July, 2004 - A dramatic film about the life and faith of famed colonial preacher Jonathan Edwards has just completed post production, and will be released in September. The film, produced by the NC Triad based film company Inspirata Films, was funded by the Christian History Institute. It will be distributed by Vision Video www.visionvideo.com.
An Uncommon Union tells the story of the Edwards' lives in colonial Massachusetts through the memories of Sarah Pierpont Edwards, portrayed by Chicago-based actress Maggie Rowe, who also wrote the original script. New York-based actor Peter Bedrossian plays the part of Jonathan. The story focuses on the faith and remarkable relationship of Jonathan and Sarah, which Edwards himself referred to as "an uncommon union."
The film was produced and directed by John Jackman, and was filmed on location in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and North Carolina. "It would have been nice to be able to film entirely in North Carolina," said Jackman, "but it just wasn't possible. The churches and buildings of colonial New England have a unique look that we simply couldn&wpsapos;t replicate here. Even in New England, we had to use one church for a historically accurate interior and another for an accurate exterior." Many of the tall-steepled wood clapboard churches of 18th century New England burned and were replaced by brick buildings in the 19th century. The film was shot on location in the 1739 Mission House in Stockbridge, Massachusetts and the 1710 Buttolph-Williams House in Wethersfield, Connecticut. The restored sanctuary of the historic First Church in Wethersfield supplied the scene for Edwards&wpsapos; powerful preaching scenes. Authentic colonial era music for the film was performed by the Rogues' Consort, an Ohio-based group that uses period instruments.
"Both John and Maggie did a superb job," said Ken Curtis, founder of the Christian History Institute, "I am so grateful for a piece that will introduce the Edwards to contemporary audiences."
Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758) is best known for his sermon "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God," reputed to have been one of the sparks that lit the Great Awakening, a religious revival that swept the colonies in the mid-18th century. Edwards is regarded as the first truly American philosopher, and there has recently been a revival of interest in his philosophical works such as "The Freedom of the Will." After serving parishes in Northhampton and Stockbridge in Massachusetts, Edwards became the third president of Princeton University. His grandson Timothy Dwight became president of Yale, and another grandson, Aaron Burr, became the third vice-president of the United States under Thomas Jefferson. Burr later gained infamy when he killed Alexander Hamilton in a duel. Local senatorial candidate Richard Burr is a descendant of Burr and Edwards.
John Jackman is an award-winning producer and director who lives in Lewisville, NC; some of his previous productions include the mini-series "Zinzendorf," "Hymns of Praise," and "Marvin the Mealtime Monster." He is currently developing a feature film about John Wesley, founder of the Methodist Church. An ordained Moravian pastor, he is on the Board of Directors of the Piedmont Triad Film Commission. His company, Inspirata Films, focuses on faith-related stories. The Christian History Institute, which funded the project, will release the film through Vision Video in September. A premiere showing is planned for the Winston-Salem area, details to be announced.