Only a little more than four months ago, the Church film "The Testaments of One Fold and One Shepherd" opened to the public in the Joseph Smith Memorial Building in Salt Lake City. Since then, more than 470,000 people have seen the film — an average of more than 4,000 per day.
This production that brings together in one the ancient sacred texts of the Bible and the Book of Mormon leaves many in tears as they reflect on their own hoped-for reunions with their Father in Heaven and His Son Jesus Christ. For many others, "The Testaments," which was produced under the direction of the First Presidency, forever alters their attitudes about Mormons as Christians.
"As 'The Testaments of One Fold and One Shepherd' has had the personal involvement of the First Presidency and the blessing of the Lord, we are not surprised at the impact the film is having on members, as well as those of other faiths," said Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Seventy and executive director of the Church's Audiovisual Department. He added that the 500-seat Legacy Theater, in which the film is shown, has been full for nearly every one of the nine daily showings throughout the summer. ("The Testaments" is not shown on Sundays.)
In fact, from the time of the premiere on March 24 through Aug. 6, a total of 611,579 advance tickets had been requested. The beginning of each month seems to bring a jump in requests. For instance, on July 31 orders were taken for 4,935 tickets; the next day, Aug. 1, 7,391 were requested.
Continuing, Elder Andersen explained that among all the varied reactions to the film have been three main reflections:
"The majesty of the scenes of the Savior.
"The coming to life of the Book of Mormon.
These reflections are most often noted by sister missionaries from Temple Square who take turns introducing the film to audiences at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building. For example, Temple Square Mission President Richard I. Winwood related how Sister Monika Kainzbauer from Austria had just completed a tour of Temple Square with three members of another faith who "immediately after the tour went to the south gate and began handing out anti-Mormon literature." He added that the sister missionary soon walked out with three tickets to "The Testaments." They accepted and agreed to attend the showing, during which she happened to be the presenter.
"After the show, she said they were visibly moved. [One man] came over [to her] and said, 'Now I understand,' " President Winwood related. The sister asked, " 'Do you mean you understand the importance of the Book of Mormon?' He said yes. He had tears. He could hardly talk."
Other recorded comments from those who have seen the film have included the following:
"It was amazing. I don't think I've ever been that moved by a film. The end was my favorite part. The film was about people and events that we believe in. I didn't know that Mormons shared similar beliefs with us."
"I guess I didn't understand that you believe in the Bible too. I guess Mormons aren't as different as I thought they were."
President Winwood also spoke of the influence the Church film "Legacy" has had since its move to theater No. 5 in the North Visitors Center on Temple Square. ("Legacy," which tells the pioneer story of the Church, was the original movie shown in the Joseph Smith Memorial Building's Legacy Theater.) "It enhances what we do on Temple Square," he explained. "It introduces people to the Church and strengthens members."
Since the film began showing on Temple Square, President Winwood continued, some 1,000 people each Saturday and Sunday have viewed it, with some 500 per day during the week. He also explained that Theater No. 4, on the lower level of the North Visitors Center, is being renovated during September. Once the five-week renovation project is complete, "Legacy" will be moved there, he added.
To reserve advanced tickets for "The Testaments of One Fold and One Shepherd," call (801) 240-4383. (Morning showings have higher availability; tickets are free of charge.) No tickets are required to see "Legacy," which is shown three times a day on weekdays and four times per day on weekends in the North Visitors Center on Temple Square. ("Legacy" will also be available on video later this year in Church distribution centers.)
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