China Cracks Down on Christianity, Removes ‘Moses’ From Title of Upcoming Movie
By Movieguide® Staff
As the Chinese government continues to crack down on movies—past, present, and future—contrary to their communist agenda, the upcoming MOSES ON THE PLAIN received a title change to FIRE ON THE PLAIN.
According to Radio Free Asia, the change ensured that the movie would not offend the Chinese Communist Party with the biblical name Moses.
The movie’s director, Zhang Ji, explained the new name at the recently held Beijing International Film Festival.
“In this movie, we use a lot of fire as an element. I hope that we can use fire to connect different time and space, emotions, and that it can shine into our lives. I hope it can bring everyone brightness and strength,” he told reporters.
However, when asked why “Moses” was taken out of the movie’s title, Ji refused to answer.
Fr. Francis Liu, of the Chinese Christian Fellowship of Righteousness, told Radio Free Asia that the recent changes point to the governments’ desire to censor propaganda movies and eradicate Christianity and its terms from the public space.
“Moses is not just a name in the Bible, he is also a national hero of the Israelites,” Liu said. “Do the Chinese authorities fear the positive meaning behind this name? For instance, he once led the Israelites against the tyranny of Egyptians and fought for freedom and liberation of his race.”
China Aid recently reported that President Xi Jinping has begun to enforce strict rules regarding religion.
The Christian Post reported:
Open Doors USA, which monitors persecution in over 60 countries, estimates that there are about 97 million Christians in China, a large percentage of whom worship in what China considers to be “illegal” and unregistered underground house churches.
The U.S.-based persecution watchdog International Christian Concern documented more than 100 incidents of Christian persecution in China between July 2020 and June 2021 — out of which 14 cases were labeled as “Sinicization,” which is a state campaign to forcefully assimilate religious groups into the Chinese culture as defined by the CCP.
Meanwhile, China is filling their theaters with more propaganda movies.
As Movieguide® previously reported:
The NAAC has over 5,000 theaters across China and will be forced to schedule a minimum of two propaganda movies per week. Moreover, the movies, which Chinese officials specifically approve, must “attach great importance [to the screenings], execute them in earnestness… painstakingly organize them and ensure tangible results.”
The list of movies includes: FIGHTING NORTH AND SOUTH (1952), RAILWAY GUERRILLA (1956), BATTLE ON THE SHANGGANLING MOUNTAIN (1956), THE RED DETACHMENT OF WOMEN (1960), RED SUN (1963), ZHANG GA THE SOLDIER BOY (1963), HEROIC SONS AND DAUGHTERS (1964), THE NANCHUNG UPRISING (1981), HUNDRED REGIMENTS OFFENSIVE (2015), BATTLE OF XIANGJIANG RIVER (2016), THE SACRIFICE (2020), and LANDMINE WARFARE (2021).
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
