Lebanon: Christian flashmob wins first prize at film festival

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The Christian European Visual Media Association (CEVMA) has awarded the SAT-7 'Jesus is Risen' flashmob video first prize in the music category of its 2012 Film Festival.

Filmed at Beirut's biggest and busiest mall during Easter 2011, the video features Lebanese singing group 'The Four Knights' in a performance of the song 'Jesus is Risen.' The Arabic language video lasts just under two minutes, but the work that went into it and its impact are immense.

The most stunning reaction was that of onlookers at Beirut City Mall, surprised to see the proclamation of Christ's resurrection in a public space in Lebanon. Many recorded the performance on their mobile phones. A multi-camera shoot captured the performance, which occurred three times in one day of filming. The performances were spread out over a number of hours to allow new visitors to enter the mall food court, providing real spontaneous reactions to the flash mob. Two full days of editing ensued, and film editors added English subtitles.

The YouTube clip of 'Jesus is Risen' has received more than 500,000 views and over 800 comments, including many from non-Christians. One person commented, "I am Muslim, and I find this really beautiful. Love to my Christian friends." Another wrote: "Although I speak no Arabic, I'm struck by the amazing beauty of this joyful
celebration. May God bless and protect the Christians of the Middle East!"

To see the film go to: www.youtube.com/watch?v=uktX8rQ5vYo&feature=relmfu