Local cinema hosts film premiere of Grand Rapids-based documentary, a live performance by Yo-Yo Ma

In collaboration with The Colossian Forum, Celebration Cinema North & IMAX hosted the Grand Rapids premiere of the new feature length documentary film “Leap of Faith” (2024) on Monday with the filmmakers and special guest Yo-Yo Ma in attendance. 

Directed by Nicholas Ma, son of the world renowned musician and producer of the box office hit “Won’t You Be My Neighbor” (2018), the Grand Rapids-based documentary stars 12 diverse Christian pastors and reverends who navigate national dilemmas and engage in constructive debate at a year-long series of retreats. 

The Colossian Forum, a Grand Rapids institution led by President Rev. Michael Gulker, assembled the 12 individuals from local churches in various areas of West Michigan. Gulker and his family are also featured in the film, as he wrestles with his evolving faith and fatherhood. 

Ma, Gulker and all twelve religious leaders joined the audience at the premiere. 

A welcome reception was held at the cinema, where the cast and crew met with family and friends of the production. Before the screening, the crowd was graced with a performance by the Children’s Choir of Saint Andrew’s with Yo-Yo Ma himself supporting on Cello.

Before welcoming his son on stage to present the film, Ma performed solo to the crowd, who watched in awe. 

After embracing his father on stage, Ma discussed his appreciation for his family and everyone involved in the film. 

“I am so grateful to be here right now. I am so grateful to look out at 12 pastors who I consider to be dear friends and mentors, I am so grateful for the guidance that everyone has offered along the way, from the extraordinary team here in Grand Rapids.” Ma said. “The stories that we tell and the stories we choose to watch are the ones that change our lives.” 

A moderated Q&A with the audience was held after the screening with Gulker and director Ma.

When asked why Grand Rapids was the setting for the documentary and religious experiment, Gulker explained, “It really matters if you are in proximity. Our work tends to be within organizations and you live together over time, and so we thought we needed to do it in one geographic spot. Where they live, where they live together, where they are neighbors.”

Gulker continued, saying they debated between Grand Rapids and Chicago.

“At the same time we were considering, Patrick Lyoya was shot by a police officer, and both of them were Christians. I just thought we can’t in good conscience do this work somewhere else when this is where we are called to do it,” Gulker said.

“Leap of Faith” is set to release in theaters nationwide on Friday, Oct. 4.