New action movie, ‘Toxic,’ showcases ‘power of forgiveness’ in mostly non-Christian Middle East
BOONE, Iowa — A new action movie shot entirely in Arabic that showcases “hidden” violence and the power of forgiveness is now available to watch on four major international airlines operating out of the Middle East.
While the movie is not a “faith flick,” its Christian producers hope “Toxic” will introduce thousands of Middle East airline passengers to the core Christian value of forgiveness.
Watch the movie trailer:
Produced by Middle East-based Christian media ministry SAT-7, “Toxic” has been added to the in-flight playlists of Emirates, Qatar Airways, Saudi Airlines, and Kuwait Airways.
It’s the first foray into feature-length filmmaking for the organization that broadcasts free-to-watch programs via satellite television and online streaming across the Middle East and North Africa — a region that’s 96% non-Christian.
Emirates is the national airline of Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and operates almost 2,000 flights every week from Dubai International Airport, one of the world’s busiest travel hubs. In 2022-23, the airline carried more than 43 million passengers — a huge potential audience.
‘Power of Forgiveness’
“This means many more people will be introduced to the film’s message about the power of forgiveness,” said Maged Mounir, director of the ministry in Cairo, Egypt, where the movie was primarily shot.
With an all-Middle Eastern cast, “Toxic” is described as a “powerful portrayal of human relationships, with a strong focus on violence and forgiveness.”
Based on true-life stories, the plot follows a woman rejected because of her appearance, a man who witnesses the murder of his father by religious fanatics, and a woman who faces intense oppression.
Producer John Adly said, “Each one realizes revenge cannot heal… forgiveness is the way to overcome the harm done to them.”
Producers hope passengers will check out other programs broadcast by SAT-7 in local languages, including Arabic, Farsi, Turkish, Tajik and Dari. Local presenters discuss hot-button issues like domestic violence and respond to viewers’ questions about Christianity.
The film was produced in partnership with the Norwegian Mission Society.
The movie reflects SAT-7’s vision to make God’s love visible to people in their own language and cultural setting.
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Launched in 1996, SAT-7 — with its international headquarters in Cyprus — broadcasts Christian and educational satellite television and online programs to the Middle East and North Africa. Its mission is to make the gospel available to everyone, and support the church in its life, work and witness for Christ.
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