The Film - Lilias Trotter

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The Story

From Executive Producer Hisao Kurosawa, (Dreams, Ran), comes the untold story of one of the world’s greatest women artists and why her name was nearly lost to history. Many Beautiful Things plunges viewers into the complex age of Victorian England to meet Lilias Trotter, a daring young woman who defied all norms by winning the favor of England’s top art critic, John Ruskin. In an era when women were thought incapable of producing high art, Ruskin promised that her work could be “immortal.” But with her legacy on the line, Lilias made a stunning decision that bids us to question the limits of sacrifice. As Lilias journeys to French Algeria in the late 1800’s to pioneer missionary work with women and children viewers are left to wonder “Could you abandon a dream to pursue your true calling?” Featuring the voices of Michelle Dockery (Downton Abbey) and John Rhys-Davies (Lord of the Rings, Indiana Jones). Directed by award-winning filmmaker Laura Waters Hinson (As We Forgive) with original music by Sleeping at Last. Executive Producers: Brian and Sally Oxley.

Endorsements & Reviews

This film is a miniature masterpiece. Sumptuously and sometimes breathtakingly beautiful and always superbly directed, Laura Waters Hinson has created an artistic tribute whose excellence matches that of the artist it celebrates, and an artist whose rediscovery is an exciting event in itself. A triumph on many fronts.
Os Guinness, author ‘The Call’

Her zest and fervor for life…it takes your breath away. And from start to finish I was so moved by it. The whole world should see this movie.
Michelle Dockery, Downton Abbey

Many Beautiful Things is a moving, masterfully constructed story of faith that inspires and heals. It’s a wonder I’d never heard Lilias Trotter’s historic, cross-generational story before now. Her life gives pause and reflection amidst the busyness.
Gabe Lyons, Founder of Qideas and author of The Next Christians: Seven Ways You Can Live the Gospel and Restore the World

I’m as proud of this as anything I’ve ever done. It’s a hugely important, interesting and compelling piece, and I would trumpet it to the heavens!
John Rhys-Davies, Indiana Jones, Lord of the Rings

Before seeing this film, I had never heard of Lilias Trotter. After seeing it, I will never forget her. And I don’t want to!
Rome Hartman, CBS News

Many Beautiful Things captures Lilias’ enigmatic life, stretched between her call toward the poor and the art world establishment of John Ruskin. From the stunning opening scene to the moving ending, the film captures this enigma – an extravagant gem in the midst of a desert, surrendered to her ultimate love.
Makoto Fujimura, Artist, Author and Founder of The International Arts Movement

Behind the Scenes with Michelle Dockery

Interview with Austin Blasingame, Art Director, Many Beautiful Things

Interview with Austin Blasingame Many Beautiful Things-HD from Oxvision Films on Vimeo.

Cast & Crew

Michelle Dockery
The Voice of Lilias Trotter

John Rhys Davies
The Voice of John Ruskin

Ashley Adams Beach
as Lilias Trotter

Jerry Eisley
as John Ruskin

Laura Waters Hinson
Director and Producer

Hisao Kurosawa
Brian & Sally Oxley
Executive Producers

Kasey Kirby
Patrick Meade Jones
Cinematography

Laura Waters Hinson
Writer

Sleeping at Last
Original Score

Austin Blasingame
Art Director & Animator

Jeremy Guyre
Sound Design

Barbara Ballow
Laura Waters Hinson
Editors