The Land of Jesus Filming in the Holy Land

Biblical Productions is the leading provider of production services in Israel. With decades of experience, our knowledge and expertise are unmatched. We will thoroughly prepare for all your production needs.

Here are some of our ideas for the filming of the Jesus story:

1. The Mount of Beatitudes, overlooking the Sea of Galilee. It was here, in the early days of his ministry, that Jesus spoke to his disciples: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” We will find the right Galilee location for all Biblical landscapes.
2. In lower Galilee, the gentle mountain slopes of Zebulon and Naphtali entice all who visit there. Their soft rolling meadows overflow with olive trees, fragrant shrubs, and flocks of grazing sheep. In the time of Jesus, these mountains were covered with forests and Nazareth was renowned for its carpentry. Jesus spent the days of his youth here – fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy that the Savior will come from Galilee. It is often a challenge to find the right shot – the one that feels both authentic and ancient – while meeting the requirements of the script. Biblical Production prides itself on thoroughly scouting each location in Israel. Our knowledge of the land will be invaluable to your production. We will strive to meet any demand and ensure that you are satisfied with each location prior to filming. Biblical Production will arrange for all filming permits for Nazareth.
3. Nazareth is one of the oldest cities in the Holy Land, with a history stretching three thousand years into the past. The Church of Annunciation – was built over a grotto where, according to tradition, the archangel Gabriel announced to Mary that she would be the mother of Christ. The present church was erected on the remains of an ancient basilica dating from the fourth century AD. Two pillars mark the site, one symbolizing the archangel and the other the Virgin Mary. The current Church of Annunciation resembles a lighthouse and is said to be a beacon to the whole of lower Galilee. Near the Church of Announcing, a smaller church is dedicated to St. Joseph. The church is believed to be built upon the home and workshop of the Holy Family. Traditional carpentry is still alive in Nazareth. Olive wood craftsmanship is taught from father to son and passes from generation to generation.
4. Jesus was born during the reign of Emperor Augustus, who controlled most of the known ancient world. Biblical Production specializes in staging reenactments for documentary and feature films. We scout the best locations in Israel and arrange all aspects of production including production and technical actors, wardrobe, props, animals, camp and much more.

Filming the route from Nazareth to Bethlehem.

Filming with your crew in Israel we can pass through all the significant locations of the Jesus story and arrange all permits in Israel.

Judea is the ancient homeland of the Jews. It was in the province of Judea, the land that God had promised to His chosen people, which was the birthplace of Jesus in around the year 6 BC. During this time, the holy city of Jerusalem – where God was said to dwell among his people – was occupied by the Romans.

The Roman governor issued a decree requiring every Jew to return and register in his native town. Joseph, of the house of David, was obliged to travel with Mary to the town of Bethlehem. The road from Nazareth to Bethlehem passes through the province of Samaria. It is likely that this is the route taken by Joseph and Mary, spending time among the Samaritans on Mr. Gerizim. The Samaritans, a breakaway Jewish sect, participate in rituals that have not changed since the time of the Second Temple. Mary and Joseph’s last place of rest before reaching Bethlehem was in Jerusalem.

Only five miles separate Jerusalem from Bethlehem. Mary and Joseph stopped at the monastery of Mar Elias. According to tradition, this site is called “Kathisma,” the place where the Virgin Mary rested on her way to Bethlehem. From here, Mary and Joseph crossed the Valley of the Giants and entered Bethlehem, the City of David.

Possible filming locations in Bethlehem include The Church of Nativity, Shepherd’s field, craft shops, and carpenters. Biblical Production will arrange for all your filming needs while in Bethlehem.

Bethlehem, with its dynamic christen community, becomes a vibrant center of activity on Christmas Eve. In winter the town is cold and rainy. Although Bethlehem lies at the edge of the Judean desert, it occasionally snows here during this time of the year. When it does snow, the shepherds will gather their flocks in the caves on the surrounding hills.

When Mary and Joseph arrived in Bethlehem they would have sought shelter in these caves. This cave in “Shepherd’s Field” resembles the place where Mary and Joseph took refuge from the cold. The Gospel of Luke tells us, “And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn.”

To the east of “Shepherd’s Field,” overlooking Bethlehem, is Mt. Herodian. The spectacular fortified le built into the mountain served as one of King Herod’s winter palaces. It is possible that Herod – while at the winter palace – would have himself seen the star and wondered at its appearance over Bethlehem.