By Richard Thomas
The President of Mount Zion Film Ministries, Evangelist Joseph Adepoju, has dismissed concerns that Christian and gospel films are gradually fading from Nigerian society, saying the genre is instead evolving and adapting to changing trends in the film industry.
Adepoju, who is also an actor, film director and lecturer in Christian Drama, stated this in an interview with Oodua News, stressing that the growing presence of Christian films on digital platforms and the planned cinema release of Agbara Nla are indications that gospel filmmaking remains vibrant.
According to him, Agbara Nla will be released in cinemas across Nigeria from October 1, 2026, in collaboration with Circuit Blue Pictures, describing the development as a major milestone for Christian filmmaking in the country.
He said the planned cinema release would give the Christian film industry an opportunity to reach a wider audience beyond its traditional platforms.
“This is a serious landmark. It has never happened before that a Christian film is going into the cinema in this manner. It is going to be accepted in the 36 states of the nation, which is a big milestone,” Adepoju said.
He explained that the development should not be interpreted as a sign that Christian Drama is losing relevance, but rather as evidence that the ministry is responding to changes in the entertainment and media landscape.
Adepoju recalled that Christian Drama began gaining significant ground in Nigeria in 1993, when Agbara Nla was released, adding that 33 years later, the same production is returning in a new form to the cinema.
“Christian Drama is not fading; it is evolving. Christian Drama started gaining ground in 1993 when Agbara Nla was released, and after 33 years, it is still coming powerfully into the cinema,” he said.
The Mount Zion Film Ministries president also pointed to the growing number of Christian Drama ministries operating in churches and higher institutions across the country.
He said thousands of drama ministries are currently active in churches and campuses, while numerous Christian films are being produced and distributed through online platforms, particularly YouTube.
According to him, a simple review of Christian film activities online would show that productions are still being released regularly.
“We can count on thousands of drama ministries today operating in churches and campuses. If you check online and YouTube, you will see so many Christian movies there. So, Christian films are not fading out as people insinuate; they are evolving by the day,” he stated.
Adepoju said Christian filmmakers were also following developments in the Nigerian film industry by adopting modern production and distribution methods while retaining their evangelistic mandate.
He acknowledged the contributions of leading figures in Christian filmmaking, particularly Evangelist Mike Bamiloye, whom he described as a pioneer of Christian Drama, noting that he continues to produce films aimed at winning souls.
He also recalled that Evangelist Kayode Oyebode served as the cameraman who recorded the original Agbara Nla production.
Adepoju said the continued productivity of Christian filmmakers should be properly assessed before concluding that gospel films are losing relevance.
“Our productivity is still high if we look at it properly, with a sense of good judgement and assessment. People can cross-check the facts on YouTube. Almost on a weekly basis, Christian films are being produced,” he said.
He further disclosed that drama ministers from different parts of the world gathered in 2025, stressing that Christian Drama has developed into a global movement with drama ministries operating across continents.
According to him, the development demonstrates the international reach of Christian Drama and its continuing relevance as a tool for evangelism.
Speaking on the challenges confronting Christian film producers, Adepoju identified acceptability and funding as major concerns.
He explained that the primary mandate of Christian Drama is to reach the world through drama, adding that gaining acceptance among the wider population was initially difficult.
However, he said the situation began to change as audiences witnessed the impact and transformational influence of Christian films.
“Our first challenge is the mandate to reach the world through drama. So, the first challenge here is acceptability. But when people started seeing the impact and transformational effect it had, they started reckoning with us,” he said.
Adepoju also identified funding as another major challenge, noting that filmmaking and film production require substantial financial resources.
He, however, maintained that the challenges have not prevented Christian filmmakers from continuing to produce films and explore new channels of reaching audiences.
On the capacity of Christian films to win souls in the present generation, Adepoju expressed confidence in the effectiveness of the medium.
He argued that while sermons remain important in Christian evangelism, films can sometimes create a stronger emotional and visual impact on audiences.
“I believe Christian films are doing well because people have been listening to sermons, but they see movies as more interesting than sermons because they have stronger effects than preaching in soul winning,” he said.
According to him, the present generation is increasingly influenced by visual and digital media, making Christian films an important tool for communicating the gospel.
“We are in a media generation that connects more with movies than other methods of evangelism,” he added.
Adepoju therefore urged Christian film producers and drama ministers not to be discouraged by the challenges confronting the industry.
He advised them to intensify their efforts and produce more impactful, quality and meaningful Christian films capable of reaching wider audiences and addressing the spiritual and moral needs of society.
He expressed optimism that with greater support, improved production standards and effective use of modern distribution platforms, Christian filmmaking would continue to expand its reach and contribute to the propagation of the Christian faith.
