LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA.- Jan Michelini, an Assistant Director to Mel Gibson on the movie "The Passion of the Christ," unveils his artwork, inspired by the extraordinary experiences that occurred during the filming of the movie, premiering in the U.S. at a celebrity studded reception on Wednesday, May 12th, at Kolibri Gallery, one of the nation’s largest galleries located in Rolling Hills Estates.

The 24 year-old Italian-born Michelini most recently worked on "The Passion Of The Christ" and was affectionately nicknamed "Lightning Boy" by Mel Gibson and producer Steve McEveety when he was struck by bolts of lightning on separate occasions, while filming two of the movie’s most significant and profound scenes:  "The Crucifixion" (at Golgotha), and "Jesus delivers the Sermon on the Mount" (on a hilltop outside Rome).  In the first instance, while filming The Crucifixion scene, a huge, dangerous-looking thundercloud sent the crew scattering for cover.  Jan rushed to cover fellow Assistant Director Rachel Griffiths with an umbrella when a loud thunderclap occurred simultaneous to a lightning bolt striking the umbrella and Jan.  The second instance happened immediately after Jan had just joked to Jim Caviezel (playing the role of Jesus Christ), that, "we’re going to be struck by lightning ... I’m just feeling it!"  Moments later, just as Gibson was about to shout "action," the lightning blasted Jan and Caviezel.  The after-effects of the lightning blast were actually captured and retained in the film for this scene and captured in a still photograph seen around the world.

These electrifying incidents and assistant directing "The Passion," charged Michelini spiritually and creatively as well as physically.  The overall experience prompted a profound deepening of his faith, creativity and personal relationships.  "I had so much energy from this movie," says Jan, "and so many things changing inside of me, that I had to release it somehow." Jan found his release by painting for the first time in his life.  He began to prolifically create striking images of angels, Christ’s face, and the crucified Christ -- visions emanating directly from his soul.

Jan refers to the experience as his "second baptism".  During a private ceremony in October 1978, Jan and his twin sister were the first children to ever be baptized by Pope John Paul II after the start of his Pontificate. Later, Jan was instrumental in arranging an audience with Pope John Paul II for Mel Gibson along with a screening of "The Passion of the Christ" for the Pope and Vatican officials by means of his family’s long association with the Pontiff.

Jan studied cinematography under Emir Kusurica (Cannes Golden Palm Award winner, "Underground") and recently graduated from Lumsa, the acclaimed Catholic University in Rome, completing his thesis on "The Passion of the Christ."  This led him to an assistant director internship in Pupi Avati’s award-winning Italian drama, "La Via Degli Angeli" ("Up To The Angels"), followed by an Assistant Director position and non-speaking role of Jesus Christ (gestures and facial expressions to create Jesus’ vision) in "San Giovanni-L’apolcalisse" ("The Apocalypse"), a story based on the Book of Revelations starring Richard Harris.  When Jan learned that Gibson was coming to Italy to shoot a film about Jesus, he knew it was the ideal combination of elements and opportunity for him, proclaiming: "OK, this is my project ... how can I get into it?"  His first inquiry was to veteran Assistant Director Rachel Griffiths ("The Apocalypse," "Gangs of New York") who arranged an interview with Mel, resulting in Jan being offered the position of Assistant Director.

Jan believes that the flowering of his artistic expression has grown in equal measure to the deepening of his faith, which is fundamental to his existence.  "Whenever you breathe, whenever you sing, whenever you speak," Jan says, "there is something of your soul coming out ...  Faith in this world, it’s in the atmosphere.  I want to carry a message.  I have to say something. It’s very deep, but it’s also very simple.  It’s a message of love."