The Life of the Virgin Mary on Page and Screen

UNFORTUNATELY, THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED

The Virgin Mary is the principle woman in Christian Salvation history and links the three Abrahamic faiths.

Over two millennia, the Virgin Mary has inspired magnificent works of art that reveal the complexities of the Marian tradition. She is the principal woman in Christian Salvation history; a symbol of beauty and sanctity; a figure implicated in gender, ecclesiastical and ecumenical politics; and a link between the three Abrahamic faiths as a Jewish mother whose son Jesus is worshipped by Christians and revered by Muslims.

This study day will explore how the cinema has engaged with the Marian image by transforming the Scriptures into a film script. Unlike theologians, who must defend their theories before Church and academic authorities, filmmakers are at liberty to follow their creative notions within the boundaries of censorship, so that a focus on Mary brings together a range of filmmakers (from different faith traditions and none) with a variety of aims. Our analysis will highlight the translation of key biblical scenes in the life of Mary (notably the Annunciation, the Nativity and the Crucifixion) from page to screen and discuss how her story has been re-visioned on film from the silent era through to the present day.

Contact Alison Ogden for all booking enquiries
Booking Information
aogden@sarum.ac.uk  |  01722 424826  |  01722 424800 (main reception)