DeVon Franklin: Uplifting Spirits through Entertainment and Faith
DeVon Franklin, a renowned film and television producer and New York Times best-selling author, is on a mission to uplift the human spirit through the power of entertainment.
Many have taken notice and admired Franklin for his recent accomplishments, including the production of Searchlight’s feature film “Flamin’ Hot,” which received the prestigious Audience Award at SXSW 2023 for the Headliners screening section. After seven years of dedicated work, the movie was released on Hulu and Disney+ in June 2023, providing audiences worldwide with the opportunity to experience the culmination of Franklin’s passion and vision.
FILM FLAMIN’ HOT HOLDS A SPECIAL PLACE IN FRANKLIN’S HEART
The film tells the inspiring story of Richard Montanez, the son of a Mexican immigrant who started as a janitor at Frito Lay in Rancho Cucamonga. Montanez’s groundbreaking idea to introduce a spicy product to his community in Southern California ultimately transformed “Flamin’ Hot” into an iconic brand. Winning the Audience Award at SXSW is a testament to the impact and resonance of this remarkable project. Franklin shares, “After working on this project for seven years, seeing it come to life feels incredibly rewarding. It truly reflects the power of faith, perseverance, and the combination of trust, belief, and action. I’m genuinely excited about this project and everything it represents.”
A BEACON OF LIGHT
As a beacon of light in the entertainment industry, Franklin recognizes the significance and representation his faith holds. His journey of faith within Hollywood has been organic, always aligning with his passion for his work. From the early days of his career, Franklin made it known that he observed the Sabbath and wouldn’t work on Saturdays. This commitment was respected and accommodated, and it became associated with his public persona.
Rather than imposing his beliefs on others, Franklin approaches his faith with love, care, and consideration. He focuses on embodying the greatest commandment of loving God and loving his neighbor. Franklin shares, “Approaching my faith with love, care, and consideration is paramount. Too often, the Christian faith is associated with judgment rather than love. However, when we look at the life of Christ, it was characterized by love and compassion. It’s not about proselytizing or forcing my beliefs onto others. It’s about living out the greatest commandment mentioned in Scripture: ‘love God with all your heart and love your neighbor as yourself.’ Love, in my perspective, means accepting people wherever they are in their journey, regardless of where I may stand. I don’t worry or dwell on whether I might offend someone because I approach interactions with faith, hope, love, acceptance, and understanding. My focus is not on judgment or negativity but on embodying those positive qualities.”
REFLECTING ON MOMENTS THAT SHAPED HIS CHARACTER
Reflecting on the impactful moments that shaped his character, Franklin acknowledges the profound influence of his mother, grandmother, and great aunts. One memory that stands out is the compassionate friendship of Donna, a family friend who noticed Franklin’s withdrawn demeanor as a young child and made a lasting connection. This act of kindness had a profound impact on Franklin’s life, and their bond remains strong to this day.
Another significant moment occurred after the unexpected passing of Franklin’s father. To provide solace and joy during a difficult time, Franklin’s mother surprised him and his siblings with a trip to a wrestling match. This thoughtful gesture not only served as a distraction but also laid the foundation for Franklin’s resilience and appreciation for meaningful connections.
Through it all, Franklin finds inspiration and strength in his favorite scripture, Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” This verse serves as a constant reminder that with the support and strength of Christ, there are no limits to what one can achieve.
DeVon Franklin‘s journey in the entertainment industry is a testament to the power of faith, resilience, and authenticity. As a producer, author, and advocate for uplifting content, he continues to make a significant impact, inspiring others through his work and unwavering commitment to his beliefs. With each project, Franklin strives to uplift the human spirit, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of entertainment.
DeVon Franklin, Jesse Garcia, and Eva Longoria on the set of FLAMIN’ HOT. Photo by Anna Koori’s. Courtesy of Searchlight Pictures. © 2023 20th Century Studios All Rights Reserved.
