Directed and co-written by American filmmaker Dallas Jenkins, The Chosen is the first original TV series about the life of Jesus Christ.

Backed by over $11 million dollars raised through crowdfunding, the groundbreaking multi-season series, that dramatizes the Gospel narrative and presents the ministry and miracles of Jesus Christ, launched this week for viewers to stream on-demand.

The writer and director behind The Chosen says they aim to change the rules for how to cinematically approach the biblical text.

“I’ve seen pretty much every Jesus movie or miniseries ever made,” says Dallas Jenkins, a filmmaker for the past two decades. “But I’ve had the hardest time connecting with most of them, even the ones I’ve enjoyed as a believer, because they make the journey safe and clean.

“There’s no way to portray redemption — from depravity and oppression, to joy and freedom — unless it’s desperate and authentic.”

On Tuesday, in advance of Easter weekend, a full trailer for The Chosen released along with the series premiere (currently free). Three further episodes are available for purchase. Producers announced the complete first season will release in November on the VidAngel streaming video platform.

Check out the official trailer below: