Local Producer Joshua Harris and Peachtree Media Partners present Mary

By Staff Writer Atlanta Trend

• Dec 31, 2024

Film producer and financier Josh Harris scored a big movie business win with the recent success of his film Mary, about the mother of Jesus. Premiering on Netflix on December 6th, it quickly became the number one movie in 70 countries around the world and hit 100 million viewers in just two weeks. We asked Josh a few questions about his career:

 
1. How many movies have you produced in your entire career? I've had the privilege to work on so many I've lost count at this point but just in the last year and half I've produced or executive produced more than two dozen!

2. Please name 6 movies you have worked on and 6 stars that you have worked with? The 6 most recent films, I’ve produced are "Famous" with Zach Efron,  "Motor City" with Alan Ritchson and Shailene Woodley, 'World Breaker' with Luke Evans and Milla Jovovich, "Mary" with Anthony Hopkins, "We Bury The Dead" with Daisey Ridley, and "The Surfer" with Nicolas Cage

3. Why is Mary a special project? This is the first time in modern cinematic history that an origin story of Mary, the mother of Jesus, the most celebrated and widely known female in the world, has ever been shown in a feature film. I have placed it on the largest movie platform in the world – Netflix - with over  280 Million viewers in 150 countries and translated in 45 languages. This story is not just of faith. More importantly, it is a thrilling, historically- based account of love, courage, grace and girl embracing her destiny despite struggling through adversities and facing a mad King who will stop at nothing to prevent her from inevitably changing the course of history as we know it. 

4. Why is it special to you? I was called to do this film, chosen. As a father of a young girl, I have felt a burden for 14 years now to tell stories that uplift women, empower them, and inspire strength, courage, and grace amongst them. Stories that remind the world of love and peace amongst the darkest of obstacles. This is Mary. I'm also blessed that my daughter, who originally brought the project to me after casting interests fell on her to portray young Mary, was also divinely chosen to be part of this film. It was the first film we were able to make together, so it couldn't be more special. 

5. Where was it filmed? Morrocco in the high Sahara Desert and in the mountains and in Oauzazate studios where many other films have taken place including Gladiator 2 most recently. 

6. You could have premiered on 3,500 screens. Why did you choose Netflix instead? Netflix is the largest global platform and could make sure the film was seen by the maximum number of people. This was more important than hitting big numbers with a wide theatrical event. Plus, Netlfix got it done in record time getting us out for Christmas season 2024!