In 1818, when Joseph Mohr is assigned to be the new assistant priest in Oberndorf, a small Austrian town near Salzburg, the young man is full of ideas and ideals. His passion to bring the church closer to the common people sets him on a collision course with his new superior Father Noestler. When Mohr organizes a church choir that includes local outcasts and performs in German instead of Latin, Noestler threatens him with disciplinary action. Their relationship further deteriorates when Maria, one of the outcasts, surprisingly joins the performance of the all-male church choir. As Mohr’s initial successes start to crumble and his efforts backfire on him, he loses all hope and faces a trial of faith. The night before Christmas, Mohr has to decide if he will accept defeat and leave Oberndorf or embrace the true significance of the Holy Night. Beautifully filmed on location in Austria, you will be uplifted by this powerful story inspired by the true events leading to the creation of the most popular Christmas carol of all time —Silent Night.
“Silent Night” is an inspiring story of faith, hope and perseverance. Joseph Mohr lived his life in the service of God in the early 19th century. The Catholic Church had recently begun to change and allow services to be held in German. However his congregation doesn’t like change and he fights with his superior to bring in locals who don’t normally attend church by adding them to his choir. While he is struggling to follow God’s leading and yet be obedient to his orders, Joseph’s career is placed in jeopardy. Then, one night shortly before Christmas, he works with the organist to pen the classic song “Silent Night.” This movie is nicely filmed and the story shows a vulnerable side to this ground breaking priest. We are pleased to award this moving drama our Dove “Family-Approved” Seal for ages 12 and over. – Dove
Starring Carsten Clemens, Markus von Lingen, Clemens Aap Lindenberg, Janina Elkin, Florence Matousek.
Note: This is a Christian faith-based film. Most of Vuissa’s prior films have explored Mormon characters and Mormon themes, so “Silent Night,” with its story of a Catholic village priest in Austria, is a bit of a departure. He said Silent Night tells a story for all people everywhere that happens to have a Christian and, more specifically, Catholic setting. “The overarching theme is hope and that’s pretty universal. I think it’s an inspirational film that many different people can enjoy.” “Silent Night” was filmed on location in Austria, using a cast of all German and Austrian actors — who speak English in the film.