“Jesus” film reaches 1,500 translations

Dasaanach people in Ethiopia, Kenia and Sudan receive the film in their own language. Its first premiere (in English) was in 1979.

Evangelical Focus

JFP · NEW YORK · 06 MARCH 2017 · 15:41 CET

A scene of the Jesus film. / JFP,
A scene of the Jesus film. / JFP

Many films about Jesus have been produced in the last decades, but no movie has had as many viewers as this one. Campus for Christ’s film has now reached 1,500 languages, an official World Guiness Record.

The latest group of people to get a translation of “Jesus film project” are the Dasaanach, their language is spoken in parts of Ethiopia, Kenia and Sudan.

“The Daasanach tribal group has a unique culture and has been reluctant to accept modern influences”, one can read on the website of the project.

“A majority of the Daasanach people are cattle herders; the cattle provide status symbols and food among the tribes. While known and feared by neighbors, the Daasanach has been described as ‘tribal avant garde’ and is known for having a love for colorful headgear.”

 

The newest translation is for the Dasaanach tribe. / JFP

The New Testament is already translated into the language of this people group, but “only 2 percent of the Daasanach can read”, which makes the film “incredible advancement for this unreached people group.”

In 2010, there were 865 languages in the world that were spoken by at least 50,000 people and which had not yet a translation of the film. ”Together, we made a commitment to reach every one of these people groups with the Gospel and named the initiative Mission 865”, the organisation explains.

The Jesus film was first seen in 1979, when it premiered in 250 cinemas across the USA.

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