A Different Take on Christian Media Narratives

The Startng Point

Four years ago, recognizing the growing popularity of short fictional content on YouTube and OTT platforms among young people in South India, a group of Jesus Youth members involved in theatre and media ministries created a simple, humorous Malayalam short film. It centered around the scriptural themes of fasting and abstinence during Lent. Produced on a minimal budget, the film garnered over 65K views, sparking engagement and discussions about its unique take on religious concepts. The actors, all first-timers, and their characters became widely talked about.

The Sequels

Banking on the success of the first film, the team returned for Kaduppam II, III, and this month, Kaduppam IV: Kalippu. Each installment humorously addressed issues like hypocritical attitudes during Advent and Lent, with minimal funding but maximum creativity. Despite the lack of promotional budgets, the series has consistently reached a broad audience, especially younger viewers.

KALIPPU, Moving up a Notch

As these young people found that God worked wonders through the films, they began to set aside more time and efforts. With Kalippu, the production and quality of the narrative has moved up to a new level. The storyline, entertaining yet spiritually enriching, explores how abstinence during Lent should lead to real change in the way we live as Christians. In just over 15 minutes, the film challenges viewers to reflect on their everyday lives.

Opening up New Spaces

For the first time, this edition of the Kaduppam series had a theater release in Kochi, premiering at the Vanitha & Vineetha theater on March 26, with over 250 attendees. The film has already received positive reviews and media coverage.

A Community Around the Initiative

These efforts were only possible because of a community of families and young people from the Jesus youth movement and beyond who financially supported and prayed intensely for the production of the film. This network of families from all over the world has been the bedrock of the project.

Beyond Kaduppam

Looking at the growing reach and the responses, many have suggested the possibility and the need to continually create relevant films for the youth across languages and cultures—opening up the Jesus Youth Media ministry to new, wider spaces.

How can You Help?

There are three ways in which the team needs support.

1. Engagement: Through a community of likeminded friends who respond, engage and inspire the team by interacting with them regarding themes, concepts and possibilities.

2. By sponsorship: Contribute, find sponsors/contributors or share ideas that will lead to sponsorships/contributions for the productions that emerge according to the needs and inspirations of the changing times.

3. Intercession: To be fervent intercessors for the projects and for the overall vision of the team.

Whom Do you Contact

To begin with, you can contact the Jesus Youth International office on behalf of JY Screens to get in touch with the project leaders of this film for detailed enquiries or support and contributions.

Kalippu Video Link : https://youtu.be/6BVdBAz4y70?si=KyrwCRWGUVYzELCK

Kaduppam Part 1, Part 2 , Part 3 & Part 4 Playlist : https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqg6xpCszgBqyFGwXKFiTbAsUqPWCAUf8&si=sTKEGia3gjA3Mty7