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Tortured for Christ

The dramatic testimony of Richard Wurmbrand as told in the international bestseller Tortured for Christ. In 1945, Communists seized power and a million Russian troops poured into his beloved Romania. Wurmbrand was captured by the secret police and held as "Prisoner Number 1." 14 years of unthinkable torture in Communist prison could not break his faith.

  • John Grooters
    Director
    The Frontier Boys, That the World May Know Series (82 episodes), Men in White, As in the Day of Noah, The Noah Interview, The Last Adam, American Sailors
  • Steve Cleary
    Writer
  • John Grooters
    Writer
  • Judy Grooters
    Producer
  • Ionut Ionescu
    Producer
  • Andrei Marinescu
    Producer
  • Cole Richards, Executive Producer
    Producer
  • Steve Cleary, Executive Producer
    Producer
  • Emil Mandanac
    Key Cast
    "Richard Wurmbrand"
  • Raluca Botez
    Key Cast
    "Sabina Wurmbrand"
  • Ionut Grama
    Key Cast
    "Comrade Patrascanu"
  • Adrian Anghel
    Key Cast
    "Major Brinzaru"
  • Alexandru Fainisi
    Key Cast
    "Matchevici"
  • Eduard Adam
    Key Cast
    "Florescu"
  • Eugen Cristea
    Key Cast
    "Comrade Burducea"
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Feature
  • Genres:
    DocuDrama, Drama, Historical, International, Independent, Faith & Spirituality, Documentary, Non-Fiction
  • Runtime:
    1 hour 5 minutes 20 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    February 3, 2018
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    Romania
  • Language:
    English, Romanian, Russian
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2.35:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
  • Limited Theatrical
    various markets
    United States
    March 5, 2018
  • Christian World View Film Festival (CWVFF)
    Nashville, TN
    United States
    March 15, 2019
    Best Feature Film
  • International Christian Visual Media (ICVM) Conference & Awards
    Nashville, TN
    United States
    July 11, 2018
    Special Screening w/Directors Q&A
    Best Drama (2nd) / Best Picture (3rd)
  • Candaian International Faith & Family Film Festival
    Toronto
    Canada
    September 15, 2019
    Canadian Premiere
    Best Documentary
  • JESUS CINE FEST Festival Internacional de Cine Cristiano
    Del Viso - Pcia de Bs.
    Argentina
    September 15, 2019
    South American Premiere
    Best Documentary
Distribution Information
  • Voice of the Martyrs
    Country: Worldwide
    Rights: All Rights
Director Biography - John Grooters

JOHN GROOTERS

A uniquely gifted storyteller, John is among the most sought-after screen-writers and directors in the world of faith-based documentary and filmmaking. His work has inspired millions throughout the world in theaters, museums, festivals, trade shows, conferences, and on broadcast television, and includes everything from feature films, documentaries, teaching series and commercials.

In addition to his original work, John has partnered with some of the world's leading playwrights, theologians and scientists translating their work for popular consumption. His global travels and voracious appetite for the Word of God have afforded him a unique understanding of the context and culture of biblical teachings.

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Director Statement

The decision to cast and shoot the film on location in Romania was easy, especially after we saw that many of the locations and prisons where Wurmbrand’s story took place were still
intact. We filmed for several days in Jilava prison near Bucharest. The place is abandoned today, but the echoes of suffering still can be sensed inside those walls. It was a chilling feeling, and not just because we shot in the frigid temperatures of winter. The authenticity of all the locations really contributed to the authenticity of the performances by the actors.