By Soo Loh, CEO of Half Crown Media
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. (Rom 12:12, NIV)
“That’s because someone is praying! Keep them coming!”
Those affirming and uplifting words came from one of our producers—as well as our director and screenwriter—during a significant moment in pre-production. As unexpected breakthroughs unfolded, our team couldn’t help but recognize God’s hand at work.
Your prayers are making a real difference. Time and again, we have witnessed moments that surpass planning and coincidence, reminding us that God is faithfully guiding this project.
We are now in the final weeks of preparation before principal photography begins in early August. Our director, and one of the producers with his young family, have arrived in Malaysia, where filming will take place. Two other producers with their families will join later this month.
On June 23, our local art, wardrobe, makeup, and production teams gathered for their first major production meeting in Malaysia. Joining online were two producers, our Assistant Director, Director of Photography, and Gaffer. Together they walked through the script and refined the many creative and logistical details that will shape the weeks ahead. We are encouraged by their professionalism and enthusiasm, and unity as a team.
A Studio Ghibli-inspired scene of our international film production team gathered for pre-production in Malaysia.
Considering our modest budget and our limited profile in the film industry, we are humbled and deeply encouraged by the caliber of cast and crew God has assembled. We believe this is the fruit of years of faithful prayer from our supporters and partners, together with the tireless work of our producers—Aaron Burns, David Cook, Angela Galgani Sullivan, Jack McClintock—and our director and writer, Matt Mikalatos.
This year also marks the 160th anniversary of the first group of CIM missionaries sailing to China aboard the Lammermuir. Their journey began on May 26, 1866, and after 127 days at sea, they arrived in Shanghai on September 30.
The timeline of HUDSON & MARIA has unfolded with meaningful parallels. We announced the film publicly in May, began pre-production in Malaysia in June, will start filming in early August, complete five weeks of production in mid-September, and expect to be well into post-production by the end of September. If all goes as scheduled, we are aiming for a theatrical release in late 2027 or early 2028. God is the One guiding this journey.
Our prayer is that HUDSON & MARIA will do more than tell an inspiring story. We long for audiences to encounter what God can do through ordinary people who faithfully follow His extraordinary call.
The impact should not end when the credits roll.
We envision resources that will help viewers continue their spiritual journey. We hope to connect those seeking God with local churches that are prepared to welcome, disciple, and walk alongside them. We also hope to provide pathways for believers to respond to God’s call to serve, whether in their own communities or across cultures, by offering practical resources, training, and ministry opportunities.
This vision is far bigger than any single organization can accomplish alone.
We are currently shaping an international impact strategy and exploring partnerships with churches, ministries, and mission organizations around the world. Our desire is to see the global Church mobilized to help and support regional viewers in culturally relevant and deeply personal ways.
Would you prayerfully consider being part of this impact? We’d love to hear your thoughts:
- What would you hope to see happen in your community through HUDSON & MARIA?
- How could that vision be achieved?
- What resources would help make that possible?
- How would you like to be part of this impact movement?
We are deeply grateful for your prayers, your encouragement, and your faithful partnership with us. With eager anticipation, we look forward to seeing more of God’s hand at work in the months ahead.
