Director Richie Johns joins us to discuss his new film Still Hope and why he chose to confront the reality of human trafficking through storytelling. He explains how the movie draws from true events and focuses not only on the crime itself, but also on recovery, forgiveness and the long road toward healing.

Johns also talks about The Promised Land, his faith-based comedy series that brings the story of Moses and the Exodus to life for a new generation. He shares how faith shapes both projects, even though they differ greatly in tone and audience. The conversation explores how film can raise awareness, inspire compassion, and point people toward meaningful action and hope.

Highlights


Why Richie took on Still Hope and what makes its recovery story unique


How true survivor stories shaped the film’s narrative


The theme of forgiveness as freedom


The story’s setting and why it matters: trafficking can happen in everyday America


Why Still Hope was designed as a tool for awareness and action


Behind the scenes on The Promised Land, a faith-based comedy about Exodus


How humor and scripture combine to reach new audiences


Richie’s journey from assistant directing to filmmaking with a missional focus

Resources Mentioned

Richie Johns – Filmmaker, Director & Producer


Instagram

Films & Series


Still Hope – Feature film on human trafficking depicting rescue and restorative journey


Official Website:
The Promised Land– Faith-based comedy series about Exodus 

Director Richie Johns joins us to discuss his new film Still Hope and why he chose to confront the reality of human trafficking through storytelling. He explains how the movie draws from true events and focuses not only on the crime itself, but also on recovery, forgiveness and the long road toward healing.
Johns also talks about The Promised Land, his faith-based comedy series that brings the story of Moses and the Exodus to life for a new generation. He shares how faith shapes both projects, even though they differ greatly in tone and audience. The conversation explores how film can raise awareness, inspire compassion, and point people toward meaningful action and hope.
<hr data-start="912" data-end="915">
Highlights
<ul data-start="932" data-end="1490">
<li data-start="932" data-end="1008">
Why Richie took on Still Hope and what makes its recovery story unique
</li>
<li data-start="1009" data-end="1066">
How true survivor stories shaped the film&rsquo;s narrative
</li>
<li data-start="1067" data-end="1110">
The theme of forgiveness as freedom
</li>
<li data-start="1111" data-end="1197">
The story&rsquo;s setting and why it matters: trafficking can happen in everyday America
</li>
<li data-start="1198" data-end="1270">
Why Still Hope was designed as a tool for awareness and action
</li>
<li data-start="1271" data-end="1350">
Behind the scenes on The Promised Land, a faith-based comedy about Exodus
</li>
<li data-start="1351" data-end="1409">
How humor and scripture combine to reach new audiences
</li>
<li data-start="1410" data-end="1490">
Richie&rsquo;s journey from assistant directing to filmmaking with a missional focus
</li>
</ul>
<hr>
Resources Mentioned
Richie Johns &ndash; Filmmaker, Director &amp; Producer
<ul data-start="1573" data-end="1653">
<li data-start="1573" data-end="1653">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/_richiejohns/?hl=en">Instagram</a>
</li>
</ul>
Films &amp; Series
<ul>
<li data-start="1675" data-end="1915">
<a href="https://stillhopemovie.com/">Still Hope</a> &ndash; Feature film on human trafficking depicting rescue and restorative journey
<ul data-start="1771" data-end="1915">
<li data-start="1771" data-end="1820">
<a href="https://stillhopemovie.com/">Official Website:</a>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://stillhopemovie.com/"></a><a href="https://www.angel.com/shows/promised-land-series">The Promised Land </a>&ndash; Faith-based comedy series about Exodus&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Join us each week on Crosswalk Talk where we interview your favorite Christian celebrities. Hear how famous Christian figures keep their faith a priority in Hollywood and discover the best Christian movies, books, television, and other entertainment.

Some of our favorite interviews include:

⭐️ Chrissy Metz and Bradley Collins Discuss Their Heartwarming Children's Book on Prayer

⭐️ Patricia Heaton and David Hunt Talk Faith, Life and Their Adoption Film Unexpected

⭐️ Willie and Korie Robertson Open Up About The Blind and the Generational Impact of Faith

⭐️ Phil Wickham Talks New Album, Songwriting, and the Deconstruction Movement

Let us know what famous Christian celebrities you want us to interview for the show!

Join us each week on Crosswalk Talk where we interview your favorite Christian celebrities. Hear how famous Christian figures keep their faith a priority in Hollywood and discover the best Christian movies, books, television, and other entertainment.
Some of our favorite interviews include:
⭐️ Chrissy Metz and Bradley Collins Discuss Their Heartwarming Children's Book on Prayer
⭐️ Patricia Heaton and David Hunt Talk Faith, Life and Their Adoption Film Unexpected
⭐️ Willie and Korie Robertson Open Up About The Blind and the Generational Impact of Faith
⭐️ Phil Wickham Talks New Album, Songwriting, and the Deconstruction Movement
Let us know what famous Christian celebrities you want us to interview for the show!

Join us each week on Crosswalk Talk where we interview your favorite Christian celebrities. Hear how famous Christian figures keep their faith a priority in Hollywood and discover the best Christian movies, books, television, and other entertainment.

Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews

Join us each week on Crosswalk Talk where we interview your favorite Christian celebrities. Hear how famous Christian figures keep their faith a priority in Hollywood and discover the best Christian movies, books, television, and other entertainment.
Some of our favorite interviews include:
⭐️ Chrissy Metz and Bradley Collins Discuss Their Heartwarming Children's Book on Prayer
⭐️ Patricia Heaton and David Hunt Talk Faith, Life and Their Adoption Film Unexpected
⭐️ Willie and Korie Robertson Open Up About The Blind and the Generational Impact of Faith
⭐️ Phil Wickham Talks New Album, Songwriting, and the Deconstruction Movement
Let us know what famous Christian celebrities you want us to interview for the show!

How 'Still Hope' Brings Awareness to Trafficking and Recovery -- Director Richie Johns

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/9a8a00f5-a96d-4034-ae47-b3d90150b541/transcript