In 2007
Magdalena: Released From Shame debuted to rave reviews in 22
countries with more than 300 showings in theaters, churches, private homes,
city centers, remote villages and even prisons across Central Asia, the Middle
East, Latin America and Africa. As part of International Women’s Day in
March, the film also premiered at the United Nations in New York City for
diplomats, ambassadors and other leaders representing 70 countries. Released
by Nardine Productions in association with Inspirational Films,
Magdalena: Released From Shame
portrays the story of Jesus as seen through the eyes of Mary
Magdalene, and demonstrates how He values women by focusing on historical
accounts of His interactions with them.

Magdalena: Released From Shame
seamlessly weaves the
stories of four biblical women—Mary Magdalene, the
Samaritan woman at the well, the woman who touched
Jesus’ garment, and the woman caught in adultery—
into newly filmed scenes. The film emphasizes Jesus’
compassion toward women and His ability to restore
their dignity and identity through a personal
encounter with Him.
While these initial showings premiered in
Russian, French, Arabic and English, film ministry
workers hope that the continuous development of
new translations of the film will bring the message of Jesus to
even more women in their heart language. Created for use in the United States,
a new eight-language DVD also includes Korean, Mandarin Chinese, Latin
American Spanish, and Brazilian Portuguese.
On Easter one Middle Eastern television station broadcast an 80-minute-
long seminar of
Magdalena: Released From Shame

throughout Europe, South America and the Arab world. The program featured
video clips and a lively discussion about the film and Christianity, giving the
audience unprecedented exposure to topics such as the death and resurrection of
Jesus. Amazed at viewers’ positive responses to this broadcast,
one Middle Eastern ministry leader remarked, “Praise the Lord
for what is being done through this film!”
Even the most hardened criminals responded to the film’s
message of redemption and forgiveness through Jesus. Nearly
350 inmates gathered to watch
Magdalena: Released From Shame  at a women’s prison in Central Asia.
After watching the film, almost 60 percent of the inmates indicated their desire to know
and follow Jesus! Ministry workers gathered contact
information to ensure each woman would receive follow-up. A
ministry worker shared this story: “There was a woman who
killed 42 people. And then she watched [the film] .... God
opened her heart. There are a thousand like her, millions like
her, waiting for Jesus.”

Magdalena: Released From Shame
also premiered at a women’s conference in Nigeria
that included partners from both the United States and local Nigerian ministries
and churches. The theme of the conference, “God, do You see me?” bonded women
together as they related personal stories of sexual and physical abuse, abandonment,
betrayal, shame and fear, and how they questioned the presence of God amid their
pain. One participant told film workers: “You came to Nigeria for me. You made
this film for me.”

Following a premiere in Cartagena, Colombia, one woman said, “... for me the
film was very moving for women, because ... we saw the value that Jesus Himself puts
on women. ... here in Colombia ... [we] have been devalued ... I think that the movie
can have a great impact on women who don’t know Christ who have been
mistreated, even physically ....” Through tears, another said: “I was touched by the
movie because I feel that we women have been put down for a long time ... and to see
how since the time of Jesus, women have had a leading role in evangelism ....”
One Middle Eastern leader who had helped launch
Magdalena: Released From Shame further emphasized the vision for the film: “We want to help give women back
their pride and respect, exactly like Jesus did when He touched the heart of Mary
Magdalene.” Remarking on the importance of building spiritual movements, he
added, “If you want to reach the country, reach the women.”

Ministry leaders hope that Magdalena: Released From Shame
will help transform the face of evangelism in their countries, based on the film’s ability to resonate
emotionally with audiences in unprecedented ways. As one ministry leader
remarked, “I think the JESUS film has been born again.”