Worldwide Holiday Celebrates the Value and Vital Role of Women

International Women's Day Marks Anniversary of Magdalena: Released From Shame; "The Magdalena film is a wonderful way to share with women everywhere that they are loved and valued by God," says Jim Green, executive director of The JESUS Film Project

ORLANDO, Fla., March 7, 2008—Celebrated annually on March 8, International Women's Day is described as the global day connecting all women around the world and inspiring them to achieve their full potential. For the creators of Magdalena: Released From Shame, it's also an anniversary of a film that offers a unique perspective by looking at the life of Jesus through the eyes of Mary Magdalene.

Released by Nardine Productions on International Women's Day in 2007, Magdalena: Released From Shame is the story of Mary of Magdala, also known as Mary Magdalene, and what she may have experienced walking with Jesus of Nazareth during His public ministry. The film portrays how Jesus values women by focusing on historical accounts of His interactions with them.

"This film says to women, 'God cares about you. You are significant, and you can have more value than you can imagine,'" said producer Jill Schrag.

Magdalena: Released From Shame premiered at the United Nations in New York City and has since been distributed in 22 countries by Nardine Productions to more than 8 million women. Impressed by the unique perspective of the movie, The JESUS Film Project is now helping to distribute Magdalena: Released From Shame to audiences in the United States.

"The film has already been shown in other parts of the world where women encounter violence and humiliation simply because of their gender," said Jim Green, executive director of The JESUS Film Project. "After test screenings in the United States we discovered that Magdalena: Released From Shame can also be a very effective way to reach women here who may have never before considered the relevance of having Jesus in their lives."

In addition to the DVD, The JESUS Film Project is offering additional resources that can be used by families, women's study groups and churches to help enhance the experience of watching the film as well as to provide follow-up opportunities.

For more information about Magdalena:  Released From Shame visit www.MagdalenaToday.com or call (800) 432-1997.

The JESUS Film Project is a ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ, International, one of the world's largest nonprofit, interdenominational organizations, founded by Bill and Vonette Bright in 1951. Campus Crusade has more than 27,000 staff members and a ministry presence in 190 countries around the world. Campus Crusade is dedicated to showing people how to know and experience God's love and plan for their lives. For more information, visit the Campus Crusade for Christ Web site at www.ccci.org. 

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