Jesus in VR: Virtual-Reality Movie About Christ Story Set for Christmas 2016 Release
Jesus Christ is coming to VR screens: Autumn Productions and virtual-reality production firm VRWERX have slated the release of “Jesus VR – The Story of Christ” for Christmas 2016.
The 90-minute film will be available on all major mobile and premium VR platforms including Google Cardboard, Samsung Gear, Oculus Rift, PlayStation VR and the HTC Vive, according to the companies. Pricing has not yet been set.
“Jesus VR – The Story of Christ” is executive produced by Enzo Sisti, a film vet whose credits include “The English Patient” and Mel Gibson’s “The Passion of the Christ.” The film’s religious adviser is Father William Fulco, who also consulting on “The Passion of the Christ.”
The film was shot in October 2015 entirely in 360-degree 4K video on location in Matera, Italy, the ancient village that was also the setting for “Passion of the Christ.” Producers promise a you-are-there VR experience for the entirety of Jesus’s life and death, from his baptism to the Sermon on the Mount, and from the Last Supper to his crucifixion.
David Hansen, whose credits include “Hellion,” “Lovesong” and “Entertainment,” directed and produced the movie, alongside producers Johnny Mac and VRWERX’s Russell Naftal and Alex Barder. Hansen and Mac run Autumn Productions, the Toronto-based company that produced and financed the film. In addition to “Lovesong” and “Entertainment,” which both premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, Autumn’s slate includes forthcoming movies “Elvis and Nixon,” “The Brits are Coming” and “Behold My Heart.”
“The viewers truly feel they are there with Jesus and his disciples,” Hansen said in a statement. “This is the most powerful story of all time and virtual reality is the perfect way to tell it.”
Added Sisti in a statement, “I am beyond thrilled to be a part of this groundbreaking project. It’s as exciting a take on the story of Christ as I’ve ever seen and its production values will absolutely set a new benchmark for virtual reality.”
The cast of “Jesus VR – The Story of Christ” includes Tim Fellingham as Jesus, Mish Boyko as Peter, Christian Serritiello as Andrew, Rhys Howells as Judas and Matteo Carlomagno as John. The script is by Andre van Heerden.
Related stories
Twitter Hires Former Apple Designer Alessandro Sabatelli to Head Up VR and Augmented Reality
Why Samsung Is Selling Its Cheap Virtual-Reality Camera Only to Digital Influencers First
Get more from Variety and Variety411: Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Newsletter
