[Photo: Hope Studios]

The film traces the early roots of the Seventh-day Adventist movement and is set to inspire audiences nationwide.

August 7, 2025 | Miami, Florida, United States | Libna Stevens, Inter-American Division News

Audiences across Mexico will soon witness the early struggles and triumphs that shaped the Seventh-day Adventist movement, as The Hopeful hits theaters on August 14, 2025.

The film, released by Hope Studios, the cinematic branch of Hope Channel International, the official television network of the Seventh-day Adventist Church—has already premiered in the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Barbados and the Cayman Islands since last year.  Now, audiences in Mexico will have the opportunity to experience the story as it makes its debut in 40 theaters across the country, mostly in the northern and central regions, church leaders said.

“When we heard that one of Mexico’s major cinema chains wanted to premiere The Hopeful, we were thrilled,” said Kevin Christenson, director of Hope Studios. For the first time, a story about the pioneers of the Advent movement is being shown in public cinemas across Mexico, he added. “This isn’t just a milestone for the film—premiering for the first time dubbed in Spanish—it’s a historic moment for the Adventist Church.”

Set in the 19th century, The Hopeful dramatizes the origins of the Seventh-day Adventist Church by following the journey of preacher William Miller and the Millerite movement. The story unfolds through the perspective of early church pioneer J. N. Andrews, who recounts the story to his children aboard a missionary ship bound for Switzerland. The focus then shifts to James and Ellen White, highlighting their pivotal roles in shaping the Adventist movement. Through this narrative, the film brings to life the anticipation of Christ’s return, the Great Disappointment of 1844, and the eventual rise of a new faith community.

The nationwide release marks a significant moment for the church’s mission through media, said Abel Márquez, executive director of Hope Channel Inter-America.

“It’s exciting to see the church reaching such a high level in the film world with The Hopeful. The fact that this film will be shown in 40 theaters across Mexico speaks not only to its technical and creative quality, but also to the strength of its message,” said Márquez. “In times like these, we hope it will spark meaningful conversations about the value of living with faith in God.”

Christenson agreed, noting the film’s broader mission. “We see this as a powerful opportunity to share our story of hope, faith, and perseverance with an entirely new audience.”