Canadian filmmakers bring a biblical epic to the big screen.
A new biblical epic is being released in theatres this month and comes from two Canadian filmmakers and one Canadian star. Daniel and the Fiery Furnace will be released theatrically September 18 and will be playing in approximately 30 cities across Canada. Starring Mena Massoud (from Disney’s live-action Aladdin) as the prophet Daniel, the film tells the story of the Israelites' exile to Babylon and the test of faith that Daniel and his friends Shadrac
h, Meshach and Abednego must face in order to stand up for the truth.
Adapting the first three chapters of the book of Daniel, filmmakers Matthew and Daniel Kooman (from Vancouver Island, BC) embraced the challenge of artfully rendering not only the ancient historical context, but also prophetic visions, dreams and miracles witnessed by the people of Israel during the reign of King Nebuchadnezzar. In an interview with Faith Today, the Kooman Brothers said, “For 2600 years the stories of Daniel have survived and are beloved, and it just felt so relevant…everyone knows the beats of the story, but our hope is that people see the movie and are inspired to read the Word.”
And part of that inspiration comes from the incredibly talented cast and crew who helped bring the Bible story to the big screen, including star Mena Massoud (who grew up in the Greater Toronto Area) whose performance as Daniel anchors the film with conviction and grace. His antagonist, however, King Nebuchadnezzar, played by actor Elijah Alexander (from The Chosen), probably provides audiences the most memorable of the performances.
But as it’s all brought together, Daniel and the Fiery Furnace, stands as an important story of faith, inspiring audiences to stand up for the truth. It’s a film worth supporting and a story that’s essential to share with friends and neighbours. As the Kooman Brothers stated, “There’s a big enough audience for these stories in Canada, but you have to go to the theatre…and show the culture that we care, and that these stories are a part of our faith.”