A new film will tell the powerful story of Christian missionaries who boldly and courageously brought the message of the gospel to China.
Director Matt Michalatos recently spoke to CBN News about the transformative true story behind his new film Hudson & Maria. This film tells the incredible story of Hudson and Maria Taylor, the legendary missionaries who brought the truth to China in the 1800s.
An official press release reads: “Set during China’s Opium Wars in the 19th century, ‘Hudson and Maria’ follows the true story of Hudson Taylor, a British missionary who rejects colonial norms and adopts Chinese language, customs, and dress as he strives to share God’s love in China’s interior.” “By his side are his devoted and courageous wife, Maria, and his loyal Chinese friend Wang Laijun, whose insight bridges cultures.”
The text continues, “Together they endured hardship and forged deep bonds, telling a powerful story of faith, sacrifice, and cross-cultural connections.”
The film will be produced by Half Crown Media in association with Burns & Company Entertainment and is scheduled to begin filming in Asia this August.
Michalatos told CBN News that “Hudson & Maria” showcases the Taylors’ radical faith, sacrifice and passion for sharing the gospel, and will speak powerfully to today’s troubled world. He explained how the couple ignored Chinese customs in the 1800s and helped promote missions to the country.
“Many people call (Hudson) the father of modern mission, especially Protestant mission, because he was one of the first to say, ‘Why do we go to a place like China and expect them to convert to our culture before converting to Christ?'” Michalatos said. “So he really sought to become like the Chinese. He wore Chinese clothes, learned to speak fluently, and tried to share Christ as a Chinese in China, which is more the norm in evangelical and Protestant missions.”
In “Hudson and Maria,” the remarkable partnership between Hudson and Maria Taylor, whose passion for ministry and sacrifice has changed countless lives. Michalatos, a former missionary himself, said the story resonates deeply in today’s world, which is filled with fear, anxiety and uncertainty.
Listen to the latest episode of “Quick Start” 👇
“There was a lot of fear and uncertainty in the world,” he said of the film’s setting. “The disease was spreading in a way that we have experienced recently, and there was widespread fear among so many people.”
Mr. Michalatos continued, “In the midst of all this, what we see is this 21-year-old young man and his fiancée, then his wife, who were looking at the unrest in the world… (and) they believe, like many young believers, that they can change the world through their commitment to Christ and their willingness to sacrifice(d). And it turns out they were absolutely right.”
Michalatos also revealed his unlikely path from missionary work to Hollywood, calling his entry into filmmaking “supernatural.”
The director revealed that this is actually the first paid script he has written. Now, he’s preparing to direct the film adaptation, with production in full swing this summer. Fans can learn more about the project and follow updates at HudsonAndMaria.com.
As the number of voices facing censorship from big tech companies continues to grow, sign up for FaithWire’s daily newsletter and download the CBN News app developed by our parent company to get the latest news from a distinctly Christian perspective.
