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Biya Paul works in the compliance and reimbursement side of nursing. She lives in Sherborn with her husband Paul and two adorable children Evelyn and Christa. She enjoys gardening, cooking and organizing events and spending quality time with her family and friends.
I started thinking about Christmas early in 2020. It was always my dream project to make a movie on the birth of our Savior. This year due to the pandemic, the logistics was quite challenging. From the beginning, the safety of our cast and crew was my first priority. I wanted to make sure we film the entire movie in open spaces. Our planning group started in mid September, after Tony Achan and Rexy Joseph approved the idea. Once we got the magic green signal, it was go time.
Cinematography - Justin Varghese
Cinematography - Justin Varghese
It was my vision to make the scenes look realistic and natural. I wanted to convey the message, Jesus is the light, who brings hope in the midst of darkness. From the beginning, we wanted the scenes to be dark but look beautiful with candle lights. We were so lucky to have Justin Varghese, who helped us with camera and lighting. Justin is an extremely talented young videographer. He also had a great sense of how to light a scene. He helped us to transform our vision into reality. Justin is a perfectionist with patience and had no hesitation to do multiple takes and reshoots.
Justin filming angel scene in our church parking lot.
Filming the Annunciation scene
Set designs and editing - Paul Joseph
Set designs and editing - Paul Joseph
Right after the release of the movie, we got a few phone calls from folks asking where it was filmed. Paul, my dear husband managed to build 4 sets for the movie and three of them were in our garage. While making the sets, we believe God provided everything we needed for the movie. Most of the materials used in the movie were already around us. This includes the Tiger Grass from our backyard for the annunciation set and towel hanger from our previous home which we used for the innkeeper door 😊.
The story of the nativity wouldn’t be complete without angels in heaven, the star, night sky. Paul spent two months editing the movie and doing all the visual effects.
Setting up the inn and stable set in our garage.
A visit from Fr. Tony
Getting the shepherds scene ready in our backyard.
Alfonse, Katelyn, Biya , Justin, Kathy & Star the Donkey, Unity Farm Sanctuary Sherborn
Journey To Bethlehem
Journey To Bethlehem
For the journey to Bethlehem scene, I initially planned to keep it simple. However the fact that everyone would expect a Donkey was at the back of my mind. We are blessed with many farms around where we live. Having nothing to lose I reached out to Unity Farm Sanctuary. They were very gracious and excited to help us. I am forever grateful to Unity farm sanctuary for letting us film the journey to Bethlehem with Star - The Donkey.
Casting
Casting
Katelyn & Azalea. The green box was later digitally removed.
Rian, Kevin, Rishi & Rohan
Our movie wouldn’t have been successful without Sarah Johnson’ s melodious voice. I have heard Sarah singing many times at Church. At the start of the movie, I knew she would be the voice of the movie. Sarah’s voice set the mood and took the movie to a different level.
Due to the pandemic, we wanted to film with a minimal cast and crew. I enjoy working with kids and giving them an opportunity to participate. I started by asking the people whom I saw in the church and some close contacts of mine.
The parents provided the costume. They helped us by having the kids get in gear at home since we were unable to hold any practice sessions due to covid. We also exchanged demo videos. I am thankful to all the children who patiently did multiple takes. Our sincere gratitude to all the parents as well. I believe we got the right people for the right roles and am extremely satisfied by the outcome.
Katelyn Sam as Mary
Noyal, Benito & Kelvin
Though the end credits only features a few names, this movie wouldn’t have been possible without the support of all the parents. Their contributions made this movie possible.
Our special thanks to Rexy Joseph who was extremely supportive of the idea from the beginning. I also would like to thank Don Francis for helping with the setup of filming the angels and standing in for some scenes. Sam Chirayath helped with lighting for the annunciation scene and Jerril Varghese helped with lighting for the shepherd scene. Special thanks to Rosily Varghese letting us borrow the wings for our heavenly hosts. My sincere thanks to Vinitha Francis and Anu Jacob for helping me with the gifts for wisemen.
I am delighted to know this production was well received inside and outside our community. Nothing would have happened without the Divine providence, which we had from the beginning to the end of this production.
I am delighted to know this production was well received inside and outside our community. Nothing would have happened without the Divine providence, which we had from the beginning to the end of this production.
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