The JESUS Film

You may have seen many movies but the JESUS film is different. It is a straightforward presentation of the life of Christ, and it literally changes lives.

JESUS is the most translated and widely shown film in history. The reasons for its worldwide success and appeal to people seem to lie in its authenticity; accuracy and attention to detail.

Luke's Gospel from the Holy Bible was chosen as the basis of the dialogue and action of the film. Five years of careful research and preparation was done before filming actually began on location in Israel. Researchers, archeologists, historians and theologians were consulted. Special workshops turned out reproductions of first-century pottery, tools and clothing.

"We desired to produce a dramatic documentary about a real man who lived 2,000 years ago," commented Paul Eshleman, director of the worldwide distribution of the JESUS film. "Jesus worked with His hands, lived among real people, ate their food, knew their pain. We wanted a film that would enable viewers to feel that they have a better understanding of this man who changed the direction of history and who is still changing lives today, of the One who is both God and man, Jesus of Nazareth."

Casting the actors for this dramatic portrayal of Jesus' life required an intensive search, particularly for the man who would portray Him. For more authentic faces, the 45 featured actors and nearly all of the 5,000 "extras" were selected from people who lived in the Middle East. The lead role of Jesus, however, went to Brian Deacon of England's renowned Royal Shakespeare Company. Deacon was chosen from among 1,000 actors because of the way he so simply but reverently portrayed the story of Jesus handed down to us by Luke.

To date, the film JESUS has been translated into more than 400 languages. It has been viewed by more than 1.1 billion people around the world. The film was financed and sponsored by Campus Crusade for Christ International. It was produced by John Heyman, Cannes Film Festival award winner. Warner Brothers handled the initial release in North American theaters.