International (MNN) — As International Media Ministries works to film the biblical story of Esther, the team has witnessed it impact their own cast in powerful ways.
“The story of Esther is one woman standing up to reconcile the Persians to their own laws, their own values, as well as to help the Persians and the Jewish people come back together. So telling that to the actors has brought tears on set, and discussions that are just amazing,” says Denise Godwin of International Media Ministries (IMM).
IMM is producing a miniseries about the story of Esther as a message of hope for Iran. The film project includes people from eight different countries and common roots in the Persian culture, but wildly varying backgrounds and challenges.
“One young man’s brother was killed by the current Iranian regime. A young woman who is Persian but grew up in Israel and feels Israeli in her heart had her friend killed in front of her at an event when a bomb fell,” Godwin says.
(Photo courtesy of International Media Ministries)
“So we’re dealing with people who’ve experienced the opposite of reconciliation, if you will, in real life, and different people who have struggled in rejecting Islam but aren’t sure what they want to embrace.”
In the face of global upheaval involving their countries of origin, the cast of Esther: Queen of Hope is experiencing connection and reconciliation at a personal level, as they hear the biblical story of Esther and the ways it ties into their Persian heritage.
“When you look at all the personalities and the cultures and also just our own physical challenges to do this, it’s pretty incredible,” Godwin says. “It’s amazing that God can overcome political barriers, even for people. We just have to keep our faith to believe He’s at work.”
Godwin hopes this project will not only help bring about reconciliation for individuals but also entire nations.
“I think this is an opportunity for both Israel and for Iran to reimagine their relationship once we get this done. Clearly, we have to do editing and things after we film, but I really believe this story can reframe how people think about God and the Bible and how their relationship is between these two giant ancient cultures.”
The project began filming a few weeks ago and will continue over the next two months in varying locations and studios. However, they have faced challenges, particularly with funding.
“We definitely need your prayers for safety, wisdom, and creativity,” Godwin says. “We need your prayers to make sure the gospel is clear to these people who are involved. And we need funding. This is getting tight with the dollar changing and everything. So keep us in your prayers.”
Click to learn more about the upcoming Esther: Queen of Hope miniseries.
Header photo from Esther: Queen of Hope courtesy of International Media Ministries.
