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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

We Speak Entertainment

You Are Worth It: S3RF’s New Single Set to Empower and Inspire

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The music landscape is about to be electrified by the arrival of S3RF’s latest single, “You Are Worth It.” This rising star is not just another name on the charts; he’s a multi-talented artist who produces his own beats and crafts his sound with a unique flair that sets him apart in today’s competitive industry. With a powerful message and an infectious rhythm, “You Are Worth It” is poised to make waves and solidify S3RF’s place as a force to be reckoned with.

A Journey of Passion and Purpose

S3RF, whose real name is Marcus Blake, has been steadily carving out his niche in the music world with his innovative approach and dedication to authenticity. Since his debut, he has captivated audiences with his dynamic sound, blending pop, R&B, and electronic elements into a style that is distinctly his own. “You Are Worth It” is a reflection of his journey, encapsulating themes of self-empowerment and resilience that resonate deeply with listeners.

“I want this song to be a reminder that everyone has value,” S3RF explains in an exclusive interview. “In a world that often tries to diminish our worth, I believe it’s crucial to embrace who we are and celebrate our individuality.”

The Creative Process: Producing from the Heart

What truly sets S3RF apart is his ability to produce his own beats, allowing him to have complete creative control over his music. “Producing my own tracks gives me the freedom to express my vision fully,” he shares. “I love experimenting with different sounds and styles, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see my ideas come to life.”

The production of “You Are Worth It” showcases S3RF’s talent for blending catchy melodies with empowering lyrics. The upbeat tempo and vibrant instrumentation create an infectious energy that invites listeners to dance and sing along. “I wanted to create something that not only sounds good but also makes people feel good,” he adds.

A Visual Journey

Accompanying the single will be a visually stunning music video that amplifies the song’s uplifting message. Directed by a visionary filmmaker, the video is a celebration of diversity and self-acceptance, featuring vibrant visuals that reflect the joy of embracing one’s true self. “We wanted to create a visual experience that resonates with the message of the song,” S3RF explains. “It’s all about celebrating who we are, no matter our differences.”

A Message That Matters

As S3RF prepares to share “You Are Worth It” with the world, he hopes to inspire meaningful conversations about self-worth and mental health. “I’ve always believed in the power of music to heal and uplift,” he says. “I want my listeners to know they’re not alone in their struggles and that it’s okay to ask for help. This song is a reminder that we are all deserving of love and respect.”

S3RF: An Artist to Watch

With “You Are Worth It” set to release soon, S3RF is gearing up for a year filled with exciting opportunities. His dedication to his craft and his passion for music make it clear that he’s not just a fleeting trend—he’s an artist who is here to stay. Fans can expect more releases, electrifying live performances, and collaborations that showcase his evolving artistry.

“I’m just getting started, and I can’t wait to share more of my journey with everyone,” S3RF declares with enthusiasm. “There’s so much more to come, and I’m excited to continue growing and pushing boundaries as an artist.”

Mark Your Calendars!

As the countdown begins for the release of “You Are Worth It,” fans are encouraged to follow S3RF on his social media channels to stay updated on all the latest news and behind-the-scenes content. This is one single you won’t want to miss, and it’s clear that S3RF is poised to make a lasting impact in the music industry.

Release Date: 4/11/25

Follow S3RF: instagram @s3rfboy

TikTok @S3rfboy 

Get ready to be inspired by S3RF’s new single, “You Are Worth It.” This talented artist is not only making a mark on the music scene but also empowering a generation to recognize their worth and embrace their uniqueness. Keep an eye on S3RF—he’s a rising star who is here to stay, and the best is yet to come!

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