Nativity Story Named the
#1 Most Redeeming Film of 2006
DVD Released as Unique Easter Resource Faith-Based Resources Provide Pastors, Youth Pastors and Small Group Leaders With Innovative Easter and Year-Round Ministry Tools LOS ANGELES, CA (ANS) -- Hitting stores on March 20, just in time for Easter, the greatest story ever told is brought to life on DVD in the epic drama, The Nativity Story. Named "The #1 Most Redeeming Film of 2006" by Christianity Today Movies, the DVD release coincides with a robust website of resources for pastors, youth pastors, Sunday school teachers and small group leaders. In releasing the DVD this week, New Line Home Entertainment is encouraging church leaders and families this Easter to explore the entire Gospel panorama of Jesus Christ's birth, life, death and resurrection. Anne Graham Lotz, Christian author and speaker, and the daughter of Billy Graham, viewed the film and commented, "While watching The Nativity Story, I felt I had a fresh encounter with the love of a living God. The theater became a holy place, and I worshipped with the wise men at the manger in Bethlehem, feeling renewed in my faith as I went home." Dr. Ted Baehr, founder and publisher of Movieguide® and chairman of the Christian Film & Television Commission, said, "The Nativity Story is compelling, interesting and entertaining!" The Nativity Story is an inspirational tale of extraordinary faith and love that chronicles the arduous journey of Mary and Joseph, a divine pregnancy and the miraculous birth of Jesus. As Christians worldwide focus on the Easter season, recalling the death and resurrection of Christ, The Nativity Story will be a unique resource and spiritual experience for families and churches during Holy Week. The Nativity Story captures the emotional resonance and spirituality of the time of Christ with the recreation of the sights and sounds of the Holy Land captured through breathtaking cinematography and an inspirational musical score. With much of the filming done in Matera, Italy, the same location where The Passion of the Christ was shot, The Nativity Story captures the authentic feel of a land and people who lived 2,000 years ago. "This story means so much to people all over the world," says director Catherine Hardwicke. "I hope audiences can relate to the film on a personal level and find some inspiration to get through their own challenges and difficulties." "More than just the account of Christ's birth, The Nativity Story is a story about real lives, troubling times, challenging circumstances and the extraordinary faith of ordinary people," says Lynne Marian, vice president of the Chr istian ministry provider Outreach, Inc. "It's a message as powerful today as it was 2,000 years ago." Starring Keisha Castle-Hughes (Whale Rider), Oscar Isaac (Guerrilla) and Academy Award®-nominee Shohreh Aghdashloo* (House of Sand and Fog), The Nativity Story was awarded The Heartland Film Festival's "Truly Moving Picture" award, the "Seal of Approval" from The Dove Foundation and has been endorsed by The Parent's Television Council. When The Nativity Story was recently named "The #1 Most Redeeming Film of 2006" by Christianity Today Movies, it received this distinct recognition given to films released in or outside of the faith-based market. These films include "feel-good" movies as well as thought provoking, spiritually-based stories, all communicating the message of redemption. "The filmmakers of The Nativity Story, who have clearly done their homework, have sensitively and responsibly crafted a story that poignantly captures two of Christendom's most well-loved, but little-known characters-Joseph and Mar y," stated Mark Moring, online managing editor of music and film for Christianity Today Movies. "Screenwriter Mike Rich has done a marvelous job bringing them to life not as religious icons but as flesh-and-blood humans who laugh and weep and feel, just like the rest of us," he added. Motive Entertainment has pooled a variety of The Nativity Story teaching and preaching resources for faith and family leaders as well as consumers. An innovative website (www..NativityResources.com) includes downloadable study guides, sermon outlines, trailers, promotional materials and additional resources so The Nativity Story can be used as a teaching, preaching and outreach tool. Leaders can also download DVD box images and production artwork at New Line Cinema's web site at www.moviepublicity.com. For more information, go to: www.NativityResources.com PUBLICITY CONTACT FOR FAITH-BASED MEDIA Lesley Burbridge-Bates |
Across Pacific Magazine | Humour | God at Work | Across Asia | Marine Reach | Rancho de la Paz