“The Gospel of John”
Visual Bible International Releases New On-Film Biblical Account of Jesus
Following the tradition of depicting the life of Jesus on the big screen, the Toronto-based Visual Bible International released a new film that “neither adds to the story from other gospels, nor omits complex passages.” Entitled, “The Gospel of John,” VBI’s latest addition to the line of Christian films is now showing in select theaters.
“The Gospel of John is a magnificently ... structured story on a dramatic basis," said producer Garth Drabinsky.
According to Drabinsky, “John” is unique in the way it sticks to only one New Testament account, rather than borrowing episodes elsewhere in Scripture of from extra-biblical sources.
Previous projects by VBI included video versions of “Matthew” and “Acts.” “John” is the company’s first for screen film. In light of the difference, VBI emphasized extensive research behind every aspect of the latest production to improve it’s quality.
"We went to incredible lengths to meticulously recreate that period," producer Drabinsky said.
Because filming in Israel was difficult, they producers shot the movie in southern Spain. According to Drabinsky, "John" was filmed in the same area where famed British director David Lean's shot portions of his 1962 epic, "Lawrence of Arabia."
Ted Haggard, president of the National Association of Evangelicals and senior pastor of the 10,000-member New Life Church in Colorado Springs, praised the project.
"John" is not only entertaining but edifying, “ said Haggard. "I believe it's fundamental to Christian living that we do everything we can to expose ourselves to the word of God. Every Bible-believing Christian should pray ... that the Holy Spirit will draw people to see this movie."
“The Gospel of John,” which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in mid-September will open in American theaters late October.
