The JESUS film: how a 1979 movie based on Luke became the most translated film ever

In a village without electricity, a generator hums and a projector throws light onto a white sheet tied between two trees. The crowd watches a story told in their own language: the life of Jesus, word for word from the Gospel of Luke. Scenes like this have been repeated countless times since 1979, when the JESUS film was released. It has been translated into more languages than any other film in history.

The origins, Luke and release

The film was produced by John Heyman, a British film producer, with backing from Campus Crusade for Christ, led by Bill Bright. The script follows the Gospel of Luke closely, with dialogue taken from the text. This made it suitable for translation and use by churches of many traditions. British actor Brian Deacon played Jesus. Much of the film was shot in Israel.

It was released in American cinemas in 1979 with modest box office results.

Translation and impact in Africa

The real impact came later, when the film was dubbed into many languages. The JESUS Film Project now offers it in well over a thousand languages. Teams have shown the film in African villages, towns and cities, often using local languages such as Twi, Hausa, Swahili and Yoruba. Teams used mobile projectors, generators and later DVDs and phones to show the film.

Adaptations have included versions for children and for women, as well as digital releases. Some critics question the claims about audience numbers or the film’s Western portrayal of Jesus. Many churches report people coming to faith after watching the film. Today the film can be watched on smartphones in hundreds of languages.

Why it works and Heyman's idea

Watching the life of Jesus in one’s own language, with familiar sounds and words, can be a powerful experience, especially for audiences who have rarely seen films in their mother tongue. Many viewers say hearing Jesus speak their language made the story feel personal. Local churches often organise screenings and follow up with viewers afterwards.

Audio dramas based on the film help reach people who cannot attend screenings. Heyman had earlier hoped to film the entire Bible, and the Luke-based film grew out of that ambition. Many film releases fade within a year. This one kept being dubbed and screened for decades, often on a bedsheet in a village square.