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, a 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. The Nativity Story was the first film to hold its world premiere in Vatican City.