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King University Alumnus Jeremiah Caleb ‘Coming Home’to Host Film Premiere, Hope Gala Nov. 2

October 26, 2018

BRISTOL, Tenn., Oct. 26, 2018 — King University Alumnus Jeremiah Caleb is returning to Bristol to host a hometown premiere of his new film, “Coming Home,” on Friday, Nov. 2, at 8:30 p.m. at the Paramount Center for the Arts. The screening will include a Hope Gala to benefit educational opportunities for women and children in India.

“Coming Home” documents Caleb’s 40-day journey to India to trace the footsteps of his late father, Rev. A.S.K Caleb, who was born into a Brahmin family and disowned at the age of 15 for becoming a Christian. The film conveys a story of hope and divine calling, chronicling the personal accounts of the Caleb family, the harsh realities of slum conditions in India, and dreams that were born out of a journey of simplicity and empathy.

An actor, author, and activist, Caleb began his career in New York City, where he studied at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy. Later, he also attended The Groundlings Theatre and School in Los Angeles, California, where he currently resides with his wife, Angel.

Caleb has made numerous appearances on stage and in film and television productions. His recent credits include roles in “Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” and “Home Again,” featuring Reese Witherspoon. He has also appeared in national commercials, including the currently running Honda campaign.

“Coming Home” is a far more personal project for Caleb, and is based on his biographical novels, “He Walks with Me” and “In His Time.”
Born in Singapore, Caleb spent his early teenage years in Cwmbran, South Wales, before attending high school in Kingsport, Tennessee, and continuing his education at King University, where he double majored in English and  fine arts.

“When I was a college student, there were not a lot of people who felt they could leave Bristol and go out to Hollywood or New York, make a life for themselves, and maintain their faith,” Caleb said. “King University’s fine arts program was all-encompassing — with  MusicArt HistoryActing, and more — and it made me feel that a guy like me could do anything.

“I remember the first musical of my career being ‘Once Upon a Mattress’ at the Paramount. I was literally thrown into the chorus at the last minute, and it was a defining moment for me. Now, almost 20 years later, I believe it is appropriate to bring my work back home to Bristol. There was always a journey ahead for me, and now I feel as though this is an act of gratitude. I’m coming home to share my love of storytelling with King University and the Bristol community.” He credits the educational and faith-based foundation he received from his parents and at King for his success.

“This film is an avenue for me to make a positive contribution to society — that’s the focus,” said Caleb. “It isn’t about winning an Oscar, it’s about telling the stories that are near and dear to my heart. A lot of people believed in the story, so it very much belongs to them. It’s all for the support of the children. Success isn’t about walking across that stage, it’s in doing what I was created and called to do. All you have to do is share your passion.”

Caleb collaborated with Emory & Henry College alumnus, actor, and director Josh Mancuso of Johnson City, Tennessee, to produce the film, which features an original music score by Daniel J. Stimac. Production was supported by friends of the Caleb Hope Foundation, which serves the poor and oppressed in the slums and rural communities of India, working to empower them and create a culture of education, justice, mercy, and hope.

Gold tickets for the Hope Gala 2018 are $75, which includes VIP access to the red carpet, a cocktail hour with passed hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, live music, a screening of “Coming Home,” and special musical performances from Amythyst Kiah, John-Mark McGaha, and King University’s a capella group, All the King’s Men. Gold tickets also include access to an after party featuring a dessert buffet, cash bar, and live entertainment. Doors open to VIP gold ticket holders at 6:30 p.m. Silver tickets are $10 for general admission to view the “Coming Home” film and the featured musical concert. Doors open to silver ticket holders at 8:15 p.m.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the construction of a new school for destitute women and children in Rajamundry, India. The Paramount Center for the Arts is located at 518 State Street, Bristol, Tennessee, 37620.
Visit www.cominghomefilm.us for more information. To purchase limited tickets, click here or call the Paramount Center for the Arts Box Office at 423.274.8925.

King University is a Presbyterian-affiliated, doctoral-level comprehensive university. Founded in 1867 as King College, the University offers more than 90 majors, minors, pre-professional degrees and concentrations in fields such as business, nursing, law, medical and health sciences, pharmacy, education, and humanities. Graduate programs are offered in business administration, education, and nursing. A number of research, off-campus learning opportunities, and travel destinations are also available. King University is a NCAA Division II and a Conference Carolinas member with 25 varsity sports. For more information about King University, click here. King University does not discriminate against academically qualified students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, age, or disability. King University is certified by SCHEV to operate in Virginia. King’s primary location in Virginia is Southwest Virginia Community College, 724 Community College Rd, Cedar Bluff, VA 24609.