OneGate Media has announced it has picked up the new historical biopic feature A Christmas Miracle – by Johann Sebastian Bach (90’) from EIKON Media in co-production with epo Film, ARD Degeto, MDR, BR, and ORF for worldwide distribution.
The film tells the story of Johann Sebastian Bach’s creation of the Christmas Oratorio in 1734, while navigating tensions with his family and the restrictions imposed by Leipzig’s city council. As Bach strives to secure a prestigious position as court composer, the mounting pressure within his family intensifies when his young son, Gottfried, disappears—setting the stage for a powerful and emotive drama.
Directed by Florian Baxmeyer, who is internationally known for his work on the Academy Award-nominated short film Die Rote Jacke (The Red Jacket) and popular TV and streaming series such as Tatort, One Trillion Dollars and Tribes of Europa. A Christmas Miracle – by Johann Sebastian Bach promises a visually stunning and emotionally engaging portrayal of one of history’s most celebrated composers. Baxmeyer’s acclaimed direction has brought him recognition not only in Germany but also in global film circles, making this production particularly exciting for international audiences.
The film stars Devid Striesow as Johann Sebastian Bach and Verena Altenberger as his wife, Anna Magdalena Bach.
Devid Striesow is an award-winning actor known for his performances in All Quiet on the Western Front (im Westen nichts Neues), The Counterfeiters (which won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film), and Where is Wanda.
Verena Altenberger has made a name in the industry through her roles in The Best of All Worlds and as the lead in the German series Polizeiruf 110, for which she won numerous prizes (e.g. Romy Award and German Actors Award).
The film’s cinematography is led by Sten Mende, while the Thomanerchor Leipzig, directed by Thomaskantor Andreas Reize, provides an authentic musical backdrop. The score is composed by renowned violinist and composer Martina Eisenreich, with additional musical contributions by cembalist Elina Albachs and her Ensemble Continuum and Roman Váleks Czech Ensemble Baroque.
Tania Reichert-Facilides, Managing Director of OneGate Media says “The world is familiar with Bach’s renowned work, but this film will allow audiences to understand another side of one of the world’s most legendary musicians. A Christmas Miracle – by Johann Sebastian Bach will share Bach’s deeply personal story of family, faith, and artistic brilliance with global audiences.
Ernst-Ludwig Ganzert, Eikon Media adds “After our successful and trusting collaboration on Dangerous Truth (Das Zweite Attentat), it was a natural choice to entrust OneGate with this project. Their expertise and international reach make them the perfect partner to bring this unique and emotional story to audiences around the globe.”
