Click below to view The Grace Card movie trailer 

I reached out to Michael Joiner, lead actor of the movie who played the role of Bill “Mac” McDonald for a quick question and answer session. Joiner’s character, a cop for the City of Memphis' police department, was quite bitter and angry after gang bangers killed his son. Unable to move beyond his pain, McDonald’s pain slowly transformed into hatred toward all minorities, and it wasn’t until Sam Wright, a character played by up - and - coming actor Michael Higgenbottom challenged his faith and heart.

Michael Joiner isn’t new to the faith community performing arts world. He’s a well known Christian comic, better known as “God’s Smart Aleck”, and he has performed across the country, gaining the attention of one TV Guide writer who said that Joiner is “One of the funniest, most original standup comedians working today.”

Akia Garnett: Mr. Joiner, thank you very much for agreeing to do this article with me. The Grace Card is a fantastic film. Congratulations to you, the filming crew and your cast mates for such incredible performances. First and foremost, how has the filming of this movie impacted you?
Michael Joiner: I landed this role after my family lost our home in LA and we moved back to Kansas City because of the economy. God stripped my acting career out of my heart. Then he gave it back to me miraculously when I got the call from The producers of “The Grace Card” offering me the lead role…He is God, and you can trust him no matter what your circumstances look like.
Akia Garnett: What drew you to the character?
Michael Joiner: Every serious actor longs for that deep, intense, challenging role. One where the character has hidden demons that he’s battling. And a story with obstacle after obstacle makes it even more inviting. That plus the fact that writer Howie Klausner did such an incredible job of penning a beautiful story made me want to do it.
Akia Garnett: There are lots of Christian films, plays, and other productions which hit the streets yearly, yet The Grace Card seems to take the motion picture industry to a different level with a cross between a true message in Christ and good directing, acting and writing. What was your experience like working on such a project?
Michael Joiner: We knew we had something special from the get go. I have never worked on a project where it seemed God’s hand was on every aspect of the film. I have now experienced several screenings to packed houses, and I can say that The Grace Card’s surprise twists, edgy, gritty, real dialogue, and powerful ending is causing folks to simultaneously applaud, cry, and give standing ovations…I have also seen many audiences so emotionally wore out by the time the film reaches it’s surprising climax, that they sit there through the entire ending credits, almost not believing what they just experienced….I am so blessed to be a part of this.
Akia Garnett: Why Memphis for the city in which the film was based - is there some special connection?
Michael Joiner: Well, besides the fact that that is where our director/producer, David Evans is based, we all realized that Memphis was also the perfect backdrop with it’s history of the civil rights movement. The City of Memphis and especially the Memphis police force was 100% behind the story. The Mayor as well as many other big names in Memphis were all there to speak and support the film at the premier at the Orpheum theater.
Akia Garnett: How does the film work to mend the brokenness in people when they aren't willing to forgive others?
Michael Joiner: I think the film shows that the power of forgiveness not only benefits the one forgiven, but it will bring peace and closure to the one who needs to do the forgiving. There is a line in the movie where my co star [Higgenbottom] is talking about how we always seek for “justice” when maybe we should be extending grace, instead.
Akia Garnett: You're also a Christian Comedian, God's Smart Aleck, how does this all tie into the bigger picture of the work you're doing in Christ?
Michael Joiner: Well, I know a lot of folks are surprised that a Comedian can give such a serious, dramatic performance, so, career wise I hope that range will impress casting directors and film producers who will want to hire me for future roles. Also, with a bigger platform that I hope to get from the exposure in the film, I will be able to give my testimony of how God saved me from a life of destruction and set my feet high upon a rock! And the Lord can and will do that for every person who will simply call out to Him.
Akia Garnett: Lots of churches are involved in some form of media ministry work, many times putting on productions multiple times per year. How might they increase the effectiveness of what they're doing, and also help give light to rising and gifted actors who might help refine a Christian film market?
Michael Joiner: Well, I am very outspoken concerning the Christian mindset that thinks, if we pray about a thing and do it in the name of the Lord, we don’t have to worry about studying and being professional in the creative end. But, no where does the bible teach such a crazy idea! As a matter of fact we are commanded to do things in an excellent manner. That means praying as if it all depends upon God, but ACTING or preparing as if it all depends upon us. I studied for several years with some of LA’s best acting coaches. I know I would have never reached the important emotional moments in “The Grace Card” if I hadn’t seriously studied my craft.
Akia Garnett: This film really touches on lots of topics. Faith, race relations, justice, and accepting a calling and walking in it are just a few that I can immediately identify. As an actor, how did you work to weave each of these concepts together?
Michael Joiner: Let me just say it is crucial to be specific in each and every scene as to who you are, what your characters history is, and what your immediate and long term goals are. From there the rest should take care of itself.
Akia Garnett: People tend to think that movies take long to shoot. How long has the filming been underway?
Michael Joiner: We filmed for slightly over a month from October-November 2009.
If you're wondering how Michael gained the nick name "God's Smart Aleck" here is his response to my final question.
Akia Garnett: So.... you're God's Smart Aleck, huh? Did you have to dig deep to get into character or was it natural to fall into character, especially during those intense father - son dialogs. I must admit that I nearly sunk into the seat as your character turned up the heat on his son?
Michael Joiner: Finding your real pain in the history of one’s life and exchanging it with the character’s came natural for me in this role. I was born to an unwed young mom, in Gary, Indiana... in poverty. She later married an unemployed, pot smoking man who became my step dad….I have a lot to draw from.

So, there you have it readers. On behalf of Christian World Links, and Brandbuilder, Thank you, Mr. Joiner!

The Grace Card is now showing in over 300 theaters nationwide. To learn more about the film, visit www.TheGraceCard.com. The movie remains in the top 20 films for the second week of its release!

Contributing Author:

Akia T. Garnett
Interview with Actor and Star of The Grace Card Movie, Michael Joiner
Brandbuilder Publications

Akia T. Garnett is a Guest Blogger for Christian World Links, Inc. She is President and CEO of Brandbuilder, a full service communication and marketing firm supporting the faith based communities and small and diverse businesses. Visit them online at www.MasterYourBrand.com.