New Docudrama 'Amazing Grace: The Untold Story' Offers Fresh Perspective on World's Most Famous Hymn

RIVERSIDE, Calif.
More than two centuries after former slave trader John Newton penned “Amazing Grace,” celebrated today as the world’s most popular and beloved hymn, a new 64-minute docudrama, Amazing Grace: The Untold Story, is now available to purchase or rent. Commemorating Newton’s 300th birthday, the film was produced by Haven Ministries in conjunction with Kappa Studios (The Chosen, Reagan).

Amazing Grace: The Untold Story explores Newton’s life, ministry, and enduring legacy, chronicling his harrowing and troubling existence—from nearly perishing in a storm at sea to captaining a slave ship and even being enslaved himself—before surrendering his life to Christ and boldly preaching the Gospel during the Great Awakening.

Directed by Reuben Evans and Zachary Weintraub and filmed on location at Newton’s church in Olney, England, where the ubiquitous hymn was first sung, Amazing Grace: The Untold Story stars award-winning Welsh actor John Rhys-Davies (The Lord of the Rings, Indiana Jones) as the elder Newton, while acclaimed actors Jeremy Theobald and Louis Tomeo portray younger versions of the hymnwriter and preacher.

Narrated and co-executive produced by Charles Morris, host emeritus of Haven Ministries, the docudrama showcases a performance from renowned British gospel ensemble The Kingdom Choir and also features insight on Newton’s life from bestselling author and speaker Joni Eareckson Tada; Dr. Bruce Hindmarsh, the world’s leading Oxford scholar on Newton; Marylynn Rouse, founder of the John Newton Project; and John Coffey, professor of history at the University of Leicester, among other experts.

"He’s known for writing 'Amazing Grace,' but few today know the true story of John Newton," says David Wollen, president of Haven Ministries and host of "Haven Today." "How could a former slave trader become a beloved pastor and one of history’s most influential hymn writers? One word: grace. At 'Haven Today,' this is the kind of story we love to tell—but it’s rare to find one that testifies as powerfully to the grace of Jesus as this one does."

"Based on years of research, Amazing Grace: The Untold Story offers a vivid account of the life of John Newton and the story of how his hymn came to be cherished around the world," explains Dr. Bruce Hindmarsh, co-executive producer of the docudrama and a preeminent Newton expert. "Tracing his descent from childhood innocence into the wickedness of the slave trade, and then his slow, painful redemption, the film gives new meaning to the words 'that saved a wretch like me.' By God’s grace, a slave trader became a leading abolitionist, and his hymn became a universal anthem of hope worldwide. Today, more than ever, we need to hear this message. It is what our troubled world so desperately needs for the healing of our divisions, and, indeed, for the healing of our souls."