Lights, Camera, Faith!

This story at a glance…

1. Faith-based films like The Chosen and Sound of Freedom are making waves in Hollywood.

2. Jon Erwin’s new series, House of David, leads this surge of uplifting storytelling.

3. Even Amazon and Netflix are betting on values-driven content.

4. This trend is reshaping Hollywood, with more faith-focused projects on the horizon.

Lights, Camera, Faith!

Move over, superheroes and sci-fi sagas—there's a new genre sweeping through Tinseltown, and it's got a divine twist. Faith-based films are making a splash in Hollywood, with rich investors pouring millions into projects that aim to inspire, uplift, and entertain audiences around the globe. It turns out that people are craving a little more soul in their stories, and Hollywood is finally getting the memo.

Bringing the Bible to the Big Screen
Imagine this: a dusty rock quarry just south of Athens, Greece, filled with 100 actors in full battle gear, 30 horses pawing at the ground, and a crew scrambling to capture an epic showdown. It's not the latest superhero sequel—it’s House of David, an upcoming TV series backed by Amazon MGM Studios, telling the story of David and Goliath in true blockbuster fashion. 

Jon Erwin, the show's co-creator, has big dreams of creating a Game of Thrones for the whole family—minus the dragons and graphic violence. Erwin is a Christian filmmaker who’s spent nearly 20 years crafting small-budget, faith-based movies. Now, he's part of a growing group of filmmakers and producers who are breaking into the mainstream with movies everyone can watch.

From Church Pews to Hollywood Studios
Hollywood used to think faith-based films were just for Sunday School, but a series of recent hits has changed the game. A wave of “Heartlandia” films is crashing over Hollywood, proving that there's a big audience hungry for uplifting stories. Movies like The Chosen, Jesus Revolution, and Sound of Freedom have all defied expectations, drawing millions to theaters and streaming platforms with their fresh takes on faith and values. In fact, Sound of Freedom grossed a staggering $250 million on a $15 million budget—talk about a David vs. Goliath story!

Hollywood and Heaven: A New Partnership
With Hollywood heavyweights jumping on board, the future looks bright for faith-based entertainment. These projects are not just about making a profit; they’re about making a difference, bringing stories of hope, love, and perseverance to a world that could use a little more light.

Amazon MGM Studios has partnered with Erwin’s new independent studio, Wonder Project, to create a slate of faith-plus films that aim to appeal to everyone. Netflix is also investing in uplifting content, working with producers like Tyler Perry and DeVon Franklin on projects that blend biblical stories with modern-day settings. Up next? A fresh take on the love story of Ruth and Boaz set in the modern South. 

With a lineup that includes everything from biblical epics to modern retellings, The Wonder Project is aiming to become the HBO or A24 of clean content. Their slogan? "Restoring faith in things worth believing in." Whether it's the story of a Black girl fighting for her family’s land in Sarah’s Oil or the tale of George Washington's early adventures in Young Washington, the goal is clear: to create high-quality, inspiring films that everyone can enjoy.

These productions save on costs with tax incentives and Erwin’s knack for making low-budget movies look like blockbusters. And they’ve got more creative freedom than ever. “We want you to drive,” Amazon’s Vernon Sanders told the Wonder Project team, signaling a shift in how much control filmmakers have over their content.

A Bright Future for Faith and Film
These filmmakers aren't just preaching to the choir—they're redefining what faith films can be. Instead of the old clichés, they're creating characters who feel real and relatable, not cheesy or preachy. “What is the connective tissue? It seems to be good over evil. Hope over despair,” says Dallas Jenkins, creator of The Chosen. These are stories where religious characters are heroes, not punchlines.

To fund these projects, filmmakers are getting creative. Angel Studios, for example, uses public offerings to let fans invest in their movies and share in the profits. Moreover, crowdfunding has helped finance projects like The Chosen, which relied on $40 million from supporters for its fourth season.

Reflection
Through parables, Jesus used storytelling to reveal deep truths in simple ways. Today's faith-based filmmakers are following in His footsteps, using the art of storytelling to bring messages of hope, love, and redemption to a world that desperately needs it.

These films remind us of the timeless truth that “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5). As audiences respond to these uplifting stories, it’s a beautiful reminder that God’s light still shines brightly, cutting through even the darkest moments. So, whether you’re watching with your family or tuning in on your own, these films invite us to celebrate what is good, true, and beautiful. And that’s something worth watching.