Altadena Baptist Church will offer the local premier showing of a very unusual and inspiring movie, a film called "Damascus Speaks." The viewing will be on Sunday, Nov. 29, 6 PM, and is open to the public free of charge. This is the first movie developed by Christian Arabs in Syria, most of them associated with Eastern Orthodox churches.

The film tells the story of the first group of Christian believers in Damascus, the world's oldest city. It focuses on the martyrdom of St. Stephen, as well as the conversion of the Apostle Paul and his earliest church fellowship, where he was nurtured in his new faith.

Dramatic sequences are interspersed with a narrated tour of many of the ancient sites, where modern churches and monasteries mark significant events. All the actors are Syrians from a Muslim background. The film is done in Arabic, with English subtitles. The use of this Middle Eastern tongue, speaking the actual words recorded in the Bible, brings a sense of authenticity to the reenactments of first century events.

Millions of people in the Middle East have already experienced this unique film, since it focuses on some historical events important to both Muslims and Christians. Because it highlights the historical significance of Damascus, the Syrian government has promoted it as an expression of patriotic pride.

For more information, call the church at (626) 797-8970.