In new musical film ‘Journey To Bethlehem’ the nativity story and its background is uniquely presented as a musical. Director Adam Anders told Andy Drozdziak about his desire to ‘inspire kids to ask questions about their faith’ through the film.
Adam Anders is on a mission to change the way Hollywood views Christians with his latest musical film, Journey To Bethlehem.
Swedish film, television and music producer Anders, a Christian, has sold more than 100 million albums and, in recent years, has become one of the most in-demand Executive Producers for music-driven film and television. He is best known for his work on Glee and High School Musical, and working alongside some of the biggest names in the music industry, such as Jonas Brothers, Miley Cyrus, The Backstreet Boys.
His latest film, Journey To Bethlehem is a musical retelling of the Nativity story, co-written by Peter Barsocchini and Anders, and starring Fiona Palomo, Milo Manheim, American rapper Lecrae and Antonio Banderas. He underlined the importance of his faith in what he refers to as the ‘lion’s den’ of Hollywood in a wide-ranging interview with the Universe.
“I want Christians to be known for their love and, in a town like this, that’s what everyone is looking for,” he said.
“Christians too often are known for what they don’t like rather than what they love. Working out here in Hollywood, it was always my faith that sustained me. I want to be someone who breaks down stereotypes of how Hollywood views Christians.
“This (Journey To Bethlehem) is my story which gives me hope. I want to get this story out everywhere so everyone can digest this story and listen.”
The plot roughly sticks to the biblical story, with some dramatic licence. The Kings/wise men bring alight hearted tone, with Balthazar, played by Omid Djalili, stealing the show with his sharp wit and comic timing. The humour was a deliberate feature of the film, which is aimed at families-particularly children.
“I want to ensure there is enough humour in there to keep kids engaged. If a movie is sad and downtrodden, they’re not going to want to watch it. People know early on that you can laugh but then I let you know I can get reverent and serious when I need to. That’s a balance I had to reach,” Anders said. He also pointed out that, traditionally, nativity art has never been strictly accurate-but it has been used powerfully.
“It’s always hard to keep everyone happy. If I had to make it for everyone, I would have made it for nobody. It’s the most personal thing I have ever done in my career,” he said.
“God is the ultimate creator. If you look at art throughout history, painters have depicted the nativity scene-it’s not necessarily accurate. The Wise Men weren’t there when Jesus was born. But we’ve accepted it because it’s symbolic, it’s beautiful, it’s done with so much excellence.”
Anders wants the film to encourage children to ask questions ‘about their faith’ and think about it in a new way-through music.
“Music has a way of softening the heart in a way that other things can’t,” he said.
“This is a musical, it’s not a documentary-it’s inspired by a true story. It’s important to say that I think it’s true, inspired by God’s word and hopefully will inspire kids to ask questions about their faith-possibly for the first time.”
One of the film’s real highlights is Antonio Banderas as Herod-who he intentionally plays like a rock star. “I bet you the truth was that he (Herod )was a horrible narcissist and the most famous person in the kingdom-he was a rock star,” Anders said.
“The inspiration was the villains in Disney movies with kids in mind-what Johnny Depp is to pirates, Herod is to kings. Antonio did a phenomenal job in towing that line -this is really an animation come to life.”
Anders’ ambition for the film is for it to appeal to not just Christians but also a ‘tool for non-believers.’ The scene in which Jesus is born is particularly engaging, with the humanity of Mary and Joseph, played by Fiona Palomo and Milo Manheim, shining through. Anders revealed that Jewish and atheist cast and crew members were in tears during this scene.
“I want it to be a tool to show to non-believers. It’s hard to invite people to go to Mass- but it’s not hard to say to people: ‘let’s go to the cinema! And then when they’ve seen it, maybe they’ll say: ‘We’ll come to Mass with you’”, he said.
“They’re not going to help but be moved by the nativity scene -they’re going to feel it. It’s what it signifies. Jewish people, atheists, they were crying-it’s the greatest story ever told.”
“There are so many great Christmas singalong movies, but none of them talk about Christ. I need one of those Elf/Santa movies that is actually about Christmas for parents to put their kids in front of. Love it or hate it, I followed the vision that God gave me.”
The acclaimed director hopes that the film will ‘wake the faith’ in people, but that it will point to something deeper-an authentic faith experience.
“This is not to meant to replace the Gospel-it’s meant to start a conversation. It’s meant to be something that parents, grandparents and kids can watch together in a fun way and be reminded why they celebrate Christmas-and then go to Mass,” he said.
After seeing the film, it will not be a surprise if many come away with their faith invigorated and a smile on their face.
- Journey to Bethlehem will be in cinemas all across the UK and Ireland from 17th November.
PICTURES
- Adam Anders