Panama’s Christian Drama Series Draws More Than 700 to Premiere

More than 700 people attended the premiere of Sendero (Pathway), a new Christian drama series produced by Hope Media Panama to help young audiences confront everyday challenges through stories of faith, values, and hope.

Held on June 20 at the Bilingual Adventist School in the city of David, the event brought together cast members, producers, church leaders, invited guests, and community members for a blue-carpet reception, an exclusive screening, and a discussion with the production team. The series was filmed at locations across Chiriquí and features more than 40 Panamanian actors, most of them under age 30.

The premiere marked both a ministry milestone and a first for the organization, Hope Media Panama leaders said. “We had never produced a dramatic series or film in Panama,” González said. “The greatest challenge was taking that first step. As we moved forward, we could see God’s hand in every detail, and now we believe this is only the beginning.”

Inspired by a Pathfinder Classic

Sendero is a free adaptation of Senderos de la felicidad (The Happy Path), a values-based book familiar to generations of Seventh-day Adventist Pathfinders. González said the idea grew from his own experience reading the book as a young Pathfinder and wondering how its lessons might reach a wider audience through film.

“I remember how much the book impacted my life,” González said. “The dream was to bring those values into stories that speak to what young people experience every day—not only Pathfinders but all young people.”

Director and scriptwriter Ariel Morales transformed that vision into a screenplay that became the foundation for the nine-episode series.

“That was the moment we understood it was no longer just an idea,” Morales said, referring to the beginning of filming. “It was rewarding to work with a committed, predominantly young team that demonstrates Panama has the capacity to produce quality content.”

The first season translates the book’s principles into contemporary narratives dealing with personal struggles, choices, relationships, and faith. González said the series was designed to serve both the church and viewers with little or no Christian background.

“For the church, it is a new resource that presents these values in a more visual and engaging way for today’s generation,” he said. “But the themes are also universal. They reflect situations young people face every day, so we believe non-Christian audiences will also identify with the characters and find messages of hope.”

Discovering Panama’s Young Talent

The production also became an opportunity to discover and develop local talent. Because Hope Media Panama had not previously undertaken a project of this scale, organizers launched a nationwide casting call and invited young people from across the country to audition.

“Every actor in the production is Panamanian,” González said. “The casting process allowed us to find the people who best fit each character and to see the talent that exists in our country.”

The series has already influenced some of those involved in its production. Lead actor Jarod Arauz said participating helped renew his connection with the church and encouraged him to place his future in God’s hands.

“I had been somewhat distant from church,” Arauz said. “Through this project I began attending again more regularly. It helped me think about what God can do in my life when I trust Him and make the effort.”

Actor Leonel Castro said the stories reflect the internal battles and difficult decisions many young people face.

“The series shows that we can go through struggles and hard moments, but we can overcome them when we ask God to guide us and help us make the best decisions,” Castro said.

Reaching Audiences Beyond the Church

Additional premieres are planned for Panama City and Colón as part of a broader national rollout. Producers are also developing a second season that could include more than 10 episodes.

The series is expected to be available soon on Hope Channel Inter-America’s digital platform, broadening its audience across the Inter-American Division and other regions.

“This is the first step,” González said. “We hope it becomes a blessing to the church, connects with those outside it, and opens the way for more young Panamanians to use their talents to tell stories that can transform lives.”

The original version of this story was posted on the Inter-American Division news site.