Billy Graham’s organization produced 100 films over 50 years–and led the way for a generation of Christian filmmakers.
In recent years, there have been several examples of Christian films making it to your local cineplex. But long before Fireproof, God’s Not Dead, and Paul, Apostle of Christ—there was the pioneering work of World Wide Pictures, the film production arm of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Organization (BGEA).
From the beginnings of his public ministry in the 1940s, Billy Graham’s natural charisma made it easy for him to capture the attention of the camera. When Hollywood came calling, the evangelist saw the opportunity to use the power of technology—and drama—to spread the Gospel.
“Thousands will come to see a film,” Billy Graham often said, “who would never come to hear a preacher.”
“He thought about the many little towns that he could not physically visit,” explained daughter Gigi Graham, “but he could tell stories of lives changed by the Gospel and broadcast those stories in theatres all over the country. That is when World Wide Pictures was born. Ever since, thousands have come to know the Lord through these films.”
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In 1951, Billy Graham Pictures (created to film crusade meetings) merged with Great Commission Films to form World Wide Pictures. The first film produced under BGEA ownership, Mr. Texas, combined a dramatic narrative with scenes shot at an actual Billy Graham event. Over the years, many of the WWP films followed this model. World Wide Pictures was at one point the largest producer of religious films in the world.
World Wide Pictures – Billy Graham’s History in Hollywood
Early WWP films centered were shown primarily in churches and meeting halls, after which a BGEA representative would give an invitation for viewers to receive Christ. In many cases, audiences received materials explaining how to come to Jesus Christ in repentance and faith after the showings. These included response cards that were mailed directly to BGEA headquarters for follow-up.
Many of the films have been translated into as many as 38 languages and shown around the world. In all, World Wide Pictures produced over 130 films and most importantly, recorded more than 2.5 million decisions for Christ.
Pioneering Christian Cinema: New Display at the Billy Graham Library
Click through for info on some of World Wide Pictures most notable films…