Christians often think of Hollywood as a spiritually dark space, but God’s light is present there.
In fact, there has been a growing demand for faith-driven films in recent years as filmmakers answer the call to be salt and light in the industry.
“[The uptick in Christian content] started with community-based movies that some would say we are preaching to the choir, but that was needed as Christians were a huge untapped market,” said Rachel Tan, a film producer.
The former Miss Malaysia added that Christians were looking for content that reflected their values: inspiring, clean films they could watch with their families.
Rachel runs Kingstreet Pictures together with her husband, Dan Mark. The couple, who are also entertainment lawyers, are based in Los Angeles. As pioneers in Asian American content with a faith slant, Rachel and Dan know their path is not an easy one.
“Every day is like a battlefield in the entertainment industry,” remarked Rachel. “But God orchestrated our move into this space and has been with us every step of the way.”
Fame and wealth cannot satisfy
Born into Christian families, Rachel shared that their faith only became real in their twenties.
“I experienced sudden fame, being the first Malaysian to win the Miss Chinese International Pageant and signing with the Jackie Chan Group. When the company suddenly folded, God was steadfast,” she said.
Dan, on the other hand, witnessed the passing of a close cousin from an aggressive form of cancer in his mid-twenties.
“Despite not being able to speak, having his tongue removed and a hole in his neck, I saw him have unshakeable joy in his salvation and relationship with Jesus,” he recounted.
At the time, Dan was enjoying the glitzy life of a high-flying lawyer.
Yet, it struck him that he had nothing while his cousin, who had been stripped of his health, future, and life, seemed to have everything.
“That’s when I turned the keys of my life to Jesus for good. It was in that period of personal revival in both our lives, when our hearts were 100% after the Lord, that Rachel and I met,” he said.
Together, they started an international testimony ministry on social media, OurWitness, and eventually got married.
Being authentic to who they are in Christ
The step into film production came naturally for Dan and Rachel.
As they advised on legal matters in entertainment, clients began consulting them on the business aspects of production and even the script.
In 2016, the couple established Kingstreet Pictures and donned new hats as producers with the desire to elevate Asian Americans and advance godly values through their work.
“I think God orchestrated this very well for us. It wasn’t that we were thinking of the market but more so of us being authentic to who we are,” Rachel stated.
Not all of their projects are faith-based, but every project is grounded in values of kindness, redemption, healing and restoration.
“These are the values we hope to bring into the world,” she added, because for a long time the entertainment industry was getting darker in its content.
Flipping the narrative from darkness to hope
There was a time when it was considered cool to be lost and broken.
But that narrative just didn’t sit right with Rachel and Dan.
“We don’t have to stay [in our brokenness], because Jesus redeems us and gives us beauty for our ashes. When you reach your low, there’s hope for you. That’s the hope of glory,” she said with conviction.
Each of their movies carries a redemptive thread, with their latest project, “Sight”, released earlier this year.
Starring Terry Chen and Greg Kinnear, the biopic traces the journey of Dr. Ming Wang, from impoverished prodigy to renowned eye surgeon.
At the time of writing, “Sight” has a 74% critics rating and 98% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.
“[The numbers show that] thankfully we’re not alone – there’s a growing movement that’s changing content now and redemptive stories are starting to gain traction,” she added.
As audiences, Rachel encourages believers to keep championing the types of films they want to see by buying cinema tickets or watching on streaming platforms.
Actions speak louder than words
As Asians, Rachel and Dan are part of a minority in Hollywood.
Being the only woman on the producing team, Rachel often has to fight to have her voice heard. Rejection is a common experience in the industry, but they continue to trust in God’s sovereignty.
“When it is yours, it will be yours. God will open doors that no man can shut. But you need closed doors to find the right path,” Dan shared.
Living as followers of Jesus Christ also presents its own challenges.
“Living out our faith is a daily struggle because, at least in America, many people have been hurt by the Church or by family members whose actions didn’t align with their professed faith,” Dan acknowledged.
Yet, the couple believes that in both their work and daily lives, Christ is glorified.
“I remember one of the lead actors in one of our films said it was the kindest movie shoot she had ever experienced—and she’s been in the industry for years,” Rachel shared.
They didn’t have to shout Jesus from the rooftops; God’s love was felt on set.
To them, this is proof that the Holy Spirit guides their projects and that God’s presence permeates every step of their journey.
If He is for you, who can be against you?
Looking ahead, the couple remain committed to elevating Asian American talent and bringing talent from the East to Hollywood.
Their next project, Worth the Wait, is a rom-com ensemble featuring Lana Condor, Ross Butler, Andrew Koji, Karena Lam, and Sung Kang.
The film is set to be a warm, heartfelt exploration of long-distance and cross-cultural relationships, loosely inspired by Rachel and Dan’s own story.
Though it’s been 10 years since they first stepped into the role of producers, they know there are still mountains to climb and opposition to face as they shine God’s light in a notoriously secular industry.
Yet, through every challenge, they see God’s divine hand gently guiding them to where they are today.
It may not come with pomp and grandeur, but it’s undoubtedly God’s presence leading their journey.
“We can’t help but be ourselves and be drawn to stories that reflect our own journey. We want to create content that carries goodness and kindness, with God’s heart in it,” Rachel shared.
They also acknowledge the reality of spiritual warfare.
“Any time you disrupt territory for good, you will face opposition. That’s why it’s so important to be armed with prayer. We can’t do what we do without the prayers of so many people covering us,” Rachel emphasised.
“And remember, you have something that sets you apart. At your right hand is the Lord your God, and if God is for you, who can be against you? Why should you be afraid? Only He dictates your steps,” Dan added.
He concluded by sharing one of his favourite Scriptures that encourages them daily:
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” — Galatians 6:9
All photos provided by Rachel Tan and Dan Mark. This article was originally published on Salt&Light.
