BYUtv to Air Joan of Arc, A New Docudrama About the Unwavering Faith of a Young Girl Who Saved the Nation of France

PROVO, Utah, Nov. 19, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- From the network that brought you Fires of Faith, Silent Night and Handel's Messiah, BYUtv today announced it has produced and will air this holiday season, Joan of Arc, a new docudrama about the unlikely French heroine who played a pivotal role in world history. Filmed in France and using the actual 15th century records of Joan's trial for heresy, the narrative conveys the story of how a humble farm girl guided by the voice of God became a true symbol of courage and faith by leading her country to victory.

Written and directed by Emmy award-winning filmmaker Russell Holt, produced by Holt and Adam Abel, and edited by Tanner Christensen, the 80-minute docudrama chronicles how a young girl's devotion to her Christian faith led her to change the course of history. Emmy-winning composer, Sam Cardon, created and recorded the original score for Joan of Arc with the City Of Prague Philharmonic at Smecky Studios in Prague. Ryan Little, the award-winning director of photography, brings to life historically accurate dramatic re-enactments of events and battles in their actual locations throughout France.

"While the story of Joan of Arc has been presented on-screen before and most often told through the lens of the battlefield, our film is told in Joan's own words from a perspective of faith," said Derek Marquis, managing director of BYUtv. "Although we depict elaborate battle scenes and military strategy, we present a unique mixture of her history and faith, interspersing expert commentary, dramatic re-enactments and angelic visitations. By examining in-depth the short, yet focused life of Joan – a young farm girl who was chosen by God to crown a King and save a nation – our program provides viewers a detailed explanation as to why her tale resonates with people of all faiths."

Told in her own words, the docudrama details Joan's journey from her home in Domrémy, France, through towns such as Chinon, Reims and Rouen, to the historic battle sites of Vaucouleurs, Orléans, Jargeau and Compiègne, as she lead a male-dominated army to save France from British rule during the Hundred Years' War and ordain the disinherited French crown prince, Charles of Valois, as France's rightful king -- all inspired by divine guidance.

Leading Joan of Arc historians and religious leaders featured in the docudrama include:

Helen R. Castor Ph.D., Bye-Fellow, Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge, Author of Joan of Arc: A HistoryJeremy DuQuesnay Adams Ph.D., Professor and Altshuler Distinguished Teaching Professor Medieval Europe, Southern Methodist University  Daniel Hobbins Ph.D., Associate Professor of History, Notre Dame UniversityBonnie Wheeler Ph.D., Associate Professor and Director of Medieval Studies, Southern Methodist University and Director, International Joan of Arc Society Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Gérald R. Caussé, Presiding Bishop, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

"We know more about Joan of Arc than most medieval historic figures due to the detailed transcripts from her trial," said Mr. Holt. "Joan of Arc played a fundamental role in shaping world history by leading the French army to victory against the English forces. The French Navy would later play an indispensable role in United States' Revolutionary War. Without Joan of Arc's heroic and divine mission, one could argue the nation of France and the Unites States would not exist as they do today."

Joan of Arc tells the tale of a simple girl whose steadfast commitment to her personal beliefs and religious faith led her to become a martyr, a military leader and the patron Saint of France by the age of 19. Her profound dedication to her faith coupled with her ability to establish strong principles at a young age guided her, France and eventually the United States, to greatness.

Joan of Arc will premiere Nov. 26th on BYUtv at 6pm MT/8pm ET, followed by a 10-minute behind-the-scenes special and will be rebroadcast throughout the 2015 Holiday Season. BYUtv is available in every state of the country via cable, satellite and multiple digital media platforms including byutv.org and on all of BYUtv's digital platforms, including Roku, Xbox360, Amazon FireTV, iOS and Android.

About BYUtvOwned by Brigham Young University and based in Provo, Utah, BYUtv is a groundbreaking High Definition cable television network that has created a breadth of original "see the good in the world" programming that fills a void in entertainment the entire family can enjoy together, including sketch comedy, history, music and documentary offerings. The cable television network continues to build steady momentum, drawing new viewers to its shows from every state of the country. The non-commercial station is available in more than 55 million households in every state of the country on Dish Network, DirecTV and over 800 cable systems, and offers approximately 1,000 hours of original programming annually, including 500 hours of live HD collegiate sports.  

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