Creating Contextualized Christian Films

Creating Contextualized Christian Films:

The Way to Help Communities Understand Scriptures Better

by Elvis Tangko

For some time now, I have been reflecting on the importance of communicating the message of Scripture in ways that people can truly understand. Often, when we use only words, listeners try to form mental images to grasp what we are saying. As a trained teacher, I learned never to enter the classroom without didactic materials—such as visual aids that help students see what words alone might not convey. The result is always a better understanding.

Why struggle to communicate the words of Scripture only with speech, when we can bring the biblical message to life through pictures and stories? This is why I am passionate about creating inspirational biblical films: they engage people with the message of Scripture in languages and cultural contexts they relate to most deeply.

The approach we use is simple, yet impactful. Through training at iDELTA* and mentorship from Andreas Ernst, I have learned the participatory method. Sometimes, I sense a message from God that needs to reach a community. By gathering people together, asking questions, and exploring the meaning of Scripture together, we arrive at conclusions that remain true to the text.

Often, we simply pick up a camera, pray, and head into a community. Even where language barriers exist, people are eager to participate when they see cameras being set up. As we encourage them to share their stories, common themes—including sin and hope—emerge, creating natural bridges for the gospel message.

Instead of leaving these insights as mere conversations, we ask: “Why not turn this powerful message into a film that tells the biblical story in a way everyone can relate to?” The response is usually enthusiastic. During preproduction, participants wrestle with Scripture; during filming, they enjoy acting and learn even more. When the final product is ready, they share it widely, proud to see their own stories reflected in the biblical narrative.

Transformation often follows as participants draw conclusions themselves after struggling with the ideas and seeing them illustrated through the lens of Scripture. Many people even learn to use filming equipment, and some are now mobilizing church teams to produce evangelistic films of their own.

Scripture is no longer confined to papyrus, parchment, or even traditional books. As my seminary professor, Rev. Dr. Massa Gabriel, once said, “If Paul were to rise from his grave and see us using the physical book containing the Scriptures, he would be very surprised,” because in his day, Scripture was carried in different forms. Since joining Wycliffe and engaging in Bible translation, I have seen firsthand how people connect with Scripture when they can identify with it culturally and socially. Creating contextualized Christian films is a powerful way forward.

Currently, my team and I are working on the first draft of the Story of Ruth, set in a Cameroonian context. We pray for a script that truly speaks to local realities. We have produced video shells for other organizations and dubbed films into multiple languages, and we plan to do the same with our Ruth film. Please pray for our team, for a compelling script, and for supporters who will pray, advocate, and help us realize this vision financially.

* iDelta is the Institute for the Development of Languages and Translation in Africa

https://ideltafrancophone.org/

By Elvis Tangko

I am married to Sulee Tangko and a father of two. Avi, my son, is 7 years old; Georgia, my daughter, is 5. I serve as the media manager for SIL Cameroon. I am a trained pastor from the Cameroon Baptist Theological Seminary with a BA in Evangelism and Missions, and I am currently pursuing a Bachelor of Theology (Honors) at the South African Theological Seminary. I am passionate about missions and believe that joining Wycliffe was a great fit. Later, SIL proved to be the best platform for me to communicate God's Word through these organizations. I am a certified dubbing specialist for the JESUS films in national languages. Additionally, I am an accredited audio recordist for the New Testament audio recordings in partnership with Faith Comes by Hearing (FCBH). Creating contextualized biblical content, such as films, is one of my passions as it allows me to connect with people of different ages and communities.