The Nativity Story is a 2006 epic biblical drama film based on the nativity of Jesus starring Keisha Castle-Hughes and Shohreh Aghdashloo. Filming began on May 1, 2006, in Matera, Italy, and Ouarzazate, Morocco. Other scenes were shot in Craco, ghost town in the Italian region of Basilicata, and Cinecittà, Rome. New Line Cinema released it on December 1, 2006, in the United States and one week later on December 8 in the European Union. The film premiered in Vatican City November 27, 2006.