Missionary radio broadcaster HCJB Ecuador, partner of Reach Beyond, has supported efforts to use another medium to share the good news—helping bring a Christian movie in spanish to theaters in Ecuador.
Photo: Members of the HCJB Ecuador production team at one of the theaters that is showing Tal Vez Mañana.
While the market for inspirational English-language films has exploded in the past few years, the recent screenings of Tal Vez Mañana (Maybe Tomorrow) mark only the third time a Spanish-language Christian movie has seen a major release in Ecuador.
The film was made by an alum of Reach Beyond’s media training school, with several former and current ministry staff involved in front of and behind the cameras. HCJB Ecuador was executive producer of the movie.
The 92-minute drama follows the struggles of Jacobo “Jac” Muñoz to make a new life for himself and his family after coming to Christ while in prison. It was written and directed by Dwight Gregorich, who with his wife, Tamara Torres, runs Tamto Productions. The couple met at the Christian Center for Communications (CCC), the media training program Reach Beyond ran in Ecuador for 30 years, until 2014.
“We wanted to support their work,” said Anabella Cabezas, HCJB Ecuador’s director, of the organization’s involvement in the project. “We know them and trust their work ethics and quality production, and this was another way to present the truth of the hope we can find in Christ.”
HCJB Ecuador’s part in Tal Vez Mañana is just the latest way in which the organization has diversified and developed since it began working in Ecuador in 1931. Starting with radio broadcasting, which continues to this day, Reach Beyond later expanded to offer medical services. Its work has also spread to other parts of the world.
Tal Vez Mañana was shot in and around the Ecuadorian capital, Quito, where the ministry is headquartered. Principal photographer was Paul Childs, whose parents, Jim and Elaine Childs, have served in Ecuador with Reach Beyond since 1983.
Following a positive reception to screenings in almost a dozen cities, Gregorich and Torres are in talks over international distribution for their film, with the possibility of a subtitled edition for the English-speaking world at some stage.
The couple paid tribute to Reach Beyond’s part in preparing them for their work. It was during their years at CCC that “our gifts and talents were refined for cinematic production,” said Torres. “Our hearts are thankful to God for what he is doing through the movie,” she added. “The message is touching lives and challenging them to make a change for good.”
It’s truly amazing seeing Christian movies impact individuals all over the world, and this movie is a sign that the language barrier is being broken! There are Christians in Spanish-speaking countries who understand the vision of creating media that honors the creator. Let’s support them in that endeavor!
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