Abbeys & Monasteries – Fascinating institutions, testaments of rich cultural, religious and mystical pasts, full of traditional rites and customs untainted by time.

Filmed across nineteen countries, ABBEYS & MONASTERIES journeys to modern, Romanesque and Baroque monasteries visiting the past & present of monastic life in the Roman-Catholic, Orthodox and Coptic orders. In each monastery, the meaning of contemplative life, and personal thoughts about the intimate nature of their work as well as the historical, cultural and theological attitudes of the monks and nuns will be revealed. They will also provide an insight into all aspects of secluded life and each monastery’s unique attributes, traditions and history. ABBEYS & MONASTERIES brings together the ancient world and modern times – A true taste of immortality in an exceptional odyssey.

<back to top>

Two thousand years after the birth of Christianity, this religion, which began as a small movementin the Holy land, has spread throughout the world and grew to a point where its followers are in every continent on the globe.
        Through the teachings and actions of Jesus Christ a new way of understanding the relationship of God to man emerged; not based on group identity but rather, the possibility of individual salvation and responsibility brought forth through the universal call of Christianity:

"Come to me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest fo ryour souls"

<back to top>

As the end of the second millennium nears, we are drawn to look back at the roots of our faith.    Most of the experiences offered today will tell us of these glorious times and show us places relating to the birth of Christianity, but none let us savor their true ambiance; the clothes, dwellings and food of this era.

FEASTS OF FAITH draws on the deep connection between festivities and religion to food.    As we travel on a journey of discovery through the Holy Land, we will not only visit the Land of the Bible, but also disembark on an epicurean odyssey that will engross all of our senses.    We will visit each location and relive the milestones, the stories and their moral principles and, in each location, demonstrate the cooking of ancient dishes under the same conditions which existed two thousand years ago, providing the viewer with recipes that may be prepared in a modern kitchen- The Recipes of the Millennium.

In the program, we will visit the following locations:

- The Church of the Annunciation, Nazareth
- The Church of Visitation, Ein Karem
- The Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem
- Shepherd’s Field, Bet Sachur & Bethlehem
- The contemporary baptismal site, Yardenit
- Mount of the Precipice, Saltus Domini
- The Franciscan Church & Church of the Sermon, Capernaum
- The Church of the Miracle of the Loaves and Fish, Tabha
- Mount Tabor
- The "Upper Room", Old Jerusalem
- The Church of All Nations, Getsemanie
- The Church of the Holy Sepulcher, Via Dolorosa

<back to top>

From the magnificent Citadel in Jerusalem, with the Tower of David as sentinel in the background, comes an unprecedented concert event. Host James Earl Jones sets the stage for Lex de Azevedo’s breathtaking original composition of the Biblical text celebrating Christ’s birth.

Beautiful melodies fill the familiar scripture verses of the King James Bible with new light and meaning in this modern interpretation. The thrilling prophecies of Isaiah (Mark Opataw) are fulfilled as Gabriel (George Dyer) announces to Zacharias (Michael Judd Sheranian) the miraculous birth of his and Elisabeth’s (Freddie Jewkes) son, John the Baptist. Broadway veterans Christeena Michelle Riggs as Mary and Catherine Hyde Stambaugh as narrator complete the stellar cast.

<back to top>

A spiritual odyssey to a bygone era, this program chronicles the majestic times of Jesus Christ and traces his footsteps with dramatic recreations and vivid depictions of the period.

<back to top>

Chosen as the official documentary of the 1998 public ostension (April 19-June 14) in the Piedmontese capital by the Comitato per l Ostensione della Sindone, THE MAN OF PAIN- The Shroud of Turin is both an original and investigative study of the phenomenon of the Shroud and its history.

THE MAN OF PAIN- The Shroud of Turin is directed by the acclaimed Michelangelo Dotta, with over 90 documentaries to his credit, and features a recital from CRYING OF THE MADONNA written by Jacopone da Todi and performed by the celebrated actress, Franca Nuti. It is the only documentary project to ever include images of the Shroud (filmed during a private ostension in HDVS) and contains original photography of places related to the Shroud and along the path that led to Turin (including Jerusalem, St. Catherine' Monastery, the Sinai, Edessa, Istanbul, Lirey, St. Hypolite, Chambery and more). The program also focuses on the debate surrounding the age and origin of the Shroud and what it has come to symbolize.

"once the man of the Shroud was revealed, intact with his disturbing and silent pain, there was a need to return him to the world; to its atmosphere, its scents, the winds, the eyes and hands that, for who knows how many centuries, have cherished, transported and protected him."

<back to top>

A trilogy recounting the extraordinary events and evolution of Christianity through Biblical, medieval, and modern heritage. Produced and directed by Emmy Award-winner Willy Lindwer .

<back to top>

Step back through the corridors of time for an inspiring journey of discovery to the birthplace of Christianity. Chronicling the life of Christ and tracing his path from early life in Nazareth to the religious marvels at the Sea of Galilee, the program tours more than forty landmarks, each of which represents a personal milestone for the Son of God, each one a monument of faith to an enduring Christian heritage.

<back to top>

Travel to the Middle Ages in an inspiring journey of discovery to the birth of Christian music. The most prolific performer sin Europe highlight this series of authentic medieval concerts filmed in the magnificent churches and beautiful villages of Northern Italy.

<back to top>