Long Beach, Calif.— “Biblical Treasures of Turkey,” a breathtaking journey that brings to life the story of St. John, St. Paul and the seven churches of the Bible, will make its cinematic premiere in Long Beach at the newly renovated and reopened Art Theater of Long Beach on Aug. 18, as well as promote an upcoming tour of the same theme.
Produced and presented by Robin D. Williams, “Biblical Treasures of Turkey” traces Williams’ methodical search throughout Turkey to unveil countless biblical treasures. It is based on the story of St. John and the Seven Churches, one of which in Izmir, a sister city of Long Beach. Some historians consider St. John to be the author of two-thirds of the Bible’s New Testament.
“The movie ‘Biblical Treasures of Turkey’ will appeal to history buffs, those interested in the beauty of foreign cultures and Christians who want to gain a deeper understanding of the history of their faith,” said Dennis Aytekin, Chairman of the Izmir (Smyrna)-Long Beach Sister Cities Association. “It will also open the door to those interested in traveling to the region of our sister city Izmir to see it all first-hand.”
Williams is one of the top contemporary American producers of travel documentaries. His films have been celebrated by audiences in the United States and Canada since 1967 and he has been a regular on the National Geographic Society’s Film Lecture Series since 1972. During the evening, which will include culinary samples and live music from Turkey’s Izmir region, he will give an explanation of his upcoming guided 10-day tour as featured in the movie.
The trip, assisted by the municipality of Izmir (known in ancient times as Smyrna), will include stops at Ephesus, Pergamum, Thyratira, Sardis, the Greek Island Patmos, including Izmir, as well as meals in the homes of select Turkish families.
Izmir, Turkey, became a sister city of Long Beach in 2005 in an effort introduce the foreign city to the people of Southern California, as well as to increase intercity cooperation at the municipal level, to promote cultural understanding between the communities and to stimulate economic development
“Izmir, Turkey, is a place of beauty and fascinating historical significance,” said Aytekin. “The connection between that city and ours is unique and vibrant, and one we trust all the residents of Long Beach can find exciting.”
ABOUT THE FILM:
This astounding film is a beautiful journey of discovery. Robin D. Williams explored Asia Minor for 30 years and this film is the result of his expeditions. The biblical events that took place in Asia actually took place in what is now called Turkey! Guests will see the Roman World of St. Paul and St. John and the Byzantine Empire of the Greek Patriarchs, walk the ancient Greco-Roman highways with the Apostles, hear the monks speaking the language of Jesus; Aramaic, visit whole neighborhoods of Roman houses in Ephesus where Robin brings daily Roman family living to life, see the faces of the people who lived in
the 1st Century A.D., see the ancient cities, caravan routes, ancient harbors and underground cities.
Partial Scene List: Smyrna (Izmir), Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Ephesus, Didyma…
More information about the movie and the upcoming tour to Izmir region can be found at www.izmirlb.org.
Sister Cities of Long Beach Inc. enjoys eight Sister Cities with communities around the world. It hosts more than 25 international delegations per year and the Annual International Sister City Festival, drawing close to 1,000 attendees. For more information visit www.sistercitiesoflongbeach.org |
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