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Baltoria: The Chosen One

In the troubled city of Baltoria, Peter is a merchant facing tough times. Hannah, one of his regular customers, believes in Joshua, a new leader with inspiring ideas. Peter starts to believe that Joshua's way could improve his life and the city's future. But Victor, a powerful leader in Baltoria, sees Joshua as a danger. When Victor starts to attack Joshua's ideas, Peter has to decide if he's brave enough to stand by his new beliefs.

  • George J Barnes
    Director
  • George J Barnes
    Writer
    Unbreakable
  • Antonio Murchison
    Producer
    Unbreakable
  • Kallid Anderson
    Key Cast
    "Peter"
  • Jahdya Antoine
    Key Cast
    "Hannah"
  • Tremaine Holmes
    Key Cast
    "Joshua"
  • Jamal Gregory
    Key Cast
    "Victor"
  • Londyn Holley
    Key Cast
    "Jennifer"
  • Marlon Holloway
    Key Cast
    "Lenny"
  • Keon Davis Jr.
    Key Cast
    "Reggie"
  • Michael Holloway
    Key Cast
    "Jonah"
  • Vanessa Johnson
    Key Cast
    "Sharon"
  • Darlene Turner
    Key Cast
    "Barbera"
  • Lee Michaels
    Key Cast
    "Jamison"
  • Tanija General
    Key Cast
    "Mandy"
  • Michael Cofield
    Key Cast
    "Community Leader"
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    37 minutes 41 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    March 31, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    500 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - George J Barnes

GJ Barnes, blending dynamic leadership with creative storytelling, has emerged as a distinguished film director alongside his pastoral duties. Hailing from Baltimore, Maryland, his journey weaves deep faith with a zeal for storytelling, leading to the creation of films like "Baltoria: The Chosen One" and "Unbreakable: A Journey of Faith and Courage," the latter offering a modern take on Mary and Joseph's story, available on Amazon Prime Video. Barnes also introduced cinematic sermons, notably "The Comeback," merging sermon delivery with film. A Harvard-educated founder of The Purpose Church, he impacts lives globally through his innovative ministry and storytelling, demonstrating a commitment to enriching lives through faith and creativity.

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Director Statement

In creating "Baltoria: The Chosen One," my vision was to weave the timeless narrative of Jesus' death and resurrection into the fabric of a modern, relatable story. Set against the backdrop of Baltoria, a city marred by struggle and division, this film seeks to draw parallels between the challenges faced by our characters and the enduring message of hope and redemption found in the Gospel.

At the heart of this story is Peter, a merchant ensnared in the daily grind and hardships of life, who mirrors the skepticism and eventual transformation of those who encountered Jesus. Through Peter's eyes, we explore the impact of Joshua, a charismatic leader whose revolutionary ideas promise a beacon of hope for the beleaguered city. Joshua's character, inspired by Jesus, is designed to resonate with a contemporary audience, presenting his teachings and sacrifice in a light that bridges historical religious narratives with the pressing issues of today's world.

The conflict with Victor, a formidable antagonist who perceives Joshua as a threat to the status quo, is emblematic of the societal and personal resistance faced by transformative ideas throughout history. This dynamic is intended to reflect the eternal struggle between change and tradition, faith and doubt, and ultimately, good and evil.

My intention with "Baltoria: The Chosen One" is not merely to retell the story of Jesus in a different setting but to inspire viewers to see the death and resurrection of Jesus through a new lens. I hope to encourage audiences to reflect on the relevance of these events in their own lives and the world around them, recognizing the potential for renewal and change within themselves and their communities.

This film is a call to courage and faith in the face of adversity, inviting viewers to ponder the impact of standing firm in one's beliefs against prevailing winds of opposition. Through the journey of Peter, Hannah, Joshua, and even Victor, "Baltoria: The Chosen One" aims to rekindle a sense of hope and the transformative power of faith that can alter the course of lives and societies.

As a director, my goal was to craft a cinematic experience that is both engaging and thought-provoking, blending narrative depth with visual storytelling to challenge, uplift, and move our audience. "Baltoria: The Chosen One" is an invitation to explore the death and resurrection of Jesus anew, to find meaning and relevance in its message for our times, and to discover the chosen one within each of us, capable of leading the way toward a brighter future.