Religions Around The World

In the early morning hours, monks can be seen walking on their alms round in Kanchanaburi, Thailand
Showing humility and detachment from worldly goods, the monk walks slowly and only stops if he is called. Standing quietly, with his bowl open, the local Buddhists give him rice, or flowers, or an envelope containing money.  In return, the monks bless the local Buddhists and wish them a long and fruitful life.
Christians Celebrate Good Friday
Enacting the crucifixion of Jesus Christ in St. Mary's Church in Secunderabad, India. Only 2.3% of India's population is Christian. 
Ancient interior mosaic in the Church of the Holy Saviour in Chora
The Church of the Holy Saviour in Istanbul, Turkey is a medieval Byzantine Greek Orthodox church.
Dome of the Rock located in the Old City of Jerusalem
The site's great significance for Muslims derives from traditions connecting it to the creation of the world and to the belief that the Prophet Muhammad's Night Journey to heaven started from the rock at the center of the structure.
Holi Festival in Mathura, India
Holi is a Hindu festival that marks the end of winter. Also known as the “festival of colors”,  Holi is primarily observed in South Asia but has spread across the world in celebration of love and the changing of the seasons.
Jewish father and daughter pray at the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem, Israel.
Known in Hebrew as the Western Wall, it is one of the holiest sites in the world. The description, "place of weeping", originated from the Jewish practice of mourning the destruction of the Temple and praying for its rebuilding at the site of the Western Wall.
People praying in Mengjia Longshan Temple in Taipei, Taiwan
The temple is dedicated to both Taoism and Buddhism.
People praying in the Grand Mosque in Ulu Cami
This is the most important mosque in Bursa, Turkey and a landmark of early Ottoman architecture built in 1399.
Savior Transfiguration Cathedral of the Savior Monastery of St. Euthymius
Located in Suzdal, Russia, this is a church rite of sanctification of apples and grapes in honor of the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord.
Fushimi Inari Shrine is located in Kyoto, Japan
It is famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates, which straddle a network of trails behind its main buildings. Fushimi Inari is the most important Shinto shrine dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice.
Ladles at the purification fountain in the Hakone Shrine
Located in Hakone, Japan, this shrine is a Japanese Shinto shrine.  At the purification fountain, ritual washings are performed by individuals when they visit a shrine. This ritual symbolizes the inner purity necessary for a truly human and spiritual life.
Hanging Gardens of Haifa are garden terraces around the Shrine of the Báb on Mount Carmel in Haifa, Israel
They are one of the most visited tourist attractions in Israel. The Shrine of the Báb is where the remains of the Báb, founder of the Bábí Faith and forerunner of Bahá'u'lláh in the Bahá'í Faith, have been buried; it is considered to be the second holiest place on Earth for Bahá'ís.
Pilgrims praying at the Pool of the Nectar of Immortality and Golden Temple
Located in Amritsar, India, the Golden Temple is one of the most revered spiritual sites of Sikhism. It is a place of worship for men and women from all walks of life and all religions to worship God equally. Over 100,000 people visit the shrine daily.
Entrance gateway of Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple Kowloon
Located in Hong Kong, China, the temple is dedicated to Wong Tai Sin, or the Great Immortal Wong. The Taoist temple is famed for the many prayers answered: "What you request is what you get" via a practice called kau cim.
Christian women worship at a church in Bois Neus, Haiti.
Haiti's population is 94.8 percent Christian, primarily Catholic. This makes them one of the most heavily Christian countries in the world.

World Religions News

‘Still Hope’ – new film based on a true story reveals the untold story of hope and healing after sex trafficking


Movie provides an inspiring message of forgiveness and resilience based on true events

Fathom Entertainment to release feature film nationwide February 5–9, 2026

FRANKLIN, Tenn. and DENVER — Fathom Entertainment, the leading specialty distributor of content to theatrical partners worldwide, in partnership with Pixels of Hope Studios and Studio 523, announced today the upcoming theatrical release of Still Hope. Premiering in theatres nationwide February 5–9, 2026, the film seeks to raise awareness of the global issue of sex trafficking and the vital role of recovery resources for individuals healing from trauma.

Beloved by her family and raised in a quiet community, 16-year-old Hope finds herself in danger when a new friend is not who he claims to be… Ripped from all she knows and forced into sex trafficking, Hope is stripped of her identity and threatened into submission, surviving years of abuse. Hope finally finds freedom and reunites with the family that never gave up looking for her. Though now safe, she struggles adjusting to her old life as she reconciles with all she’s endured. Hope’s journey is inspired by true stories and powerfully illustrates the courage it takes to find healing after life’s darkest moments.

“The powerful story of these women portrayed through the character of Hope shows that healing and forgiveness are possible,” said Richie Johns, director and producer with Studio 523. “Our prayer is that Still Hope will give a voice and platform to the courageous individuals who have personally walked this journey and become a rallying cry for those who are boldly standing with them.”

In the United States, young people are exploited through the trafficking industry across every state and territory regardless of age, ethnicity and gender. The National Human Trafficking Hotline received 9,619 reports of potential human trafficking cases involving an estimated 16,999 victims in 2023 alone.

“Fathom has long been bringing meaningful film projects to the big screen. Still Hope represents one of the most powerful and provocative movies we have ever been associated with—a story of healing and redemption that raises awareness on the scourge sex trafficking still plays in modern-day society,” says Ray Nutt, CEO of Fathom Entertainment.

“Unlike other films, this story isn’t just about the rescue piece but also about redemption, resilience, and walking alongside survivors on their journey to healing,” said Kathrine Lee, co-founder and CEO of Pure Hope Foundation. Pure Hope is a nonprofit organization mobilizing action against the sex trafficking industry and played a pivotal role in the real-life stories behind the film. “It highlights the bravery of women and men who have endured sex trafficking and the courageous work of recovery. That’s why this film is so important.”

Showcasing the aid of individuals and organizations who stand shoulder to shoulder with these warriors, viewers of Still Hope will be encouraged to join arms with advocates in the fight against trafficking.

“Your voice and your support matters,” said Natalie Grant, co-founder of Hope for Justice, nine-time GRAMMY® nominee and supporter of Still Hope. “I want to encourage viewers to join this important and courageous work of healing—not just for each individual impacted by human trafficking but for the dedicated advocates guiding those who are ready to receive support.”

Tickets for Still Hope will be available on December 12, 2025, at Fathom Entertainment and participating theatre box offices (theatre locations are subject to change).

For more information, including an official teaser trailer, visit stillhopemovie.com.

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About Fathom Entertainment
Fathom Entertainment is the leading global specialty distributor of live and pre-recorded content to theatres. For more than 20 years, Fathom has pioneered theatrical distribution of events and special engagements, including performing arts, movies, episodic content, and other special event programming across various genres and formats. Fathom offers content creators a worldwide cinema distribution network by operating in 45 countries and boasts a live digital broadcast network of more than 1,100 locations. Fathom is owned by AMC Entertainment Inc. (NYSE: AMC), Cinemark Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CNK), and Regal Cineworld Group (LSE: CINE.L). For more information, visit FathomEntertainment.com.

About Pixels of Hope Studios
Pixels of Hope Studios exists to share the life-changing power of the gospel through cinematic storytelling. 

About Studio 523
Studio 523 is a Nashville-based film production company specializing in telling stories that inspire hope. Led by the passionate husband-and-wife team of Richie and Bethany Johns, the company is dedicated to crafting compelling narratives that resonate with audiences. Committed to creative excellence and the well-being of their cast and crew, the Johns ensure efficient production while fostering a supportive environment on set. Studio 523 is making a significant mark in faith-based entertainment with its quality filmmaking and impactful storytelling. For more information, visit studio523.co.

Contact:
Kristin U. Cole
KC Communications
615-289-6701
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Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of RNS or Religion News Foundation.

Original Source:

https://religionnews.com/2025/09/09/still-hope-new-film-based-on-a-true-story-reveals-the-untold-story-of-hope-and-healing-after-sex-trafficking/