Christmas Musical Starring Antonio Banderas Hits UK And Irish Cinemas

A young woman carrying an unimaginable responsibility. A young man torn between love and honour. A jealous king who will stop at nothing to keep his crown. This live-action Christmas musical adventure for the entire family weaves classic Christmas melodies with humour, faith and new pop songs in a retelling of the greatest story ever told: the story of Mary and Joseph and the birth of Jesus. A unique new entry into the collection of holiday classic movies, this epic Christmas musical is unlike any before it.

Sony Pictures’ label Affirm Films, Monarch Media and KOVA International are delighted to announce the UK and Ireland release of your new favourite Christmas film! Journey to Bethlehem, an all-singing, all-dancing re-telling of the greatest story ever told, is coming to our cinemas Friday 17th November.

The film marks the feature directorial debut of Adam Anders, who was a music producer/composer on “Rock of Ages” and “Glee.” Anders penned the script with Peter Barsocchini (“High School Musical”) and wrote the music with Nikki Anders (“Glee”) and Peer Astrom (“Rock of Ages”).

You can register your interest in this film, find out where it’s showing near you, and find free resources for children and families at JourneyToBethlehemFilm.co.uk. Book a group to go and see it – your church, your family, your youth group or school class – it’s the perfect film to get you in the fun and festive spirit!

KOVA International have worked hard this year, to bring faith content and stories that matter to the big screen. We started with the finale of The Chosen, Season 3, then brought you Jesus Revolution in June and then made a splash with Sound of Freedom in September. Journey to Bethlehem is our big 2023 finale – but we’ve lots of plans already for 2024 and beyond!

At KOVA, we are passionate about people and passionate about stories. We believe that our unique place in the entertainment industry is a gift from God and we are determined to be a light in the darkness. We need to show cinemas that there is a real and vibrant market for faith content, which means we need to take every opportunity to support faith films in cinemas. Book to see Journey to Bethlehem now!

Don’t just take it from us, here’s what the people involved in creating the film have to say: “I have had a dream to create a Christmas musical for years and to see it come to life with a stunning cast has exceeded every expectation,” Anders said in a statement. “We could not be more excited for this film to be a classic for years to come.”

Manheim added:

I hope this music goes down in history because I’m going to be listening to it for a long time. It’s one of the best musicals I’ve ever been a part of.

“This is Affirm Films’ first musical in 17 years and over 65 films, and the opportunity to work with one of the most successful music producers and songwriters for our first outing has resulted in a film that far exceeds our expectations,” said Rich Peluso, executive VP and head of Affirm Films. “We’re looking forward to sharing this accessible and amazing musical journey with audiences around the world.”

What are you waiting for? Book your tickets now!

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More information

CAST:

• Fiona Palomo (“Outer Banks”) – Mary
• Milo Manheim (“Prom Pact”) – Joseph
• Omid Djalili (“Gladiator”) – Wise Man
• Rizwan Manji (“Schitt’s Creek”) – Wise Man
• Geno Segers (“Perfect Harmony”) – Wise Man
• MŌRIAH – Deborah
• Joel Smallbone – Antipater
• Lecrae – Angel Gabriel
• Stephanie Gil (“Fatima”) – Rebekah
• Academy Award® Nominee Antonio Banderas (“Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny”) – King Herod

DIRECTED BY: Adam Anders

SCREENPLAY BY: Adam Anders & Peter Barsocchini

MUSIC BY: Adam Anders, Nikki Anders & Peer Astrom

PRODUCED BY: Brandt Andersen, Adam Anders, Ryan Busse, Stephen Meinen, Alan Powell & Steve Barnett

EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Vicky Patel & Peter Barsocchini