A landmark achievement in faith-based filmmaking has been reached with the 2,200th translation of the JESUS film, this time into Bouna, the language of the Kulango people in Côte d’Ivoire.
The JESUS film, produced by the Jesus Film Project, already holds the record as the most translated film in history. But for project leader Josh Newell, this milestone is more than a statistic—it’s the answer to a decades-old prayer.
Twenty-five years ago, Newell and his wife Holly stood on a hillside in West Africa and prayed that the gospel would one day reach the region’s most remote communities. Today, Newell serves as CEO of Jesus Film Project, and that prayer has come full circle.
"This isn’t just about a number—it’s about real people hearing the words of Jesus in their own language for the first time," the organization said in a statement.
The Bouna version was developed through close collaboration with local believers, linguists and community leaders in Côte d’Ivoire. Many involved in the project reportedly heard the gospel in their heart language for the first time.
The organization credits both technology and long-term partnerships for making such wide-scale translation efforts possible. Jesus Film Project says it continues to use innovative tools, including AI, to expand access to the film around the world.
The film remains a central tool for Christian missions and evangelism efforts, and its ongoing translations underscore the growing influence of Christianity in developing regions.
The organization is offering interview access with Josh Newell and additional media materials for outlets interested in covering the story.