Culture
Barack and Michelle Obama Are Releasing 7 New Films On Netflix! See Full List Here:
Barak and Michelle Obama have officially started their own production company called Higher Ground Productions. After signing a deal with Netflix last year, they are now ready to make their presence known on the streaming service. Priya Swaminathan and Tonia Davis (both who are veterans in the industry) have been appointed as co-heads of the Obamas’ production venture.
“We created Higher Ground to harness the power of storytelling. That’s why we couldn’t be more excited about these projects,” former President Obama said in a statement. “Touching on issues of race and class, democracy and civil right, and much more, we believe each of these productions won’t just entertain, but will educate, connect and inspire us all.”
On Tuesday, they revealed 7 new projects that we can expect to see. There’s something inspirational and educational for everyone.
View Their Full List of Film Projects Below:
1) American Factory
Why can’t American and Chinese industries get along? The Sundance Film Festival award-winning film has answers and solutions as they follow a Chinese billionaire who operates a new factory in post-industrial Ohio made up of two thousand blue-collar Americans. The promise of new jobs gives workers a sense of hope, until a culture clash between American and Chinese workers causes tension.
2) Bloom
Written and produced by Callie Khouri, creator of the hit TV series Nashville and classic film Thelma and Louise, Bloom is fashion series set in NYC that highlights the plight and triumphs of women and people of color living in a post-WWII world.
3) Fredrick Douglass: Prophet of Freedom
One of their first productions is a feature film on Fredrick Douglass, adapted from David W. Blight’s Pulitzer Prize-winning biography.
4) Fith Risk
Based on Michael Lewis’ book The Fifth Risk: Undoing Democracy, this series will highlight the heroes working behind the scenes in government who keep our nation safe.
5) Crip Camp
Crip Camp tells the story of “a summer camp for disabled teenagers that would transform young lives, and America forever by helping to set in motion the disability rights movement.” Jim LeBrecht, a former camper and Nicole Newnham, will direct the film.
6) Listen to Your Vegetables and Eat Your Parents
Given the success of other hit Netflix kid shows, Ask the Storybots, PJ Masks, and more, Jeremy Konnerand Erika Thormahlen are developing a show that educates parents and kids about “our food” through adventures around the world. The Obama’s stated that this feature will “take young children and their families around the globe on an adventure that tells us the story of our food.”
7) Overlooked
Overlooked is a scripted anthology series inspired by the The New York Times’ ongoing obituary column. Hear me out: This series will tell the stories of those whose deaths were not covered in the obituary column but deserve to be shared.
The Obama’s are confident that through each film produced by their team, they will find the common thread within every story to inspire us to be something more. “With Higher Ground Productions, we hope to bring people together around common values and uncommon stories,” stated President Obama. “Our goal isn’t just to make people think—we want to make people feel and reach outside of their comfort zone,” Michelle added.
Chicago was the backdrop for a moment you couldn’t script any better: GRAMMY®, Dove, and Stellar Award-winning powerhouse Jonathan McReynolds linking arms with American Idol Season 23 winner Jamal Roberts to deliver a live ballad that hits straight to the soul. Their new single, “Still,” isn’t just another worship record—it’s a reminder that God’s love is the one thing that doesn’t shift when life does.
Recorded live in McReynolds’ hometown, the song is lifted from his forthcoming project Closer—an album already carrying heavy anticipation. What unfolds in “Still” is classic Jonathan: heartfelt storytelling, layered with rich theology, now elevated by Roberts’ fresh, unshaken voice.
👉 Watch the live performance here.
Legacy Meets New Fire 🔥
Jonathan McReynolds has carved out a lane few can touch—an artist who makes Gospel feel as real as your group chat confessions. His catalog has always balanced honesty and worship, bringing Sunday morning depth into everyday playlists.
Enter Jamal Roberts: the new voice America fell in love with on American Idol. His win wasn’t just about vocal ability—it was about heart, authenticity, and the kind of presence that feels rare. Pairing him with McReynolds doesn’t just make sense; it feels prophetic. It’s the kind of intergenerational link-up that keeps Gospel fresh while honoring its roots.
The Vibe
With “Still,” Jonathan McReynolds and Jamal Roberts don’t just give us another Gospel single—they give us a soundtrack for resilience. It’s raw, it’s soulful, and it’s proof that the future of faith-based music is in good hands. Expect this one to be on repeat long after the Stellars.
Culture
ArtSoul Radio & Actor Empowerment Summit Host Sneak Peek of BET+ Series Churchy with KevOnStage at XL Film Fest
Chicago, IL — August 17, 2025 – ArtSoul Radio is teaming up with the XL Film Festival, The Actor Empowerment Summit, and BET+ to bring fans an exclusive sneak peek of KevOnStage’s hit comedy series Churchy. This one-night event will feature a special panel conversation with KevOnStage and the full cast, moderated by Chicago’s own Christal Luster, along with an advance screening of highlights from Season 2.
A First Look at Churchy Season 2
Fans will get a behind-the-scenes look at Season 2 of Churchy ahead of its official August 21 premiere on BET+. Kevin “KevOnStage” Fredericks returns as Pastor Corey Carr Jr., navigating church leadership, unexpected debts, and laugh-out-loud moments with his eccentric team. The new season promises fresh surprises with appearances by Tabitha Brown, Kirk Franklin, Lecrae, Keith Lee, Tony Baker, and many more.
Chicago Exclusive – Then Available for ArtSoul Radio Community Members
Chicago, IL — August 17, 2025 – ArtSoul Radio is teaming up with the XL Film Festival, The Actor Empowerment Summit, and BET+ to bring fans an exclusive sneak peek of KevOnStage’s hit comedy series Churchy. This one-night event will feature a special panel conversation with KevOnStage and the full cast, moderated by Chicago’s own Christal Luster, along with an advance screening of highlights from Season 2.
A First Look at Churchy Season 2
Fans will get a behind-the-scenes look at Season 2 of Churchy ahead of its official August 21 premiere on BET+. Kevin “KevOnStage” Fredericks returns as Pastor Corey Carr Jr., navigating church leadership, unexpected debts, and laugh-out-loud moments with his eccentric team. The new season promises fresh surprises with appearances by Tabitha Brown, Kirk Franklin, Lecrae, Keith Lee, Tony Baker, and many more.
Chicago Exclusive – Then Available for ArtSoul Radio Community Members
For those in Chicago, the August 17th event offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to engage live with KevOnStage and his cast. Can’t make it in person? Join the ArtSoul Radio community to gain exclusive access to the full panel replay after the event.
Click here to sign up and stay connected. Community members will be the first to receive:
- A private link to the full panel replay
- Behind-the-scenes clips and highlights
- Special giveaways tied to Churchy Season 2
Why This Event Matters
Partnering with XL Film Fest and The Actor Empowerment Summit to bring this BET+ collaboration to Chicago is more than entertainment—it’s a cultural moment for faith-based media. It reflects the growth of Christian creatives in film, comedy, and storytelling while highlighting Chicago as a hub for innovative cultural conversations.
About Churchy
After debuting as one of the most-watched scripted comedies on BET+, Churchy quickly built a loyal fan base. Season 2 expands the storylines, bringing new characters, guest stars, and bigger laughs—all while spotlighting themes of faith, community, and resilience. Produced by KevOnStage Studios alongside industry leaders and executive producers like LeBron James and Maverick Carter (SpringHill), the show continues to elevate digital-first creators onto global platforms.
Culture
Holy Smoke! Festival 2025 Kicks Off This Week in Nashville — Full Guide, Lineup, Schedule, & How to Tap In
1K Phew Links Up With WHATUPRG & Ty Brasel for “Ain’t He” — A Cultural Shot of Faith, Confidence, and Atlanta Energy
Naomi Raine & Chandler Moore Announce Their Exits from Maverick City Music: The End of an Era and the Beginning of Something New
NEW MUSIC: Jonathan McReynolds & Jamal Roberts Deliver a Soulful Moment with “Still”
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K-Ci of R&B Group Jodeci Shares Near Death Experience & How His Faith Helped Him Recover
NEW MUSIC: Stream Derek Minor’s New Single, “Take Off” (Ft. KB, Canon & Ty Brasel)
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