NW Valley Times

The upcoming film "The Last Supper," set to premiere on March 14, offers a fresh perspective on the biblical narrative of Jesus' final night with his disciples. Supported by Grand Canyon University (GCU) and produced in collaboration with Canyon Productions, Pinnacle Peak Pictures, and Great American Pure Flix, the movie aims to stay true to the Bible while encouraging discussion.

Shawn Boskie, CEO of Canyon Productions and GCU trustee, emphasized the focus on Peter and Judas in this rendition. “It was hard. It was worth it,” he said about filming in Morocco. The story explores Peter's denial of Jesus three times before dawn and Judas' betrayal.

Boskie explained that filmmakers debated artistic choices versus traditional depictions during production. For instance, the portrayal of Judas’ suicide diverges from typical accounts by showing him hanging from an archway in Jerusalem rather than a field outside the city.

Despite challenges during production, including additional scenes shot in Morocco, Boskie expressed satisfaction with the outcome: “We enjoyed making this movie.”

The film features key biblical moments such as Jesus feeding 5,000 people and healing a boy who cannot hear or speak but centers primarily on His last Passover meal. This includes Jesus washing His disciples' feet and altering traditional meal customs by offering bread as His body and wine as His blood.

Grace Yen, a senior chaplain with the International Alliance of Community Chaplains, praised how Peter's journey is depicted alongside Jesus' sacrifice. She highlighted Peter’s internal struggle after denying Christ yet ultimately finding redemption.

Beatrice Hernandez from St. Matthew Catholic Church appreciated how the film addressed less-explored aspects of Peter's experience following Jesus’ prophecy at the Last Supper: “‘I’m praying for you.’”

Debbie Hutson from Northwest Christian School commended how every scene reinforced central themes related to Christ’s sacrifice: “Every bit of dialogue... pointed to the blood and body of Christ.”

James Faulkner portrays Caiaphas in this adaptation focused more heavily on messages conveyed through words than miracles performed by Christ.

Kris Hutson noted significant moments when traditions were changed during their supper together: "He was changing tradition..."

Hailey Nichols McPherson observed differences between various followers’ presence at crucifixion events compared against earlier assumptions held among viewers like herself or Dr Remilyn Mueller—a professor present during screenings—as well acknowledging darker themes around betrayal dynamics shown throughout storytelling arcs explored within contextually relevant frameworks presented therein...

Lana Sweeten-Shults serves as GCU Manager overseeing Internal Communications initiatives related thereto; inquiries directed towards her may be sent via email [email protected] or phone contact (602) 639-7901 respectively hereinbefore mentioned above all else...