Jesus Film Project

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Fact Sheet: Jesus Film Project

FOUNDED
Bill Bright, co-founder of Cru

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Josh Newell

HEADQUARTERS
Orlando, Fla.

WEBSITE
JesusFilm.org

PURPOSE 
Jesus Film Project exists to equip believers to share the life-changing story of Jesus with everyone on Earth through films, apps, digital resources, strategies and diverse media tools in thousands of languages.

SCOPE
Jesus Film Project believes everyone, everywhere should have access to the life-changing story of Jesus–in their heart language and their heart medium. Their large online library of free-to-use, feature-length films, short films and digital ministry tools in several languages helps believers share the gospel with the world. More than 1,800 ministries use Jesus Film Project resources globally, often in remote locations via a makeshift screen and portable projector–offering some audiences their first look at a movie image.

FEATURE-LENGTH FILMS:

  • JESUS film—Released in 1979, JESUS is an authentic portrayal of one of the most influential figures in human history and one of the most effective evangelistic tools today. Its script is taken directly from the Gospel of Luke in the Bible and is the product of the collaboration of a team of approximately 500 scholars. Available in more than 2,000 languages, JESUS is considered the most-translated film in the world. To date, more than 600 million people have made decisions to follow Jesus Christ after watching the film. 
  • The Story of Jesus for Children—Released in 2003, The Story of Jesus for Children incorporates 40 minutes of the original JESUS film into a child-friendly drama about a fictional group of children who lived in A.D. 30, the approximate date of the crucifixion and death of Jesus. 
  • Magdalena: Released from Shame—Presented through the eyes of Mary Magdalene, this film depicts Jesus’ compassion toward women by focusing on historical accounts of his interactions with four biblical women. An eight-lesson, follow-up Bible study, Reflections of Hope, is also available.

 

SMARTPHONE APP

  • Jesus Film Project App—Free and available on iOS and Android devices, this app provides access to hundreds of full-length films, series and short films in thousands of languages.

 

SAMPLE RESOURCES

Film Series

  • Rivka—This 12-part film series follows a first-century family experiencing the joys and sorrows of life. The family’s story demonstrates how God gives people strength for the present and hope for the future. The series is designed to help viewers grow in their relationship with God. An accompanying study guide is also available.
  • File Zero—In a post-apocalyptic world, a band of hackers search for truth and meaning. Their journey takes them to unimaginable places as they face an evil dictator intent on keeping control. The animated series can be paired with a leaders’ guide and is designed to be weaved into lessons during in-person gatherings.
  • Do You Ever Wonder…?—This four-part series addresses common spiritual questions of nonbelievers who live in areas around the world that follow other majority religions.

 

Contextualized Film Series

  • Walking With Jesus­—Set in Africa, this discipleship series follows a village chief who encounters the message of Jesus and learns to grow in his new faith. Created for oral cultures, this five-part, follow-up film series presents common scenarios from everyday African life, teaching new believers how to grow in their relationship with Jesus by modeling committed Christian discipleship.
  • Following Jesus­—Designed for use in South Asia, this follow-up film series helps believers mentor new believers, grounding them in their faith and equipping them to be fruitful members of Jesus’ church. 
  • Retelling the Good Story­— A collection of three short, animated films based on the First Nations Version, an Indigenous translation of the New Testament of the Bible. The films feature a storyteller, Mishomis, retelling stories of Jesus’ life and ministry in a beautiful animation inspired by Native American art. The Retelling the Good Story film series is designed to reach North American Native Americans in a language and medium that speaks to their hearts. 

 

Bible Stories, Parables and Themed Short Films

  • Chosen Witness—This animated film shares the story of Mary Magdalene, the first witness to Jesus’ resurrection. Each scene is carefully crafted to bring the story of Jesus to life and capture Mary Magdalene’s response to His life and sufferings. Barry Cook, director of Disney’s Mulan, and Dom Carola, special effects director of Disney’s Aladdin, helped design the animated project.  
  •  Delight—A pastry chef prepares a beautiful dessert with the utmost care, detail and precision for a surprising patron. This film presents a picture of our need for God, as well as His enduring love for us.
  • Falling Plates—A picture of our inability to live the life we want and how Jesus can pick up the pieces and make us new.
  • La Liberté (Freedom Within)—A symbolic look at Jesus as the original and ultimate liberator, this conversation-starter prods viewers to ponder rescue from the power of sin and our undeniable separation from God.
  • Legion—A man possessed by demons confronts the power and compassion of Jesus in this retelling of the biblical account.
  • My Last Day—The story in this Japanese-style animation (anime) unfolds through the eyes of a criminal who receives the same brutal crucifixion sentence as Jesus. My Last Day is about regret, repentance and redemption. Barry Cook, director of Disney’s Mulan, wrote the screenplay. 

 

ONLINE

JesusFilm.org

 

A Ministry of Cru:
Jesus Film Project is a ministry of Cru, an interdenominational Christian evangelism and discipleship ministry committed to giving people everywhere the opportunity to know and experience God's love and plan for their lives. Cru offers spiritual guidance, resources and programs tailored for people from all cultures in every walk of life. For more information, visit cru.org.

 

 

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