INTRODUCTION
Living Hope is a feature film in preproduction. Set in the heart of Johannesburg, the film is expected to commence production January 2025 with a release date of December 2025.
To support the film please contact Joel Wenyira on wenyira3@gmail.com. You can also make a donation directly to the account details below.
Uganda
Account: Message to the World Films (u) Ltd
Bank Name: Diamond Trust Bank (DTB) Uganda
Account Number: 0199140001
South Africa
Account: Joel Wenyira Bank Name: ABSA South Africa
Account Number: 9388410695
ABOUT THE FILM
After growing up in a broken home filled with neglect and abuse and falling into a life of crime on the streets of Johannesburg, a young man’s path to redemption begins when a compassionate pastor helps him rediscover hope, confront his past, and reclaim his childhood dream of becoming an astronaut.
SYNOPSIS
Living Hope follows the powerful and emotional journey of Alex, a young boy who grows up in the harsh streets of Johannesburg. Born into a volatile home with an abusive, alcoholic father and a struggling mother, Alex’s once-bright dream of becoming an astronaut is shattered by the realities of parental neglect and domestic turmoil. Desperate to escape the chaos, Alex turns to the streets where he is lured into a life of crime, drugs, and gang violence.
Though Alex becomes entrenched in the criminal world, his path crosses with Pastor Elvis, a compassionate community leader dedicated to helping street kids find redemption. Despite his efforts to resist, Alex slowly develops an unlikely friendship with Pastor Elvis, who shows him a way out of the darkness. However, Alex’s growing attachment to Pastor Elvis triggers suspicion in his gang’s leader, who orders Alex to prove his loyalty by taking out the very man who’s trying to save him.
Faced with an impossible choice, Alex hesitates and is soon caught by the police, landing him in jail. With the help of Pastor Elvis, Alex is bailed out and begins his journey toward recovery, gradually finding his way back from the brink. As Alex becomes involved in Pastor Elvis’s programs and the local church, he works to leave his criminal past behind, even aiding in the arrest of the drug lord who once controlled his life.
The film culminates in a moment of profound forgiveness and reconciliation as Alex discovers that a man he once harmed in a robbery was Pastor Elvis’s brother. Overwhelmed with guilt, Alex contemplates returning to the streets, but through the forgiveness extended by Pastor Elvis’s brother and the support of the church, Alex finds peace. He also reconciles with his estranged parents, who, through Pastor Elvis’s guidance, begin to heal their fractured relationship.
In the final moments, Alex’s childhood dream is restored as he secures a job at the planetarium, leading young children on field trips and sharing with them the hope that saved his life. Reflecting on Jeremiah 29:11, Alex passes on the message that no matter how difficult life may be, there is always a plan for a better future. Living Hope is a Christian drama filled with themes of parental and societal neglect, crime, drugs, forgiveness, and the transformative power of compassion. It’s a story of redemption and the enduring strength of hope, even in the darkest moments.
Living Hope tells the powerful story of Alex, a resilient yet vulnerable 12-year-old boy surviving the harsh streets of Johannesburg. Abandoned by his parents and forced into a life of crime and neglect, Alex becomes the leader of a small group of fellow street children. Their existence is bleak, marked by daily struggles with hunger, addiction, and violence.
Their lives take a transformative turn when they encounter Pastor Elvis, a compassionate community leader who dedicates himself to helping them. Through his unwavering support and guidance, Alex and his friends begin to see a glimmer of hope. Pastor Elvis offers not only food and shelter but also the mentorship and emotional support that these children desperately need.
Themes and Issues Addressed:
1. Parental and Societal Neglect: The film highlights the dire consequences of parental abandonment and societal neglect, particularly focusing on how these factors force children like Alex into a life of crime and hardship. It paints a vivid picture of the systemic failures that lead to such neglect and the urgent need for community intervention.
2. Crime and Street Life: By delving into the daily lives of street children, the film sheds light on the grim realities of crime and survival on the streets. It underscores that these children’s criminal activities are often a result of their circumstances rather than inherent criminality, challenging viewers to consider the root causes of such behaviors.
3. Neglect of the Boy Child: Living Hope brings to the forefront the often-overlooked issue of neglecting the boy child. It emphasizes the lack of mentorship and training on how to become responsible men, which can lead to gender-based violence and other societal issues. Alex’s journey illustrates the profound impact that proper guidance and role models can have on a boy’s development.
4. Power of Compassion: The film demonstrates the transformative power of extending compassion and support to those on the margins of society. Pastor Elvis’s efforts highlight how acts of kindness and dedicated mentorship can change lives, offering a powerful message about the importance of community and empathy.
5. Hope in Despair: At its core, Living Hope is a story about finding hope in the darkest of circumstances. It shows that even in the saddest and most challenging moments, there is potential for redemption and a better future. The film inspires viewers to believe in the possibility of change and the enduring power of hope.