A SAT-7 flashmob video which recorded a classic Easter song being performed for amazed shoppers in Beirut’s busiest shopping mall has won first prize in the music category at The Christian European Visual Media Association (CEVMA) 2012 Film Festival.
Filmed during Easter 2011, the video features Lebanese singing group ‘The Four Knights’ in an operatic-style performance of the song ‘Jesus is Risen.’ The Arabic language video – which captured the reactions of onlookers, surprised to see the proclamation of Christ’s resurrection in such a public place – has since been viewed by half a million people as a Youtube clip.
CEVMA, a fellowship of committed Christians which seeks to stimulate its members to produce high-quality media, officially announced the award on 15th September in Oberageri, Switzerland. It is the latest chapter in the story of a video that lasts just under two minutes, but that took a feat of organisation to bring together, and that continues to have an immense impact.
On the day, a multi-camera shoot captured the performance, which occurred three times in one day of filming. The performances were spread out over a number of hours to allow new visitors to enter the mall food court and provide genuine, spontaneous reactions to the flash mob. Two full days of editing ensued, and film editors added English subtitles.
The YouTube clip of ‘Jesus is Risen’ has received over 800 comments, including many from non-Christians. One person commented, “I am Muslim, and I find this really beautiful. Love to my Christian friends.” Another wrote, “Although I speak no Arabic, I’m struck by the amazing beauty of this joyful celebration. May God bless and protect the Christians of the Middle East!”