Comedian-Turned-Missionary’s Incredible Story Lands Big-Screen Treatment

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Kristoffer Polaha
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 12: Kristoffer Polaha attends the "Landman" premiere at Paramount Studios on November 12, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images for Paramount+)

By Kayla DeKraker

An inspirational movie starring Kristoffer Polaha and Sarah Lancaster, titled RESCUED, is on its way.

The movie tells the true story of comedian Mike Williams, “A successful comedian whose life took an unexpected turn following the devastating 2010 Haiti earthquake.”

“Faced with a calling he could not ignore, Williams makes a radical decision to leave everything behind and move his family to the Dominican Republic and dedicate his life to serving vulnerable children and families in need,” a synopsis from a press release reads.

The movie aims to inspire and was filmed entirely on location in the Dominican Republic, chronicling the origins of CUPS Mission, which Williams began after his family moved in 2011 to fight trafficking and poverty in the country.

Through CUPS Mission, the team has grown to “5 villages, 6 schools [and] 16 buildings” created to help “rescue children from the garbage dump and provide a good education.”

“This is exactly the kind of story that reminds us what is possible when ordinary people choose to live for something bigger than themselves,” said producer Darren Moorman of RESCUED. “Mike Williams stepped away from personal success to answer a deeper calling, and the ripple effect of that decision is still being felt today.”

Writer and director Trey Reynolds added, “When I heard Mike’s story, I knew I had to be a part of it. This film is for every person who has ever felt the pull to do something greater than themselves and wasn’t sure if they were brave enough to do it.”

Related: Actor Kristoffer Polaha Drops Hints About His Next Project

Reynolds and Moorman previously collaborated on Teddy Bear Award® winner BLUE MIRACLE.

Executive Producer Jack Eason said, “What began as one family’s act of faith — repairing a contaminated water well, feeding refugees in a garbage dump and starting a community center for children — grew into a lasting mission as local residents joined together to transform their community.”

Filming wrapped in May.

“That’s a wrap!! What a great 2 months!! Can’t wait to see what this looks like when edited!!” the RESCUED movie Instagram account celebrated on May 17.

People in the comment section expressed excitement over the upcoming movie.

“So excited to see this movie with @polahaha and all of the fabulous cast! 👏” one commented.

Another person wrote, “I can’t wait to see this amazing movie! What a blessing to be doing The Lord’s work and sharing this with the world! 🙏 ❤️”

Along with Polaha and Lancaster, the movie stars Gilberto Ortiz, Jordan Rice, Stelio Savante and Manny Perez.

A release date hasn’t been announced.

Read Next: How Actor Kristoffer Polaha Prioritized Family On Journey to Hollywood

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