THE FIRST HYMN, produced by the team behind UNDECEPTIONS Podcast and distributed by Fathom Entertainment, the leading specialty distributor of content to theatrical partners worldwide, is a documentary that connects music, faith and history, tracking the story of an ancient Christian hymn from its discovery in Egypt to its release as a modern worship song for the new millennium, will be in theatres nationwide on March 24 and 26.
The First Hymn is the story of an ancient scrap of papyrus uncovered in the deserts of Egypt that contains the remnants of the oldest known Christian hymn. In its lyrics, Professor John Dickson discovers evidence of beliefs that some say Christians never held this early in history. However, uncovering this ancient treasure is only the first step. With the help of world-renowned Christian composers, Chris Tomlin and Ben Fielding, Professor Dickson sets out on an epic journey to record the First Hymn as a modern worship song for the new millennium.
“I couldn’t be more excited to hear congregations sing this song,” said Ben Fielding. “Our hope is to give back to the modern church the very hymn that echoed through the halls of the early church. That we can still sing today those same words written 2,000 years ago, in unity, is a profound gift.”
Written centuries before Catholic, Orthodox, or Protestant divisions, the hymn reflects a moment when the Church was united in Christ — a shared spiritual foundation that continues to resonate across denominations today. The documentary features a special live performance of the song that is featured on Tomlin’s latest album.
“The First Hymn is a precious gift from early believers, some who literally gave their life for the
Gospel,” said Chris Tomlin. “And now, 2,000 years down the road, we can stand in that long line of faithful believers and sing with them.”
The Fathom theatrical release of THE FIRST HYMN will feature an exclusive bonus introduction from Chris Tomlin and Ben Fielding. Created especially for cinema audiences, the message reflects on the significance of bringing this ancient hymn to life on the big screen.
Tickets for THE FIRST HYMN are available now at Fathom Entertainment and participating theatre box offices (theatre locations are subject to change).
For more information, visit thefirsthymnmovie.com and follow @thefirsthymn on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.
About Heritage Films
Founded in 2004 in Queensland, Australia, Heritage Films has grown into a globally connected distributor of purposeful, impactful screen content. Over the past two decades, we’ve built trusted partnerships across Australia and New Zealand, and work with networks and platforms around the world to bring stories of depth, beauty, and hope to audiences everywhere.
Alongside our distribution work, part of our business represents the major Hollywood studios for blanket movie licensing across community, faith, and institutional settings, giving us a unique vantage point across both independent storytelling and the global studio landscape.
We believe in the quiet power of story, the kind that doesn’t just entertain, but helps people feel seen, valued, and connected. Our work is shaped by a simple conviction, that storytelling can bridge divides, invite reflection, and create moments of shared humanity across cultures and communities.
At Heritage Films, we curate and share films for screens of every size, guided by a belief that every frame is for you. We love great entertainment, but even more, we care about the way stories can awaken the spirit, nurture belonging, and leave people changed in small, meaningful ways.
About Fathom Entertainment
Fathom Entertainment is the leading global specialty distributor of content to movie theatres. For more than 20 years, Fathom Entertainment has pioneered theatrical distribution of events and special engagements across various genres and formats, including feature films, episodic content, documentaries, concerts, and live events.
Fathom consistently ranks among the top 10 theatrical distributors in North America and distributes content to cinemas worldwide. Fathom Entertainment is owned by AMC Entertainment Inc. (NYSE: AMC), Cinemark Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CNK), and Regal Cineworld Group (LSE: CINE.L).
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