Tight end Benjamin Watson is retiring from the New England Patriots, but he is moving into a new calling that may have a much greater impact. He is putting the final touches on a feature documentary about abortion.
Watson, a pro-life Christian, is executive producing and partially financing a movie called “Divided Hearts of America“ that he started filming in May. In the movie, Watson interviews about 30 Americans, some pro-life, some pro-choice, about the controversial topic, and the film features several prominent people, such as former presidential candidate Ben Carson and Alveda King, the niece of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
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“I never thought I’d be involved in a movie, but so many different laws have passed in New York, Alabama, Georgia, it seems this issue — which has always been a part of our national consciousness — has ramped up recently,” Watson told The Hollywood Reporter. “Things are at a fever pitch. My goal is to unveil the truth about abortion, the laws, the history and where our country is headed. I believe in the sanctity of life, be it in the womb or on your deathbed. That’s my conviction. But with the film, I’ll engage those who disagree and hear their reasoning. The No. 1 thing I’m looking for is empathy on both sides.”
Watson’s view on the subject shouldn’t be a surprise in Hollywood after he engaged in a high-profile war of words with actress Alyssa Milano in May after the actress said anti-abortion laws would especially hurt “women of color.”
“Dissenting views should be respected and in fact encouraged,” Watson said. “There are many people in Hollywood who would consider themselves pro-life but they feel as though their viewpoint is unacceptable in the industry. No one should feel like their job is in danger because of their convictions on this issue.”
Watson said he’s negotiating with distributors and that some groups have already guaranteed they’d be buying out theaters.
–Alan Goforth | Metro Voice