The message of Easter is clear: Jesus’ blood and resurrection cover all and no one is too far gone for Him. It's the message of "The Last Supper," a film that opens in theatres today.
Grand Canyon University partnered with Canyon Productions, Pinnacle Peak and Great American Pure Flix to bring the movie to the big screens nationwide, and three GCU graduates were part of the production process.
Canyon Productions CEO and GCU trustee Shawn Boskie thought it was a fitting time to produce a movie that would remind people of the gospel message as Easter approaches.
“This movie is a core to us serving others,” Boskie said. “When Jesus washed the disciples’ feet, it confused them. They wondered why He would do that. His point was, ‘I am giving you an example for you to do to other people.' His sacrifice and leadership in that way was completely opposite of what the world system is.”
The movie, executive produced by Grammy award-winner Chris Tomlin and directed by Mauro Borrelli, captures Jesus (Jamie Ward) in last moments on Earth, highlighting some of the most significant biblical stories. It focuses on Jesus feeding 5,000 people, healing a blind and mute boy, flipping tables in the temple and, most of all, the last supper He shared with His disciples.
The initial draft of the movie script was presented nearly two years ago, and the Canyon Productions team immediately knew it was a message the world needed to be reminded of and challenged by to be more like Jesus.
By bringing a contemporary view of a familiar historical event, today’s audience is given a chance to understand the Bible and its themes in a modern aspect they can connect and resonate with, Boskie said.
“You have to do this in some way that is different from what people have already seen,” Boskie said. “That way the experience adds something and it’s not just the same story told in the same way.”
Shot in Morrocco using some of the same scene sets featured in movies, “Kingdom of Heaven” and “Alexander the Great,” the first century comes to life in “The Last Supper” and gives the audience a glimpse of what the world looked like in Jesus’ days.
It took multiple script rewrites and scene changes to honor how Christ is described in the Bible.
“The Bible is so rich, and God’s word speaks to each person so specifically,” said Anna Shaw, a 2022 GCU graduate. “When we are telling a story as filmmakers, we need to pick one thing that is the message overall.”
As part of the Canyon Productions team, Shaw took on the role of assuring biblical truth is infused in the movie’s script by comparing the timeline of events to the gospel books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, so the movie accurately represented Christ.
“It is the word of God you are bringing to life,” Shaw said. “It has helped me understand as a filmmaker and storyteller what stories really matter and how can you tell them in a way that others can watch and resonate with and learn from.”
Intended to be more than just entertainment, the hope behind “The Last Supper” is to raise interest in non-believers and motivate them to ask questions about who Jesus is.
It is crucial to enforce that biblical accuracy so the gospel is not misrepresented to those hearing it for the first time, Boskie said.
For 2023 graduate and Canyon Productions Administrative Assistant Madalen Zachry, the movie carries deep sentimental value, reminding her of how she first met Christ.
“I was excited to work on a project that promotes the gospel because I became a Christian by watching a movie similar to 'The Last Supper,'” Zachry said.
“I didn’t know anything about what it meant, the crucifixion and resurrection, so watching that movie was a conversation opener for me when I was a kid. My favorite part about all of this is that I am able to help with a movie that is hopefully going to do that same thing for others.”
Zachry assisting Boskie by showing early stages of the film to screening audiences and gathering first impressions from people that could enhance the movie for its final premier.
In its early stages, “The Last Supper” was screened for two audiences of 90 people for feedback on production aspects that could be improved for better understanding and adaptation of the story.
Determined to portray the gospel message in its most authentic form, Canyon Productions and its team traveled back to Morrocco to reshoot and reorganize a number of scenes.
The thorough and meticulous production has been a pivotal experience for 2021 graduate Logan Plooster, solidifying his passion for cinematography. As Canyon Production’s Program Operations and Marketing Specialist, Plooster assisted with organizing screeners, artwork, trailers and appropriate communication to people willing to promote the movie.
“There is something deeply moving about watching the gospel story unfold through a camera and the perspective of the director and actors, it’s more than just words on a page,” Plooster said. “There has never been a moment in this project where I was watching the movie and not in awe of who Jesus is.”
Nearly two years in the making, the transformational journey has challenged the cast and crew, not only in their skills but in their personal beliefs and spirituality.
The hope they hold is audiences to leave theatres today challenged to pursue Christ and transform their spiritual paths in the same way.
GCU's staff writer Izabela Fogarasi can be reached at Izabela.Fogarasi@gcu.edu
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