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How Biblical epic ‘His Only Son’ became an unlikely box-office hit

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His Only Son’ depicts one of the more controversial stories from the Old Testament – God commanding Abraham to sacrifice his own son. The feature film digs deep into accounts of Abraham’s life leading up to the birth of his son and then the agonizing burden of taking him to the place of sacrifice. With its rich, character-focused script, the film answers the persistent question: why would God command such a thing?

The movie was shot in the summer of 2019 with Nicolas Mouawad (a highly acclaimed TV star in the Middle East) as Abraham and Sara Seyed (from Netflix’s ‘Young Wallander’) as Sarah. The production was plagued by hold-ups – illness, budget constraints and, of course, the pandemic – but when it opened on 31 March this year it became a critical and financial success.

Reaching the number-three spot in the US box office on its opening weekend, it earned an ‘A’ on CinemaScore, a 96% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, and made $12 million in takings. The film also reached the #1 spot theatrically in Lebanon and is set to premiere in many other international regions, including LATAM, Europe and South Korea.

The original idea for the project came from writer/director David Helling, who brought it to the film’s original producer, Michael Kaney. However, as Michael’s health declined, Roman Medjanov was brought on as a full-time producer to take the lead on the project and guarantee its completion. 

Producing the film was not an easy task. Roman, along with David, who was directing, had to figure out how to put a biblical epic on screen with a micro-production budget. This began a year-long pre-production stage where locations were found and secured, necessary crew positions determined and hired, cast discovered, production design built and sourced, and the schedule squeezed to fit the budget. 

Roman Medjanov Photo credit: RockBridge Productions

Once the production started, there was no room for error. Roman had to strategically stay ahead of every decision made on set each day, to ensure the film’s completion on time without overages. The film was shot in the desert areas north of Los Angeles and proved to be a trying production; scorching summer heat, remote locations only accessible by foot, nightshoots, on-screen animals, stunts, and underwater photography.

During post-production it became apparent that the crucial last scene had to be reshot. Roman had to find a way to acquire new funding and safely film the remaining shots in the midst of a pandemic when the world had shut down. Finally, after years of waiting patiently for the VFX to be complete, numerous distribution talks began in 2022. Thankfully, Angel Studios, the studio behind the smash hit ‘The Chosen’, came in with a promise of a wide theatrical distribution and Easter-season release – leading the film to the success it has achieved so far. 

Roman Medjanov is an accomplished producer; besides making an unlikely box-office hit with ‘His Only Son’, Roman’s first feature-length film was a documentary called ‘Story of Sales.’ Made on a tight budget, the film had an incredible ROI of over $20 million. This was the first documentary to tackle the subject of sales, and it premiered at Dreamforce, known as ‘the Golden Globes of tech’.

In 2023, Roman had another film premiere, ‘Rally’, a feature-length documentary depicting one of the most controversial figures in modern San Francisco politics. It had its first screening at the San Francisco International Film Festival, introduced on stage by the city’s Mayor.

Roman Medjanov Photo credit: Aaron Garabedian

Roman is also a full-time producer at RockBridge Productions, where he produces commercials for brands including Spotify, KIA, Clorox, Salesforce and UCSF. He’s won multiple awards for his commercial work, including a Pollie Award, an American Advertising Award, and two Telly Awards in the same year. He has also won awards from Venice Film Awards and Golden Gate International Film Festival for his narrative work.

Following the success of ‘His Only Son,’ the sequel – currently under the working title ‘Jacob’ – has been greenlit. The film is set to begin pre-production later this summer with an anticipated theatrical release date of Easter 2025.

Featured photo credit: Getty Images

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“Beautiful Twilight: A Universal Anthem of Romance and Reflection”

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In an era where music often races to keep up with the fast-paced rhythm of modern life, Official Jones has crafted a piece that invites listeners to pause, reflect, and rediscover the timeless beauty of romance. His latest single, “Beautiful Twilight,” is more than just a song; it’s a universal anthem that transcends age and ethnicity, offering a gentle reminder of the elegance and depth that romance can bring to our lives.

Reviving Romance in the Modern Age

“Beautiful Twilight” seeks to rekindle the embers of romance that many feel have been dimmed by the hustle and bustle of contemporary living. Official Jones, with his signature style, has woven together a melody that is both soothing and evocative, creating an atmosphere where love can flourish once again. The song’s gentle harmonies and heartfelt lyrics serve as a call to embrace the softer, more tender moments of life, encouraging listeners to connect with their emotions and with each other.

A Melody for All

One of the standout features of “Beautiful Twilight” is its universal appeal. Official Jones has masterfully crafted a composition that resonates with audiences of all ages and backgrounds. The song’s universal themes of love, reflection, and beauty speak to the human experience, making it relatable to anyone who has ever felt the stirrings of affection or the longing for connection.

The music transcends cultural and generational boundaries, uniting listeners in a shared appreciation for the art of romance. Whether you’re a young couple just beginning your journey together or someone who has spent decades nurturing a deep partnership, “Beautiful Twilight” offers a soundtrack to your most cherished memories and aspirations.

Elevating the Mind of Gentlemen

In addition to its romantic themes, “Beautiful Twilight” serves as an invitation for gentlemen to elevate their minds and embrace a more refined approach to love and relationships. Official Jones encourages men to reflect on the qualities that define a true gentleman—kindness, patience, and respect—and to incorporate these values into their daily lives.

The song is a reminder that romance is not just about grand gestures, but also about the quiet moments of understanding and support that build lasting bonds. By listening to “Beautiful Twilight,” gentlemen are inspired to cultivate a deeper emotional intelligence and to approach their relationships with sincerity and grace.

A Timeless Classic in the Making

“Beautiful Twilight” is poised to become a timeless classic, a song that will be cherished for generations to come. Its universal message and captivating melody ensure that it will remain a staple in playlists around the world, a testament to the enduring power of love and music.

Official Jones has not only created a song but a movement—a call to bring romance back into our lives and to elevate our minds and spirits. As we listen to “Beautiful Twilight,” we are reminded of the beauty that exists in the world and within ourselves, encouraging us to embrace each day with an open heart and a renewed sense of wonder.

In a world that often forgets the importance of slowing down and savoring the moment, “Beautiful Twilight” stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration, inviting us all to rediscover the magic of romance and the joy of being truly present with the ones we love.

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