Luther movie premieres

Moviegoers watch the new full-length feature film “Martin Luther: The Idea That Changed the World” during its Feb. 13 premiere in Milwaukee. Funded by Thrivent Financial, the film brings to life the dramatic moments that shaped Luther. It is available for screenings nationwide.

Between Feb. 12-19 — in Houston, Milwaukee, St. Louis and Fort Wayne — more than 1,500 moviegoers sold out theaters for premiere showings of “Martin Luther: The Idea That Changed the World,” the new, full-length feature film about the famous reformer.

Funded by a grant from Thrivent Financial, the film brings to life the dramatic moments that shaped Luther and examines the universal questions he wrestled with, like “Who am I?” “What is my purpose?” and “How do I get right with God?”

In St. Louis on Feb. 13, Concordia Seminary, the Synod and St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Des Peres, collaborated to create a big event, selling out two theaters in the same complex and providing theatergoers with a commemorative booklet and a post-screening Q&A session with LCMS President Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison and the Rev. Dr. Erik Herrmann of the seminary’s faculty. Herrmann served as the historical adviser for the production.

Attendees laughed out loud at lighthearted moments, focused on the dramatic scenes and on-camera commentary, and applauded at the conclusion of the movie.

The film’s producer, Mike Trinklein, attended the Wisconsin premiere Feb. 13.

“We had a terrific showing here in Milwaukee last night,” Trinklein said the next day. “I am hearing great reports from around the country. Seeing the story play out on the big screen really is transformative. I’ve seen it a zillion times, but watching it on the big screen — with a group — added a whole new dimension.”

Any LCMS congregation or organization is invited to host a screening at a movie theater in their community. That provides an excellent way to reach out to neighbors in celebrating the 500th anniversary of the Reformation.

Thanks to a special distribution arrangement, there is no cost to set up a screening, and the process is simple. More than 100 congregations have already done so, with more being added each week. To learn more about this opportunity, visit newluthermovie.com/lcms.

The website provides resources for publicizing the film in your congregation and community.
Learn how to host screening Download promotional poster Watch the trailer
Posted February 23, 2017