Jehovah’s Witnesses announce new feature film

Breaking a century-old tradition in the name of health and safety, the largest convention organization in the world has moved its annual in-person event to a virtual format for the second time in as many years, canceling nearly 6,000 conventions in 240 lands.

But a full-length film on the bible prophet Daniel is one of several video productions expected to make the program more interesting than ever.

For 14 consecutive years, the summers in Wake and surrounding counties have featured Jehovah’s Witnesses streaming into Raleigh to fill hotels and patronize restaurants as they gathered for their annual convention at the PNC Area. But the Douglas Family will be watching this year’s program from their living room.
“Due to my personal health issues, I know it would have been difficult for me to attend an in-person convention,” said Mozellia Douglas, who has attended conventions of Jehovah’s Witnesses for more than 50 years. “So, I'm so thankful this year I’m able to enjoy it from the comfort of my home. I see how much Jehovah as well as his organization love us and take care of us not only spiritually but even physically.”

For decades, the highlight of Jehovah’s Witnesses conventions has been reenactments of Bible accounts. For many years, the stories were performed by volunteer stage actors. But recently, the organization has replaced theater productions with sophisticated feature films.

“Our Bible movies are a highlight of the convention program every year,” said Marquis Brown, a local representative of Jehovah’s Witnesses. “The quality of our films compares to what you would see in movie theaters or on TV streaming services. But after watching these movies, you come away with lessons you can apply in your life.”

The title of 2021’s release is “Daniel: A Lifetime of Faith”. Inspired by the biblical story of Daniel (as in Daniel and the lion’s den), the motion picture will illustrate 2021’s larger convention theme, “Powerful by Faith!” Interested viewers can watch the film free-of-charge on the Witnesses’ website where it will be streaming in more than 500 languages for an expected audience of 15-20 million people. Part one of the feature film was released on July 26; its climactic finale comes out August 16.

“Faith has helped our global brotherhood to continue to thrive even during a pandemic,” said Robert Hendriks, U.S. spokesman for Jehovah’s Witnesses. “Our faith will continue to unite us in worship — even virtually — as millions gather in private homes around the world to enjoy a powerful and inspiring spiritual program.”
All are invited to attend the event and watch the film by going to www.jw.org on the web or JW Broadcasting on the free JW Library app available for iOS or Android, or on streaming platforms such as ROKU TV, Apple TV and others. The program is free and accessible to all. The schedule for download and global streaming is listed below. The entire convention program spans six weekends, each corresponding to a morning or afternoon session from the usual three-day, in-person event.