Walther will be playing at the Attic Film Festival in Austin, Texas (March 30-31, 2012) More info can be found at the festival website: www.atticfilmfest.org

The Walther film will be broadcast locally in St. Louis on the Higher Education Channel on Tuesdays (8 pm) during the month of March 2012. Find more info at http://www.hectv.org There is an article about the film in the HEC-Tv magazine. http://www.pageturnpro.com/Higher-Education-Channel/25494-March-12-Magazine/index.html#10 Check out page 8!

The first theatrical showing of the Walther film at the Wehrenberg Des Peres 14 Cine was a sell-out and a second theatre had to be opened up to handle the overflow. Thank you to everyone who was able to join us for the celebration, which included attendance from Concordia Seminary President Dr. Dale Meyer, live music from film composer Peter Mayer, as well as an autograph table filled with more than a dozen actors from the film.
Upcoming showing include October 25 at the Werner Auditorium on the campus of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis at 3:45 pm. More info at http://www.csl.edu/2011/10/walther-bicentennial-celebration-announced-at-concordia-seminary/
“Walther” will also be playing on October 30 at 1 pm at the Mexico Cinema III in Mexico, Missouri. (More info at 573-581-8383)
Both showings are FREE!

The “Walther” Grand Premiere Red Carpet Gala will be Monday, October 10, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. at the Wehrenberg Theater Des Peres 14, located at 1215 Des Peres Rd. in St. Louis, MO.

How long until the premiere? Well…

Meet members of the cast and crew! Listen to Peter Mayer – in person – performing music from the film! Tickets available beginning Monday, September 19 at www.wehrenberg.com

There are two other premiere events scheduled as well:

Saturday, October 8, 2011 at 4:30 p.m. Saxon Lutheran Memorial 296 Saxon Memorial Dr., Frohna, MO Admission: $1 This special outdoor showing includes a bonfire, photo opportunities, and autographs with “Walther” actors

Tuesday, October 25 at 3:45 p.m. Werner Auditorium, Concordia Seminary 801 Seminary Pl., St. Louis, MO Admission: FREE This special showing is on Walther’s actual 200th birthday. Join us for the celebration!

You can download a flyer to promote these events and the Walther film.

We have added a series of videos of the living Presidents of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, Concordia Seminary St. Louis, and Concordia Theological Seminary reflecting on the legacy of C.F.W. Walther. Head over to the Reflections page and check them out!

June 18 – Principal photography is completed and  ended with the completion of the Alternburg Debate scene.  Thanks to all the actors and the crew.  Next step is completing the first rough edit.  More later…

October 25, 2011, marks the 200th anniversary of the birthday of Dr. C. F. W. Walther, the first president of The German Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Missouri, Ohio and Other States and both Concordia Seminary, St. Louis and Concordia Theological Seminary while in St Louis. In honor of this historic event, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis is producing a five part high definition video series which will follow the life of Dr. Walther, present a history of the The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (Synod), and – through studying Dr. Walther’s life and teachings – provide viewers with a better understanding of the importance of the Holy Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions.

The five-part DVD series will include commentaries by well known Walther scholars and professors from both seminaries of the Synod including Dr. Gerhard Bode, Dr. Thomas Egger, Dr. Cameron MacKenzie, Dr. Thomas Manteufel, Dr. Lawrence Rast and Dr. William Schumacher.

Viewers will travel across the globe from Wittenberg, Germany to Wittenberg, MO. Each of the five parts will focus on a particular area of Dr. Walther’s life, viz:

• Part 1: Explore the theology of Lutheranism vs. Rationalism which the early church sought to escape. Where do we see Rationalism today? You may be surprised!
• Part 2: A study on the Ten Commandments, Martin Luther, the theology of the Two Kingdoms and the importance of repentance, confession and absolution. Is there a place for private confession in today’s Lutheran church?
• Part 3: Viewers will learn about the chaos, confusion and conflict that plagued the early church in America as it struggled to answer theological questions pertinent to day-today life in America. What is a “church”? What is the role of the laity? What is the role of the clergy?
• Part 4: Hear Dr. Walther’s teachings on the invisible church, the visible church, the Law and the Gospel.
• Part 5: The video series concludes with the legacy of Dr. Walther and his impact on modern society. It concludes with interviews of Synodical President Matthew Harrison; former Synodical Presidents Gerald Kieschnick, Robert Kuhn and Ralph Bohlmann; Concordia Seminary president Dale Meyer and former Concordia Seminary Presidents John Johnson and Karl Barth; Concordia Theological Seminary President Lawrence Rast and former Concordia Theological President Dean Wenthe.

Re-enactments of key scenes in Dr. Walther’s life will drive the video forward. Included will be a soundtrack composed by internationally renowned musician Peter Mayer and female vocalist Erin Bode just for this DVD series. This DVD series is designed to be a valuable resource for pastors, schools and churches for use in Bible studies, classrooms and Confirmation classes. Consider hosting a movie night and use these DVD’s as a great outreach to your community!

Get excited about our Lutheran Church history and heritage!

Prepare to visit the early Lutheran Church in America, circa 1840. Prepare to meet this early hero of the church: Dr. C. F. W. Walther – a man who sacrificed his homeland, his health and nearly his life…For the freedom to speak freely, to believe freely, to live freely… For his Church and the Faith for those he loved… AND for us who would come after.

Concordia Seminary plans to distribute the videos to each LCMS congregation in early October. A study guide and Bible study materials will also accompany each segment of the video. Your prayers and financial support are needed. The filming schedule is short for this major undertaking.

Participants, except for major speaking role actors, are donating their time and talents. All funds received will be used for the production and distribution of the videos. It is our prayer that you will assist Concordia Seminary in this wonderful project.