Independent since 1988
About us
Films of Beauty. Stories of Hope.
Our story
Messenger Films is an international feature film production company founded in 1988 by award-winning screenwriter and director Cristóbal Krusen, with offices in the United States.
The company uses the universal language of cinema to create films of beauty and hope, while mentoring emerging filmmakers who share its passion for inspirational storytelling. Messenger Films is known for achieving high production values at modest budgets, working hand in hand with local crews and acting talent wherever its stories take it.
After a series of Spanish-language productions filmed in Mexico, the company released its first major motion picture, Final Solution, in 2002, a true story set in the final years of apartheid, shot in and around Cape Town, South Africa, and starring Tony Award winner John Kani. In the years since, Krusen has written and directed award-winning films across Asia, Europe, and the United States, including More Than Dreams, First Landing, The Bill Collector, and Undaunted.
In 2014, Messenger Films produced Sabina K., shot on location in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Drawing in part on the writings of the renowned Bosnian poet Mak Dizdar, the film weaves together two spiritual traditions into a heartwarming story of redeeming love, set in a world too often defined by division.
Its films have been seen by millions worldwide.
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Our vision
Our vision is to reach the millions of people around the world who are searching for answers to life's deepest questions:
These spiritual seekers are often open to exploring matters of faith, yet they are rarely served well by today's cinema. Too often, faith-based films speak primarily to those who already believe, while mainstream films dismiss or caricature spiritual realities.
Vision & Mission
Founded in 1988 by filmmaker Cristóbal Krusen, Messenger Films exists to create beautiful, compelling cinema that inspires audiences to seek truth, hope, and ultimately God. Rooted in the biblical call to declare God's glory among the nations, fulfill the Great Commission, and foster unity within the Body of Christ, our mission is to tell stories that engage both the heart and the mind with excellence, authenticity, and grace.
Since the release of our first feature film, Ropa Nueva para Felipe, in 1990, Messenger Films has produced internationally recognized feature films reaching hundreds of millions of viewers across the globe. By combining high production values with responsible stewardship, and by partnering with local artists and crews, we strive to create films that are both artistically excellent and culturally authentic.
Messenger Films seeks a different path.
We believe that powerful stories can create a common ground for meaningful conversations to begin. Rather than preaching or persuading through dogma, our films invite audiences into an honest exploration of truth through emotionally resonant storytelling, memorable characters, and cinematic excellence. Our films point toward hope, redemption, and eternal truths while honoring each viewer's freedom to grapple with life's greatest questions.
Our desire is not merely to entertain, but to encourage every seeker to continue their journey toward truth and meaning: to seek God while He may be found. We believe that film, when crafted with beauty, integrity, and compassion, can transcend cultural and religious boundaries, opening hearts to encounter the Author of every story.
The founder
Cristóbal Krusen
“Above all, he is a storyteller who delights to engage his audience while addressing the deeper needs of the human heart.”
Cristóbal Krusen was born and raised in Tampa, Florida, the third of four children. Early in life, he showed a keen interest in literature, reading many of the classics while still in grade school and cherishing the ambition that one day he would become a writer. He entered Harvard University in 1971, majoring in English literature, intent on making his mark as a poet and novelist. A growing interest in photography and filmmaking, however, led him to transfer to New York University, where he changed majors and graduated with a BFA in Film and Television in 1976. He later attended Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California, where he received his MFA in Film in 1989.
Cristóbal has helmed productions in more than twenty countries. He founded Messenger Films in 1988 and is best known for Final Solution, Undaunted, Sabina K., and most recently, Let Me Have My Son.
Over the last several years, he has also begun fulfilling his childhood dream of becoming a writer. Working in multiple languages, Cristóbal is known for a poetic style and the ability to draw intimate performances from actors.
Cristóbal and his wife, Cheryl, live in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Online support
A 501(c)(3) ministry.
We select our projects on the basis of spiritual impact rather than projected financial return.
We are known for achieving high production values at modest budget levels while working with local crews and acting talent.