A new animated film bringing the biblical story of King David to the big screen is aiming to introduce audiences of all ages to one of Scripture’s most beloved figures through faith-filled storytelling and accessible animation.
The film, titled “David,” was released in theaters on Dec. 19 and traces the life of the Old Testament king from his early days as a shepherd to his legendary confrontation with Goliath. According to Catholic News Agency, the project was created by Sunrise Animation Studios and features music contributions from well-known Christian artists Phil Wickham and Lauren Daigle.
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Writer and director Brent Dawes told Catholic News Agency that the idea for the film has deep roots, originating more than three decades ago. He explained that Sunrise Animation Studios was founded by Phil and Jacqui Cunningham in part because Phil Cunningham long held a desire to bring the story of David to film.
“The studio was started by a guy and his wife, Phil and Jacqui Cunningham, and one of the reasons they started a studio was because Phil had a desire to make a movie on David over 30 years ago,” Dawes said, according to Catholic News Agency. “So it’s been a vision for more than 30 years for him.”
While the project was initially envisioned as a live-action film, Dawes said the decision to make it animated ultimately allowed the story to reach a wider audience. Speaking to Catholic News Agency, he noted that animation made it possible for families and children to engage with the biblical narrative while still remaining faithful to the seriousness of David’s life.
“David, as you might know, is not the most PG-friendly story in the Bible,” Dawes said, according to Catholic News Agency. “So, making it an animation allowed us to sort of turn it back a little bit, still tell the story authentically, but tell it in a sort of gentler way so it meant it could just reach a much wider audience.”
Dawes also emphasized the importance of faith-based media in a cultural landscape where, he believes, storytelling is often driven by commercial interests rather than spiritual meaning. According to Catholic News Agency, he expressed concern that many mainstream films are shaped by agendas rather than sincerity.
“Hollywood doesn’t tell stories from the heart anymore, and it tells it from a board room,” Dawes said, adding that many films are influenced by political or ideological motives.
At the same time, Dawes stressed that the film is intended to be welcoming, even to viewers who may not share Christian beliefs. According to Catholic News Agency, he said the filmmakers were careful not to preach at the audience but instead to faithfully portray the historical and spiritual context of David’s life.
“We’re not telling the audience, ‘You have to believe what our character believes,’” Dawes explained. “But our story is based 3,000 years ago, and this is what he believed, and this is how he lived his life.”
Through years of working closely with the biblical narrative, Dawes said he personally drew inspiration from David’s courage and trust in God. Reflecting on David’s encounter with Goliath, he told Catholic News Agency that the king’s example demonstrates how faith can replace fear when facing life’s challenges.
“When a challenge comes up, it’s something to be faced with confidence, not with nervousness or fear,” Dawes said, pointing to David’s “childlike faith.”
Ultimately, Dawes expressed hope that the film does more than entertain. According to Catholic News Agency, he said his desire is for viewers to walk away inspired and encouraged in their own lives, wherever they may be on their spiritual journey.
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