The Kennedy Center is stepping up its commitment to family-focused and faith-based programming with the upcoming June 1 screening of the animated film ‘King of Kings.’ The film, which portrays Jesus’ life through the eyes of a young boy, is the first such show at the center since 2022. The event signifies a departure from the center’s previous approach, aiming to highlight more pro-Christian content in its lineup. The screening comes as part of a broader effort to align with a ‘family-friendly’ emphasis, with the Kennedy Center also planning to host other religious-themed events in the future. The film’s production, by Angel Studios, has already seen considerable box office success, with $19.3 million earned in its opening weekend.
According to the center, the only recent modern production that could be considered ‘Christian’ was a 2022 showing of ‘Jesus Christ Superstar,’ a musical from the early 1970s that some critics (at least initially, such as the late Rev. Billy Graham) considered sacrilegious. The ‘King of Kings’ screening, which will be held on Sunday, June 1, marks a shift to providing more pro-Christian content at the Kennedy Center. Ambassador Richard Grenell, President of The Kennedy Center, remarked that he immediately recognized the value of the film’s content and decided to host it at the center. He also noted that the screening coincided with a panel discussion where he could engage with the CEO of Angel Studios, reinforcing the center’s commitment to expanding its religious programming.
Angel Studios, known for its pro-Christian content and crowd-funded streaming service, produces films that aim to support independent creators. The studio’s head, David Fischer, stated that ‘King of Kings’ is the most successful theatrically released faith-based animated film in history, emphasizing its impact on audiences and its symbolic significance at the Kennedy Center. While the Kennedy Center has previously hosted gospel singers and classical performances by composers like Mozart and Beethoven, which were originally commissioned for church music, the new initiative represents a more explicit focus on Christian themes. The center’s decision to host the film underscores its evolving priorities and its willingness to cater to a broader audience seeking family-friendly and faith-based content.
This move has sparked discussions about the role of cultural institutions in promoting religious messages. While some view the initiative as a positive step toward inclusivity and artistic diversity, others argue that it reflects a growing influence of religious agendas in public spaces. The Kennedy Center’s shift may also influence other cultural institutions to reconsider their programming strategies in light of changing societal values and audience preferences. As the center continues to explore new ways to engage with its audience, the success of events like the ‘King of Kings’ screening will likely play a key role in shaping its future direction and community impact.