journey to bethlehem joel smallbone

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Journey to Bethlehem

This live-action Christmas musical adventure for the entire family weaves classic Christmas melodies with humor, faith, and new pop songs in a retelling of the greatest story ever told: the ... Read all This live-action Christmas musical adventure for the entire family weaves classic Christmas melodies with humor, 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. This live-action Christmas musical adventure for the entire family weaves classic Christmas melodies with humor, 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.

• Adam Anders
• Peter Barsocchini
• Fiona Palomo
• Milo Manheim
• Antonio Banderas
• 80 User reviews
• 23 Critic reviews
• 1 nomination

• (as María Pau Pigem)

• (as Yael Belicha)
• (as Jose María Rueda)
• (as Pedro Aijhon)
• Young Sheperd Girl
• (as Zoe Arnau)
• All cast & crew
• Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

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• Trivia One of a handful of smallish budget films made by Affirm Films that Sony Pictures distributed that have strong Christian or moral themes. Although Sony knew that none of them were going to be blockbuster hits, they also recognized that they would tap into an element of Western society that would help promote the film within their sphere of influence and gain a loyal audience as well as encourage discussion. Sony decided on this approach after they regretted turning down the chance to distribute 'The Way' back in 2010, a low-budget film about a spiritual journey undertaken by a grieving father (Martin Sheen) that was eventually given a release through independent distributors and went on to receive good reviews and proved a favorite among many communities.

Joseph : [to the obstinate donkey] Don't be such an a-

[rest of the word drowned out by donkey braying]

• Connections Referenced in Nerdrotic: Woke Hollywood Instant Regret! The Strikes Have Been a DISASTER (2023)
• Soundtracks O Come, O Come, Emmanuel Performed by Daniela Riveri Arranged by Adam Anders , Nikki Anders , & Peer Astrom Produced by Adam Anders & Peer Astrom

Technical specs

• Runtime 1 hour 39 minutes

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'Journey to Bethlehem': Joel and Moriah Smallbone on How Film Has 'Color and Flair' (Exclusive)

We spoke to Joel and Moriah Smallbone about their roles in 'Journey to Bethlehem.'

By Brian Jones - November 28, 2023 04:01 pm EST

Journey to Bethlem is out in theatres now and tells the story of Mary, Joseph and the birth of Jesus through music. Because of that, the film features Joel Smallbone of the Christian group King & Country and his wife Moriah Smallbone who is also a singer and songwriter. PopCulture.com spoke to the couple about their roles in the film as Joel plays Antipater and Moriah plays Deborah who is Mary's sister. Joel said that executive producers Adam Anders and Nikki Anders reached out to Moriah last year and asked her if she wanted to play Deborah in the movie. 

"And after a lot of deliberation back and forth frankly, because she's been working on a country Latin project, she said, 'This is something I really feel passionate about,'" Jole told PopCulture. "So off she went to Spain for a month, or two months rather, and I was going to fly out and visit for about four days a month in. And about two days before I was flying out to visit, Moriah called me and said, 'Hey, they've just brought on Antonio Banderas to play Herod, and they can finally cast his son,' because they're looking for someone who shared a likeness to him. And they wanted to invite you. So instead of coming for four days, she said, 'Pack a bigger bag.' And I went over for four weeks, and so that was what sparked it."

Joel continued, "What greater story to tell than Mary and Joseph? There've been a lot of films about the end of Jesus's life, The Passion of the Christ, The Chosen have done a great job of that, but not a lot of great films about the beginning. And so putting a little color and flair and music and a bit of a modern twist, it's a real special project."

Moriah says Deborah is a character that a lot of women can relate to because she's all about Mary getting married and having a family. "I think Deborah and Mary both represent opposite ends of the spectrum of where a lot of women find themselves today," she said. "You've got Mary who, like I said, had her plan, had her vision, had her career in front of her, and then you have Deborah who really seems to be this advocate for family and motherhood and matrimony. And I think the two really swing on the opposite ends of the pendulum, which allows for a whole narrative to be covered, a whole population of women coming from a lot of different angles. A lot of us can fall in between."

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With Joel playing Antipater, the son of King Herod, he got to spend a lot of time with Banderas on set, which was a little challenging for him. "I liken it to a few years ago we had the chance to collaborate as a band with Dolly Parton, and it's just similar sort of prestige that comes along with that name," he explained. "I was really pleasantly surprised with Dolly, just to find that she is as advertised. And then similarly with Antonio, he's a very Spanish man, but he's a very poised, a very professional, and a very kind man. And obviously, one of the great actors of our time.

"And so, man, it was a privilege. You'd have to pinch yourself even. We went and saw a screening just recently and we both looked at each other and we were like, 'That's us on screen.' And then Antonio would show up and I would be there and it'd be like, 'Wait, that's me with Zorro. How crazy?'" 

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Teaser Released for The Journey To Bethlehem Film

          View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Joel Smallbone (@joelsmallbone)

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'Journey to Bethlehem': Lecrae, For King & Country's Joel Smallbone Star in Nativity Musical

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Grammy Award-winning Christian artists Joel Smallbone and Lecrae will star in a live-action Christmas musical that tells the story of Mary and Joseph and the birth of Jesus.

"Journey to Bethlehem" will be in theaters starting November 10. The musical will feature Academy Award nominee Antonio Banderas as King Herod, Fiona Palomo as Mary, Milo Manheim as Joseph, Joel Smallbone as Herod's son, Antipater, and Lecrae as the archangel Gabriel. 

Film and TV music writer and composer Adam Anders directed this version of the nativity story. 

"I first had the idea for the film years ago when I was looking for a musical to watch with my family at Christmastime," Anders said. "I want this movie to be a bright light this Christmas season — as bright as the star of Bethlehem."

The Journey To Bethlehem reportedly retells Mary and Joseph's journey through "humor, faith" and a blend of classic and new Christmas songs.

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"A young woman carrying an unimaginable responsibility. A young man torn between love and honor. 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 humor, 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," reads the website's description. 

The film's actors say the retelling of this world-changing biblical story will resonate with viewers. 

"This is the story that turned B.C to A.D. Everything changed with the birth of Jesus," Smallbone said in a clip posted to Instagram. "The nativity story is sort of a musical at the heart of it. These angels show up and they're singing to shepherds." 

Lecrae says he hopes the film bring hope and joy to viewers. 

"It is a story that has been important for thousands of years. It needs to be told and retold," Lecrae said in a clip posted to Instagram. "What an amazing opportunity to be the first musical offering of a story this significant."

He continued, "People will experience the journey of Mary - this young girl who has the weight of the world on her shoulders. It's a unique vantage point and perspective that really does stay faithful to God's story, but at the same time adds so much color."

Watch the trailer below:  

Tickets can be purchased at j ourneytobethlehemmovie.com .

About The Author

Talia Wise has served as a multi-media producer for CBNNews.com, CBN Newswatch, The Prayer Link, and CBN News social media outlets. Prior to joining CBN News she worked for Fox Sports Florida producing and reporting. Talia earned a master’s degree in journalism from Regent University and a bachelor's degree from the University of Virginia. More

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Joel Smallbone From For KING & COUNTRY and Lecrae Will Star In New Christmas Movie, “Journey To Bethlehem”

For KING & COUNTRY’s, Joel Smallbone, is starring opposite Antonio Banderas in “Journey To Bethlehem.”  It is the first ever musical retelling of the Christmas story, and it is set to hit theaters next month on November 10th!

Joel will play the role of King Herod’s son.  Joel’s wife, Moriah, will play Mother Mary’s sister, and Lecrae will play the role of Gabriel!

This is going to be an awesome movie just in time for this holiday season! 

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