USCCB launches documentary film project on ‘Da Vinci Code’

South Bend, Ind., Sep 30, 2005 / 12:00 am MT (CNA).- The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has decided to reply to “The Da Vinci Code” through a documentary film to be aired on NBC in April.

The bishops hired NewGroup Media in South Bend to produce the documentary, which will be filmed on location in the Holy Land, Greece, Turkey and Italy, reported the South Bend Tribune.

"Jesus De-coded: Catholic Perspective on the 'Da Vinci Code' " will look at the Church's position on issues raised in the novel and is expected to be broadcast before the release of Ron Howard’s film, based on the book and starring Tom Hanks.

"We feel sometimes that the material (in the book) is presented in a way that is speculative about the life of Jesus," USCCB communications director Manis Calco told the newspaper. "This certainly is a chance for us to put forth our own teachings."

Using re-enactments, interviews with scholars, art imagery and location shooting, "Jesus De-coded" will focus on the Catholic Church's position on three issues raised in Dan Brown's novel: the relationship between Jesus and Mary Magdalene, the development of the canon of the Scriptures, and the role of women within the early Church.

The film will be directed by New Group partner Christopher Salvador and written and produced by Sr. Judith Zielinski. The Franciscan nun also serves as director of NewGroup's faith and values division. Shooting will begin in November.