Ignatius Press brings stunning film on Mary exclusively to North America
Contact: Kevin Wandra, 404-788-1276, KWandra@CarmelCommunications.com
SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 24, 2013 /Christian Newswire/ -- Mary, the Mother of Jesus Christ is revered throughout the world. However, her amazing life has not been featured on the big screen -- until now.
Ignatius Press will release MARY OF NAZARETH, a major motion picture on the life of Our Blessed Mother, for sponsored theatrical screenings across the country beginning in October. The North American premiere will take place in San Francisco on October 11 featuring the stunning actress who portrayed Mary in the film, Alissa Jung, and well-known Marian expert Father Donald Calloway, MIC.
"Ignatius Press is very excited to bring to the silver screen this incredible new epic feature film on Our Lady, MARY OF NAZARETH," said Ignatius Press Director of Sales and Marketing Anthony Ryan, "Produced by the same European studios who have made such other high-quality films with profound spiritual depth like Restless Heart: The Confessions of Augustine, Pope John Paul II, Bakhita: From Slave to Saint and Padre Pio: Miracle Man, this powerful film on the life of Mary will provide deep inspiration for all who see it on the big screen. Ignatius is very happy to follow in the wake of the theatrical sponsored screening success of Restless Heart to work with faith-filled movie fans everywhere to bring this amazing film on Mary to theaters in their neighborhoods, providing a unique opportunity for inspiring entertainment, strong evangelization and significant fundraising."
Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI screened the movie in the Apostolic Palace in 2012, and was touched by the portrayal of Mary so movingly revealed on film. He commented that "it is not easy to characterize the figure of any mother, because the riches of the maternal life are difficult to describe, but this is even more challenging when it comes to the Mary of Nazareth, who is the mother of Jesus, the Son of God made man."
Unlike many faith-based films that open in limited release around the country and often don't make it to cities and towns with significant interest, MARY OF NAZARETH is available for showing anywhere in North America. Individuals, parishes, church groups or other organizations can arrange to bring this epic film to their towns immediately. There are currently close to 250 screenings in various stages of planning. Interested groups and individuals work with local theaters and other venues to rent a screen, and Ignatius provides a copy of the film with a complete promotional kit for an affordable fee.
An exclusive trailer of the film is available online now at www.MaryFilm.com. For more information or interviews, please contact Kevin Wandra (404-788-1276 or KWandra@CarmelCommunications.com).
To bring MARY OF NAZARETH to a theater in your area beginning Oct. 1, please inquire via email through Carmel Communications at screenings@carmelcommunications.
Ignatius Press will host the MARY OF NAZARETH premiere at 7 p.m. PT Friday, Oct. 11 at the AMC Metreon 16, 135 4th St #3000, San Francisco, CA 94103. Alissa Jung, the German actress who stars as Mary in the film, and Fr. Donald Calloway, author of UNDER THE MANTLE: Marian Thoughts From a 21st Century, who has endorsed the film, will attend the premiere, and be available for a Q-and-A following a screening of the movie.
About the Film
MARY OF NAZARETH vividly captures the essence of Mary's profound faith and trust in God amidst the great mysteries that she lived with as the Mother of the Messiah, her compassionate humanity and concern for others, and the deep love that she and Jesus shared for one another. This movie underscores her special role in God's plan for our redemption, her unique relationship with Christ, and the tremendous suffering that she endured in union with his passion and death, as well as her serene joy at his Resurrection.
Filmed in Europe, this major new epic film on the life of Mary is the first full-length feature movie on the story of this incredible woman to be shown in theaters. It was shot in English in high definition.
MARY OF NAZARETH is directed by acclaimed European film director Giacomo Campiotti (BAKHITA, DOCTOR ZHIVAGO, ST. GIUSEPPE MOSCATI) and written by Francesco Arlanch (RESTLESS HEART, PIUS XII, POPE JOHN PAUL II). The original music score was written by Guy Farley.
About Ignatius Press
Ignatius Press is among the largest U.S. publishers and distributors of Catholic books, magazines, videos, DVDs, and music. It is the primary English-language publisher of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI's books.
