16th January, 2013
Australian cinematographer Rob Draper is to direct the first feature film about the coming to power of the Roman Emperor Constantine and the Council of Nicaea – a key event in the life of the early church.
Constantine, who ruled from 306 to 337 AD, is said to have converted to Christianity at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge where he defeated his rival Maxentius. His rule led to the creation of what became known as the Holy Roman Empire and put an end to official persecution of Christians.
Draper, who has lived in the US for the past 30 years, has worked as a cinematographer on feature films and television movies.
"The story of “Nicaea” hasn”t actually been told before," he says. "There have been films that covered either side of Constantine”s reign but this is the first time the story about how he came to power, has been told on film."
Nicaea will be shot at Cinecitta studios in Rome from September this year. Other Christian-related films currently in pre-production or production include Christ the Lord: Out of Egypt based on the book by Anne Rice.
– DAVID ADAMS
