Documentary on Adventists to Air on PBS

By Celeste Ryan Blyden

The Adventists, an hourlong documentary highlighting the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s health message and ministry, is scheduled to air on PBS stations nationwide this April. The project, produced by award-winning filmmaker Martin Doblmeier (pictured), chronicles the history of the Adventist faith and investigates the reasons why Adventists are among the longest living people in the world. 

Meeting with the Columbia Union Executive Committee
In a presentation to the Columbia Union Conference Executive Committee last week, Doblmeier, who spent 18 months developing and producing The Adventists, said he was intrigued by the fact that Adventists have a unique message of preparation for the second coming of Jesus Christ and yet a highly visible commitment to delivering advanced medical care in the modern age. 

About the Film
In addition to interviews with well-known Adventist doctors, historians, and theologians, the film discusses Adventist co-founder Ellen White and reveals how and why members combine health and spirituality; lauds Adventist hospitals (including our own Kettering Medical Center in Kettering, Ohio, and Washington Adventist Hospital in Takoma Park, Md.), wellness programs, and technological breakthroughs; and profiles several people who have benefited from the church’s century-long ministry of healing. Particularly moving is the story of a family who struggles to keep their baby alive at Loma Linda Medical Center in California. Interestingly, the war reenactments and Ellen White scenes were shot in Petersburg, Va. 

Free Screenings Scheduled
Seventh-day Adventist churches, universities, and healthcare organizations are hosting screenings of the film in various places across North America. Already there have been screenings in Loma Linda, Orlando, Kettering, and Cleveland. If you would like to schedule a screening in your area, call Journey Films at (703) 519-8200. Here are several free screenings you may wish to attend and support:

Washington, D.C. – The premiere screening for this area will be held April 3, 7:30 p.m. at Sligo church in Takoma Park, Md. It will be followed by a question-and-answer period with filmmaker Martin Doblmeier, who will also sell and sign DVDs. If questions, call the church at (301) 270-6777. 

Baltimore – The premiere screening for this area will be held April 17 at 6 p.m. at Miracle Temple Worship Center in Baltimore. It will be followed by a question-and-answer period with filmmaker Martin Doblmeier, who will also sell and sign DVDs. If questions, call the church at (410) 368-9294. 

Richmond - A premiere screening for this area will be held May 1 at 7 p.m. at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. It will be followed by a question-and-answer period with filmmaker Martin Doblmeier, who will also sell and sign DVDs. If questions, call Trevan Osborn at (804) 836-4606 or email trevan.osborn@gmail.com.

Northern New Jersey – A premiere screening for this area will be held May 8 at Trinity Temple in Newark. It will be followed by a question-and-answer period with filmmaker Martin Doblmeier, who will also sell and sign DVDs. If questions, contact LaFayette Trawick at (908) 244-8964 or info@trinitytemplesda.org. 

GC Session – Screenings will be held twice daily June 27-July 2 at General Conference Session in Atlanta. Contact Fred Kinsey at (301) 680-6406. 

Resources and Links
Adventist Review Feature- The March 25 issue features a cover story about filmmaker Martin Doblmeier and the documentary. 

Schedule of PBS Airdates - As they get commitments from PBS stations across the nation, Journey Films staff are updating their schedule of airdates and times. 

Film Preview - There are a number of clips on YouTube that you can watch and share. Here’s a 90-second preview you can email to friends or show in church as you promote the PBS showings. 

Voice of Prophecy Interview – Fred Kinsey, speaker/director for Voice of Prophecy, did a 57-minute interview with filmmaker Martin Doblmeier. It provides good background information and insight on Doblmeier’s experience making this film and others.

How You Can Help
This documentary provides Adventists with a great opportunity to share our health message with the 50 million people who live in the eight states that comprise the Columbia Union territory. Here’s how you can help:

1. Invite your friends and neighbors to attend one of these screenings. 
2. Schedule a screening in your church or school and invite the community. 
3. Purchase the DVD at www.journeyfilms.com or your local Adventist Book Center, and host a home screening for friends and family. 
4. Email your friends to alert them of the PBS airings in your region.
5. Contact your local PBS station and encourage them to air the program.