Dear Subscriber,
In this issue, Soo Loh shares with us the latest updates of our movie project, the upcoming schedule of on-site production, and planning for audience outreach. The Lord has been faithfully leading this project. As we join Him through praying, may we see the wonderful works of His hand.
God’s Hand at Work in HUDSON & MARIA
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.
Project Updates and Prayer Items
Let us join our hearts in prayer and look forward to witnessing God’s marvelous work:
- Praise God for the encouraging and enthusiastic responses received during the movie project update and production launch meetings in Hong Kong and Macau on 25 June and 27 June, Many participants embraced the vision for the viewer follow-up initiative. Pray for God’s continued guidance and provision as we build collaborative partnerships, enabling us to leverage the movie’s release to effectively help viewers take meaningful next steps in their faith journey.
- Pray for our presence at the CCCOWE Conference in Kuching, Malaysia, 20-24 July. We would be hosting a display booth with our OMF colleagues. Dr Jennie Fung would conduct an Affinity group discussion on 21 July. We want to share the vision of the movie project and invite global Chinese church leaders to join hand in the follow-up initiative for a missional discipleship movement.
- Praise God for an amazing cast. We are close to confirming all key actors to make a press announcement. Pray that the announcement will receive wide global coverage, generate strong interest, and build anticipation for the movie.
As principal photography commences in early August, please continue to pray for our producers and the production team:
- For wisdom and discernment as they finalize key production decisions, particularly the remaining cast and crew appointments.
- For continued clarity, creativity, and inspiration for our director, Matt, as he brings the story to life while balancing creative vision with production realities.
- For God’s favor, unity, and strong collaboration among the production team and all ministry and production partners.
- For smooth logistics, travel arrangements, and preparations leading into production.
- For good health, renewed strength, and God’s protection over everyone involved in the project and their families, especially those preparing for extended stays overseas.
Finally, please pray that throughout every stage of production, release, and distribution, we will experience God’s perfect timing, open doors, supportive partnerships, and faithful provision. May this film accomplish His purposes and draw many people closer to Christ.
July/August 2026 Prayer Meetings
Please find the date and time of our next English, Cantonese, Mandarin, and German prayer meetings below.
• English Meeting: 22 July, 2026 at 8:00 AM Pacific Time /11:00 AM Eastern Time
• Cantonese Meeting: 22 July, 2026 at 8:00 PM Hong Kong Time
• Mandarin Meeting: 23 July, 2026 at 7:30 PM Hong Kong Time
• German Meeting: 3 August, 2026 at 20:00 Switzerland Time
• Cantonese Meeting: 12 August, 2026 at 8:00 PM Sydney Time
For more information, feel free to contact us at:
General: info@halfcrownmedia.com
Chinese Prayer Meetings: admin@halfcrownmedia.com
German Prayer Meeting: de.gebetskoordination@omfmail.com
Sydney Prayer Meeting: davidttcheung@hotmail.com
