In African-American weddings, jumping the broom — a tradition that has its roots in African ritual — signifies the merging of two families.
In the comedy Jumping the Broom, it may take a lot more than an old ritual to merge the ultra-upper-class family of bride Sabrina (Paula Patton) with the working class family of groom Jason (Laz Alonso), particularly when his mother’s pride surfaces in the first meeting of the in-laws at the bride’s parents estate on Cape Cod. But this is a romantic comedy, one produced by Bishop T.D. Jakes, so it’s no surprise that, with a bit of divine guidance, what should be, will be.
Bishop Jakes, the internationally known pastor of the Dallas mega-church The Potter’s House, has taken his message globally using print media, television, the Internet and films — including Not Easily Broken. Jakes and his producing partner Curtis Wallace were beginning to plan a film on family secrets when screenwriters Elizabeth Hunter and Glendon Palmer brought them the idea for Jumping the Broom.
The script had all the basic elements Jakes and Wallace were looking for, Hunter says. “The film’s values are very similar to his values. The people in the movie have a very strong relationship with God.”
Wallace recognized an opportunity to tell a story of importance. “Jumping the Broom is about what it really means to be a family. It’s about mothers and daughters and mothers and sons and husbands and wives. It’s about all those relationships and how they come together. We think it’s told in a way that not only conveys some important messages, but is also funny and entertaining.”
And, Jakes comments, the film transcends race. “Any family can benefit from the film’s message of love and hope. In most families, some went to college, some did not. Some are articulate, some are not. And yet we come together and we enjoy each other. The wedding is just the backdrop for the real issues of how families survive on every level of life.”
“Jumping the Broom” is now showing on Video On Demand. Check your cable system for availability.
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© 2011 Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc.