Indie Documentary about the Early History of Christianity to Premiere on Dec. 19

Award-winning independent filmmaker, author and scholar Robert Orlando hosts a screening and discussion of his latest movie, “A Polite Bribe: An Apostle’s Final Bid,” on Dec. 19, at the School of Visual Arts Theater in New York City. World renowned New Testament scholar Gerd Ludemann, who coined the film’s title and appears in the movie,will set the stage for the film at 6:30 p.m. with an overview about the Apostle Paul, as well as the history and research that inspired the project. “A Polite Bribe” begins at 8:10 p.m., followed by a post-screening panel discussion at 9:30 p.m. 

Using modern cinematic techniques, computer graphics, classic illustration and animation, “A Polite Bribe” tells the ancient story of Paul and the early days of Christianity. The film blends several types of movie genres: detective story, historical documentary, film noir and mystery.  Orlando and a team of artists in the New York City/New Jersey area and Rome illustrated the film and he uses an original score by John Kaefer.  Interviews with some of the world’s leading historians and religious scholars are woven throughout.

Running time is 82-minutes and it will be followed by a Q&A.  The film is not rated.  Tickets are $25 each ($15 for students) and can be purchased through the film’s official website.  Tickets will also be available at the door the night of the event.