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Alumnus shines on the big screen in modern portrayal of Solomon

A new film reimagines the biblical Solomon as a folk singer, with Alan Powell, a 2007 Liberty University graduate (biblical studies), assuming the marquee role. “The Song,” which hits select theaters Sept. 26, tells a tale of love and the all-too-real struggle that talent, fame, and wealth can cause. The movie explores the main character’s ups and downs, from young love to heartache, and features an incredible soundtrack.

“The Song” marks Powell’s silver screen debut, though he is no stranger to the limelight. He formed the Christian pop group Anthem Lights in 2007 with a few of his former Liberty classmates.

While fans of Anthem Lights might recognize Powell’s voice in the film, the music bears little resemblance to the group’s high-energy pop tunes. Instead, Powell delivers a gritty, soulful performance that beautifully reflects the character’s struggle. He plays guitar in the film and even learned to play the banjo for certain scenes.

Alan Powell
Alan Powell

The movie — a City On A Hill Productions/Samuel Goldwyn Films project written and directed by Richard Ramsey — is based on the biblical books of Ecclesiastes and the Song of Solomon. It follows Jed King (Powell), a talented musician in his own right, as he seeks to break out of the shadow of his father — legendary country singer David King — and the moral failings that came to define him. Though determined to remain committed to his faith and his family, Jed finds himself increasingly searching for meaning through his accomplishments and drawn into temptation.

Having spent a lot of time on the road while juggling family responsibilities, Powell, a husband and father of two young girls, said he relates to Jed and the struggles he faced. In fact, Anthem Lights, which is still together, scaled back its touring in recent years so the members could spend more time with their families. Powell lives with his family in Nashville, Tenn.

Like Solomon, Jed’s worldly pursuits lead him astray, teaching viewers that it is possible to have it all and still find life meaningless.

“The stories that God chose to tell … they are real,” Powell said. “They are real struggles, and they are real people and real faults, and a lot of times they are real ugly.”

He said that while the film is a bit “raw and gritty,” it does its job “without going too far.”

“For me the tone of the whole film is, it’s God’s Word, it’s His truth, it’s His story, but it’s real and it’s messy like our lives are.”

Resources to strengthen couples and families were created to be used in conjunction with the film.

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