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Kim Johnson ReportingFrom the pages of Gerald Lund's epic novel, to the silver screen. In a matter of hours "The Work and the Glory: American Zion" will make its premiere in over 80 theaters across the country.
The filmmakers are very excited for tonight's premiere. The producers have such confidence in "American Zion" that the third movie in the series is already in the editing phase.
"American Zion" is set against of Missouri in the 1830's in a time when the nation and members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints felt a great amount of turmoil. As the United States struggled with a slew of conflicts, church prophet Joseph Smith struggled to lead a people.
Johnathan Scarfe, Actor, Plays "Joseph Smith": "That journey from being a farm boy to being this leader who was responsible for hundreds and thousands of people who were uprooting their lives and making all of these massive changes and sacrifices."
Johnathan Scarfe, who plays Joseph Smith, says the hardships characters in the film face are reflection of the era in which they lived.
Johnathan Scarfe: "Everywhere you look, religious intolerance, personal intolerance, racial intolerance. And at some point the human race is gonna have to make that leap into being able to accept other people, other beliefs."
Utah Jazz owner Larry H. Miller funded the film and is the executive producer. The third film "The Work and The Glory: A House Divided" is due out this Spring.
The film premieres tonight at seven at Jordan Commons. And for those who'd like the chance to see actors from the movie in person, several will make a red carpet appearance tonight at 6:00.
