Bangalore: This Christmas season will witness the release of a new multi-lingual animated feature titled MOM – Manna of the Manger, presented in Hindi, English, and Malayalam. The film offers audiences an imaginative and contemplative journey into the identity of Jesus exploring who He is, what He signifies as the “Bread of Life,” the historical and spiritual backdrop of His story, the importance of Bethlehem, and how the narrative beckons viewers to reflect on divine intention.
At the heart of the film lies the rich symbolism of Bethlehem literally translated as the “House of Bread.” Through this lens, the movie meditates on Jesus’ miracles of feeding the multitudes, His proclamation at the Last Supper, and the compelling idea that the Bread of Life was born in the House of Bread, suggesting a deep theological resonance.
The story is set on the eve of the Last Supper, depicting Jesus embarking on a quiet, reflective journey from Jerusalem to Bethlehem. On the way, He encounters a young lamb fleeing from being sacrificed. Siblings Hannah (15) and Joachim (7) run after the lamb Hannah seeking to fulfil religious duty, and Joachim hoping to save the creature’s life. Jesus, portrayed as the compassionate Good Shepherd, gently guides the lamb back to its mother, leading all of them to a humble manger in Bethlehem.
This simple stable becomes a sacred stage where children craft suns, moons, stars, and bread from clay. Jesus joins their creative play, rejoicing in the beauty of simple moments. When the children eagerly ask Him, “Can you turn our clay manna into real bread?”, the scene mirrors the temptation in the desert: “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become bread.” The film draws viewers into the spiritual tension of this question will the Bread of Life transform clay into real bread in the House of Bread?
Blending scripture with creative storytelling, the film aims to captivate viewers across generations, using the expressive power of animation to open new insights into familiar biblical themes.
MOM – Manna of the Manger is the brainchild of Fr. Anand of Atmadarshan, Indore, and is produced by the St. Peter Claver Sisters. The script and direction are by Rajesh K Abraham, a Kerala-based filmmaker who immersed himself in extensive theological and biblical study to shape this distinctive narrative.
Its Christmas release is poised to offer families a touching, meaningful cinematic experience inviting them to view the timeless Christmas story through a fresh and reflective perspective.