Mary Mother of Christ, whose title character will be played by Odeya Rush
It is a part of Mary, Joseph and Jesus’s life that
has not been shown on the big screen before,” reads a synopsis. “Under the
reign of terror of Herod the Great and, against all odds, they survive as
young parents in one of the most treacherous times in history.” It promises
“faith-based high action drama” − and there is no room in the audience for
doubting Thomases.
Mary Mother of Christ, whose title character will be played by Odeya Rush, a
16-year-old Israeli-born actress, is one of a series of unashamedly
Christian biblical epics due to appear next year, marking an unprecedented
overture by Hollywood to America’s evangelical heartland.
Studio executives who have spent the past few years releasing superhero and
zombie films have, it seems, had an epiphany. Now their new best friends are
evangelical pastors whose endorsements they actively seek, even inviting
them on to sets during production. Pastors in turn play clips from films of
which they approve to 10,000-strong congregations on 40ft wide movie
screens.
Larry Ross, who has handled publicity for Christian groups and leaders
including Rick Warren and Billy Graham, said “no pastor goes to seminary in
order to market movies” but if the movie “proves edifying to their
congregation, if it builds their faith”, they would recommend it.
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