NEW YORK, MAR 17 (ZENIT.org).- A Bible Society, Russian puppeteers, Welsh 2D graphics, the BBC, and Mel Gibson's "Icon" film company have joined forces to produce a feature-length animated life of Christ. "The Miracle Maker" will appear on U.S. television on Easter Sunday, but will open in theaters in much of the rest of the world.

    The new film has a number of stars providing the voices of the lead roles: Ralph Fiennes as Jesus, Julie Christie as Rachel, Richard E. Grant as John the Baptist, Miranda Richardson as Mary Magdalene, Ian Holm as Pilate, and William Hurt as Jairus. The actors and screenwriters worked for very low salaries to keep production costs down. "We practically bankrupt ourselves every other year. I don't see any serious revenue for me", declared screenwriter Murray Watts. "What matters is seeing the powerful reactions in people".

    The project is both international and ecumenical. Several Christian denominations, including the Russian Orthodox, contributed their talents, not to mention the Jews. The script editor, Penelope Middleboe, a Catholic, consulted with Fr. Dominic Milroy, O.S.B., to ensure that the text and images are faithful to the spirit of the story of Jesus.

    Murray Watts puts a new spin on the greatest story ever told by telling the tale through the eyes of Tamar, the daughter of Jairus, who was raised from dead by Jesus. "I had to go through a radical unlearning to become that little child Tamar", he says. "What is required is that you bring all that you are, the truth of your own response, the feeling-life of yourself as author." ZE00031721