A film that traces the beginning of the Seventh-day Adventist Church has been recognised with multiple nominations for its impact in faith-based media and cinematic quality.
The Hopeful—directed by Australian Adventist Kyle Portbury and distributed by Hope Channel International—has received three ICVM Crown Award nominations: Best Evangelistic Film; Best Soundtrack; and Best Editor. These awards acknowledge the film’s role in sharing the gospel and its technical achievements. The awards will be presented at the NRB Christian Media Convention in February 2025, an event dedicated to recognising excellence in Christian media.
In addition, The Hopeful has been nominated for Best Direction of a feature film at the Australian Directors Guild Awards, placing it alongside notable productions such as Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga.
Since its release in April 2024, The Hopeful has reached audiences worldwide, debuting in 900 theatres across the United States and ranking in the top 10 at the box office during its opening weekend. In the South Pacific Division, the film was central to an all-member evangelistic campaign, premiering at No 2 among new releases in New Zealand and No 5 in Australia. Due to strong demand, screenings were extended for seven weeks, with approximately 60 per cent of ticket sales purchased by individuals outside the Adventist Church or connected through broader community networks.
“These nominations and the film’s success highlight the potential of media to advance our mission,” said Vyacheslav Demyan, president of Hope Channel International. “By entering the world of cinema, we’re reaching audiences in innovative ways and inspiring hope and faith.”
Hope Channel is encouraging churches to host local screenings of The Hopeful during the holiday season as a way to share the story of Jesus through film. Supporting resources, including an interactive Bible study guide and a special edition of Steps to Christ, are available to enhance the outreach initiative.
The original article was published on the Adventist News Network website and provided by Hope Channel International.
