Tag: The Chosen

A Celebration of Faith and the Nativity — “Christmas with The Chosen: Holy Night” Premieres December 11 at SM Cinemas

Celebrate the season with a breathtaking retelling of the Nativity as “Christmas with The Chosen: Holy Night”premieres in the Philippines this December 11, exclusively at SM Cinemas. This Christmas special, inspired by the globally acclaimed TV series The Chosen, offers a heartfelt portrayal of the birth of Jesus Christ, seamlessly blending human emotion with divine grace.

A Cinematic Nativity Experience Like No Other

Starring Sara Anne as a youthful Mother Mary and Raj Bond as Joseph, the film captures the simplicity and sanctity of Christ’s birth. It delves into Mary and Joseph’s personal journey while showcasing the extraordinary mission they embraced. Fans will also recognize familiar faces from The Chosen series, including Elizabeth Tabish (Mary Magdalene) and Vanessa Benavente (older Mother Mary).

Adding to the immersive experience, the special features a heartfelt video message from The Chosen creator Dallas Jenkins, encouraging viewers to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas.

Music That Magnifies the Spirit of the Season

The special’s soundtrack elevates the emotional narrative with performances by global icons like Andrea Bocelli and his son Matteo Bocelli, alongside the soulful sounds of The Feast Worship, adding a unique Filipino touch. This harmony of music and visuals transforms the film into a worship experience that stirs the soul.

A Touching Response from Fans

During a recent preview held in Manila, attendees were moved by the film’s authenticity and emotional depth. One viewer shared, “It made me feel like I was present at the Nativity.” Another praised it as “the perfect reminder of the reason for the season.”

Jonathan Roumie’s Gratitude to Filipino Fans

Jonathan Roumie, the beloved actor who portrays Jesus in The Chosen, expressed his heartfelt appreciation for the warm reception in the Philippines. “To see such a warm reception to The Chosen here is humbling,” he said. Roumie marveled at the country’s unique Christmas spirit, where celebrations begin as early as September and culminate in January.

An Invitation to Experience Christmas Anew

“The Chosen Christmas Special: Holy Night” isn’t just a movie—it’s an invitation to reflect on the wonder of Christ’s birth. Perfect for family gatherings or personal quiet moments, this special promises to inspire faith and foster gratitude.

Save the Date

Mark your calendars and bring your loved ones to “Christmas with The Chosen: Holy Night” starting December 11 at SM Cinemas.

Tickets are available now via the SM Cinema app on Google Play and the App Store. Reserve your seats early to be part of this unforgettable celebration of Christmas.

December 5, 2024
Jonathan Roumie Captivates Filipino Fans During “The Chosen” Manila Visit

Fans of The Chosen were overjoyed on November 22, 2023, as Jonathan Roumie, renowned for his portrayal of Jesus Christ in the global hit series, made his much-anticipated visit to the Philippines. From press events to a teal-carpet fan gathering, Roumie’s warmth and faith captivated audiences, leaving an unforgettable mark on local hearts.

An Inspirational Day at BGC

The visit kicked off at Shangri-La The Fort, Bonifacio Global City (BGC), where Roumie engaged in interviews and press discussions. Sharing his experiences of embodying Christ and the profound impact of the show, he left the media inspired by his humility and eloquence.

_{Jonathan ROumie with Virlanie Voices}

Teal-Carpet Magic at SM Megamall

The excitement escalated at SM Megamall, where fans eagerly awaited Roumie’s arrival at the teal carpet premiere of Christmas with The Chosen: Holy Night. Roumie greeted supporters with a beaming smile, posing for photos and signing autographs.

The evening’s atmosphere was electric, with fans dressed as their favorite characters from the series. The event featured a live performance by the Virlanie Voices choir and exclusive fan experiences, setting the stage for the special screening.

The Premiere of Christmas with The Chosen

The night culminated with the debut of Christmas with The Chosen: Holy Night. Featuring inspiring performances from global gospel artists, including The Feast Worship, the special celebrates the nativity story with music and reverence. Exclusively opening in SM Cinemas on December 11, tickets are now available for pre-booking.

Roumie expressed his gratitude to Filipino fans:

“Salamat! Thank you Philippines. We couldn’t make this show without your support, without your passion.”

He teased the fans about the upcoming Season 5, which will premiere in April 2025:
“Your heads are gonna pop off when you see what we did. It’s gonna be so intense and beautiful and a little bit of heartbreak as well. You can always expect a good cry when you sit down to watch a season of The Chosen. So, Season 5 will be no less intense, no less joyful, no less heartbreaking than season 4. Each season, we try to give more than what we gave from the previous season, the show gets a little bit bigger. God just seems to be bringing us through the series in a way that is profound and mysterious and I really hope you enjoy it this coming Easter.”

_{Jonathan Roumie & Gary Valenciano}

Local Stars and Devoted Fans Unite

The event drew notable Filipino personalities such as Gary Valenciano, Camille Prats-Yambao, and Rabiya Mateo. Valenciano, a devoted fan, shared:

“I am thrilled to see everyone here for this event. I have been a solid Chosen follower since the very beginning, actually during the pandemic. I am really really blessed that they are here to a nation that has been hungry for the Lord. And the series resonates so well with me because and, I can’t wait to make Jonathan know this, but ever since I was a child, the way I’ve always felt Jesus talking to me is exactly the way Jonathan portrays Him to be. You know, very tender, but very firm, very loving but with authority with every word that he says. That resonates with me really well because I’ve also been given a chance to speak with other young people and I do try my best to bring Jesus into their lives in a way that is different, in a way that would make them feel how precious they are to Jesus. You know, Jesus was human, and that’s what you see in The Chosen. Life changing, there were times I have to pause (when watching) and just realize the goodness of God presented this way for the world. I think it’s great, and what the world needs right now. And with social media being so much a part of our mind, I think The Chosen can be a part of our hearts,”

Fans of all ages, including those with disabilities, emphasized how The Chosen has touched their lives, loyal fans who unabashedly said their presence in the event was an answer to a prayer.

A Global Phenomenon: The Chosen

The Chosen reimagines the life of Jesus Christ through the eyes of those closest to Him. With over 253 million viewers worldwide, the series continues to break barriers as a crowd-funded success story.

Fans can watch the series across major streaming platforms or via the official app and website at watch.thechosen.tv.

_{Jonathan Roumie}

Roumie’s Final Message to Filipinos

“Continue to be a culture of faith,” Roumie encouraged. “You inspire the world by putting God above all. God bless you, Philippines!”

As The Chosen gains momentum globally, Roumie’s visit highlighted its universal message of hope, love, and humanity—an experience Filipinos will cherish for years to come.

December 3, 2024
“The Chosen” TV Series Continues to Break New Ground in Bringing the Bible to Life

“We love our Filipino fans, as the Philippines is one of our most supportive countries in the world,” said Dallas Jenkins, creator, writer, and director of the hit series The Chosen, in August 2020. Now in its fourth season, the Philippines ranks third globally in viewership outside the U.S., following Brazil and Mexico. The show’s success in the Philippines makes sense, since Filipinos are not only devout Christians traditionally, celebrating the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ year after year, but are also incurable teleserye watchers.

Jesus and his disciples

And The Chosen is an extraordinary teleserye. It has captured the hearts of millions around the globe, not just for its compelling storytelling, but also for its innovative, crowd-funded production model.

From its inception, The Chosen has defied expectations, offering a fresh and humanizing portrayal of the life of Jesus Christ (played by Jonathan Roumie). “It has not only made the Bible come alive in new and powerful ways but has also changed the way faith-based media is funded and produced,” enthuses Teresa Tunay, CBCP/CINEMA.

What sets The Chosen apart from other biblical adaptations is its deeply human approach to the characters in the Gospels. Rather than portraying Jesus and His disciples as distant or larger-than-life figures, The Chosen focuses on their humanity, their struggles, and their relationships with one another. Creator Dallas Jenkins sought to depict these biblical figures as relatable, flawed people whose encounters with Jesus transformed their lives in profound and personal ways.

For example, Simon Peter (Shahar Isaac) isn’t just a faithful follower from the start, he is a struggling fisherman grappling with personal and financial hardships. Mary Magdalene’s (Elizabeth Tabish) journey from darkness to redemption is portrayed with nuance and sensitivity, helping viewers connect with her on a deeply emotional level. Even Jesus is portrayed in a way that emphasizes His relatability as a person who laughs, weeps, and shares meals with His friends.

Mary Magdalene, Ramah (Fil-AM actress Yasmine Al-Bustami), Tamar, Mother Mary, and Jesus

This unique storytelling approach has resonated with viewers, many of whom have found themselves deeply moved by the series’ ability to make the ancient stories of the Bible feel relevant and real. It presents the Gospels not just as sacred texts but as living stories about real people, each with their own challenges and triumphs.

The crowd-funding success of The Chosen highlights the deep hunger people have for authentic, faith-based content that resonates with their beliefs and experiences. It’s a powerful example of how film-making can thrive outside the traditional system—and succeed when people rally behind a shared vision.

Simon and Andrew

Additionally, the funding model has given the creators the freedom to stay true to their vision without compromising their values or message to suit studio demands. Fans not only helped fund the project but became its champions, spreading the word to their communities and encouraging others to support the show.

Since its launch, The Chosen has been translated into over 75 different languages that are available for certain seasons. For viewers looking to watch Seasons 1, 2, and 3 in one particular language, there are currently 26 dubbed and 36 subtitled languages available. Seasons 1-4 are available as a whole in 16 different subtitled languages.

Nicodemus and Mary

The Chosen app, which allows anyone to watch the series for free, has made it accessible to audiences far beyond traditional Christian circles. This global reach speaks to the universal appeal of the show’s themes of hope, redemption, and the power of faith.

Viewers have reported that the show has reignited their passion for Scripture, helped them connect with God on a deeper level, and fostered greater understanding and empathy for the people in the Gospels. Churches and small groups have used the series as a tool for Bible studies and discussions, helping people explore their faith in new ways.

Matthew

More than just a successful TV series, The Chosen is a cultural phenomenon that has redefined the way biblical stories can be told. Its innovative crowd-funded model and humanizing portrayal of Jesus and His followers have struck a chord with over 250 million viewers, making the Bible come alive for a new generation. Through its relatable characters and powerful storytelling, The Chosen has brought fresh energy to faith-based entertainment and has left an indelible mark on its audience.

Watch all of the episodes and the latest features for free at https://www.thechosen.tv/en-us and on The Chosen app.

Follow The Chosen social media accounts (FB, IG and Tiktok) for more updates especially the upcoming live fan event in Manila in November.

September 30, 2024