(Glorious Films)
In a dramatic retelling of the birth of Jesus using computer-generated imagery animation accompanied by a Broadway-style soundtrack, The Promise is a 44-minute movie by Glorious Films founders Todd Shaffer and Ronald Mezey—film industry veterans who started their company in 2010 to create “quality entertainment from a strong biblical worldview that spreads a passion for the message of Jesus Christ.”
Four poetic passages in Luke provide the basis for the musical film.
“The birth narrative of Jesus as told in Luke is full of musical poetry, describing the human and angelic excitement to the Messiah’s arrival,” Shaffer says. “By telling this story in song—as Luke did—we were able to put a big spotlight on these deep passages, which really capture the gospel message of why Jesus came to earth. With its beautiful composition, sophisticated animation style and compelling story, we believe families can sit down and enjoy this film together, watching the Christmas story unfold as never seen before.”
The film’s optical animation style blends animation techniques with performances by ballet dancers and stage actors.
Composed by James Gelfand and Louise Tremblay, the film’s soundtrack features the Montreal Boys’ Choir. Songs include “Nothing Is Impossible,” “I Will Magnify,” “Simeon’s Blessing” and “Lullaby for the King.”
Lon Vining, outreach director for the film, believes the mixture of music and animation will help viewers remember key points from the story.
“Every year, individuals read or hear the Christmas narrative, but few pick up on the heart of the story,” Vining says.
“That is where The Promise comes in. We placed great emphasis during the film’s development on blending together animation and music to help provide a connection between the viewers and the story’s historic characters. We feel audiences will get a new perspective for what each person was experiencing.”
