Silent Night (2012)
"The powerful true story behind the most
popular Christmas carol of all time."
As a new assistant priest, Joseph Mohr (Carsten Clemens) wants the church to connect with the common people of Austria with sermon and song in German (instead of Latin). He wants people to understand the services, but his methods, which include allowing a female in the church choir, lead him to the verge of disciplinary action.
Early in his ministry, a religious leader counseled, "If you want to keep hope alive, you must never lose hope yourself." Yet, the night before Christmas, Mohr struggles with possible defeat, and as he walks through the snow, wondering about his future, he feels inspired to put one of his poems to music.
Enlisting the help of musician and church organist, Franz Gruber (Markus von Lingen), they combine talents to create--in one night--a lullaby to perform for the upcoming Midnight Mass. Mohr hopes the people "will remember this Christmas for years to come."
Thank you, Joseph and Franz, for my favorite Christmas hymn, Silent Night.
And thank you, Christian Vuissa for the beautiful film.
I met Christian, an Austrian filmmaker, several years ago. He was passionate about the history behind the beloved hymn and it shows in the film. The stunning Austrian location, beautifully composed shots, and the editing pace--never lingering too long on one scene--move the fascinating story.
This film will air on BYU-TV (Mountain Standard Time)
December 11, 7:00 p.m.
December 12, 12:00 a.m.
December 12, 12:00 p.m.
Or watch it now on byutv.org (link): Silent Night (2012).
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