Published: August 22, 2024
The latest film from the actress from THE CHOSEN is released by GAF – you shouldn’t miss it
By Movieguide® Contributor
As DIVINE INFLUENCER prepares for its debut on Great American Family, the film’s cast and crew recall what it was like working on the project.
In an episode of The Women in My World podcast, star Lara Silva (THE CHOSEN) shared, “Before I audition… I just always pray that God will use me and that who I am and what I am is enough. I just remember God being so clear. He said, ‘Who you are is enough,’ and that was just the confidence I needed to bring Olivia to life.”
Silva played Olivia Golden, “a wealthy influencer in her twenties who loses her parents’ financial support and takes a job at a homeless shelter for the wrong reasons. However, she soon discovers the true meaning of influence,” according to IMDb.
The actress spoke about how important it was for her to work on a film with important themes, saying, “It’s about how we can convey a message that touches hearts and hopefully changes hearts and actually really teaches what it means to influence and help others.”
Princess Elmore, who played chef Zara, was equally excited about taking on the project, saying: “It was incredible. I felt like it was a real blessing.”
“It was a true blessing for me to portray Zara because she was a person who was always trying to make people feel better. And she did that by using the gift that God gave her to pass it on to others,” she continued.
Claire Yorita Lee, who served as writer and producer of DIVINE INFLUENCER, spoke about the collaborative nature of the film.
“Every actor that comes in – I think every layer is really like the body of Christ,” she explained. “Every layer, everyone brings their gifts and when you add every person, every actor, every director… every piece really makes it even better.”
In an interview with Crosswalk, Divine Influencer director Shari Rigby talked about the film’s message for younger viewers.
“How can we use social media to do things better? How can we actually show the fruits of the Spirit through social media? First, by loving God. Second, by loving others,” she shared. “It’s not that (Olivia) loses her influence. It’s not that she gives up everything. She actually realizes that she can do better after being influenced by others. And that’s what I hope people take away.”
Rigby continued, “This film is for everyone. So, to everyone who sees this film, make more of an impact, do it in your community and love others the way you want to be loved and treated. That’s the overall message.”
DIVINE INFLUENCER will premiere August 31st at 8/7c on Great American Family.
DIVINE INFLUENCER has won the Movieguide® Epiphany Prize® for Most Inspirational TV or Streaming Film or Program at this year’s Movieguide® Awards.
An excerpt from the Movieguide® review reads:
DIVINE INFLUENCER is a heartwarming, uplifting film about a spoiled, selfish woman who finds Jesus and learns to help others. As Olivia, the woman in question, Lara Silva does an excellent job of showing the development of her character. After all, it’s hard to love a character who is selfish and spoiled. DIVINE INFLUENCER tells a story that is intended for older teens and families, but it’s a wholesome film that offers a good way to introduce children to the idea of helping people less fortunate than themselves.
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