puts labels on you doesn’t mean they ring true,” Jenkins said.

He said the film addresses harm done in churches, including the gap between promises of financial blessings and members’ continuing struggles. His stated concern is that painful church experiences can turn people away from God. 

Ashley Olivia Fisher of “Average Joe” plays Mary Anne, opposite Aspen Kennedy of “The Forge” as Junie. The cast includes familiar faces: Lil Rel Howery of “Get Out”; Rotimi of “Coming to America.” Roger Guenveur Smith of “Do the Right Thing”; Ashley Rios of “Cross”; Gregory Alan Williams of “Remember the Titans” and Clifton Powell of “Ray.”

The film also brings Jenkins’ church family into the production. Members of First Baptist’s drama ministry⁠ appear onscreen. The congregation hosted a premiere on Oct. 24 at its Worship Center in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, drawing more than 4,000 attendees.

That hometown support for Jenkins follows a career built partly on telling stories rooted in the region.

Faith and Filmmaking

A 2013 Salisbury University graduate, Jenkins wrote and produced plays as a student. A production in his hometown of Glenarden led to an invitation to create a Black History Month play at Salisbury, according to the university’s alumni magazine⁠.

Jenkins credited his college experiences with helping him recognize he could produce his own films after working at BET and Tyler Perry Studios. His first narrative feature, “Sinners Wanted,” followed a pastor whose love for a woman rejected by his religious community puts him at odds with the congregation. It introduced questions of judgment and grace that also run through his latest film.

Jenkins also co-directed and produced “Basketball County: In the Water,” the 2020 Showtime documentary exploring Prince George’s County’s remarkable basketball talent. NBA All-Star Kevin Durant was among its executive producers, according to Jenkins’ official biography⁠. 

Jenkins’ work has also extended to children’s representation. The Salisbury University profile described his creation of Playwatch Kids, a streaming venture inspired by Jenkins’ nephew who wanted to resemble a white superhero. Jenkins wanted Black children to see themselves as heroes. 

“God With Us” brings that concern about recognition to a sacred story: Can someone encounter the Gospel more readily when its people and surroundings feel familiar?

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For Jenkins, the request by the teen who inspired this latest work made that question concrete. A young person wanted help understanding Jesus. The filmmaker found a way to answer.

The film’s website⁠ provides the trailer and opening-weekend ticket information.