Skip to content
The First Hymn poster
IMDb20251h 27mAustralia

The First Hymn

Synopsis

In the ancient ruins of Oxyrhynchus, Egypt, archaeologists unearthed a papyrus scrap containing the earliest known Christian hymn, complete with both its lyrics and musical notation. Analyzed at Oxford University, this discovery challenges traditional views of church history by revealing the rich musical practices of early believers. Hosted by Australian historian John Dickson, the feature-length documentary “The First Hymn” chronicles the hymn’s journey from its desert origins to its modern resurrection, as acclaimed composers Chris Tomlin and Ben Fielding transform the ancient melody into a contemporary worship piece, culminating in a live concert performance.

Play Movie

Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes

Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.

The First Hymn Movie with Chris Tomlin and Ben Fielding

Type: Trailer • Published 2025-03-21

Release History & Theatrical Window

Theatrical Premiere

March 24, 2026

Wide Cinema Exhibition

Key Information & Fast Facts

Director
John Dickson, Mark Hadley
Screenplay & Story
Mark Hadley
Original Title
The First Hymn
Country of Origin
Australia
Spoken Languages
English
Runtime
1h 27m
Production Studios
Undeceptions

Creative Leadership & Key Crew

Director

John Dickson, Mark Hadley

Screenplay & Story

Mark Hadley

Producers

Mark Hadley, Maia Hadley

Department Leadership Roster

John Dickson

Director

Mark Hadley

Director

Mark Hadley

Producer

Maia Hadley

Producer

Mark Hadley

Writer

Age Classification & Content Advisories

Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.

International Certification Matrix

Australia (ACB)G

General — Suitable for all audiences.

Official cinematic photography and background stills for The First Hymn.

Featured In Curated Collections

Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring The First Hymn.

Abstrusest 2

13231 titles

More Like The First Hymn

Recommended titles matching themes, cast, and genres.

6.2
6.4
6.5
7.0
6.1
8.0
7.8
7.2
6.7
7.1
6.6
7.9

Frequently Asked Questions About The First Hymn

Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.

What is The First Hymn about?

In the ancient ruins of Oxyrhynchus, Egypt, archaeologists unearthed a papyrus scrap containing the earliest known Christian hymn, complete with both its lyrics and musical notation. Analyzed at Oxford University, this discovery challenges traditional views of church history by revealing the rich musical practices of early believers. Hosted by Australian historian John Dickson, the feature-length documentary “The First Hymn” chronicles the hymn’s journey from its desert origins to its modern resurrection, as acclaimed composers Chris Tomlin and Ben Fielding transform the ancient melody into a contemporary worship piece, culminating in a live concert performance.

Who directed The First Hymn?

The First Hymn was directed by John Dickson, Mark Hadley.

Who stars in The First Hymn?

The principal cast of The First Hymn includes John Dickson, Chris Tomlin, Ben Fielding, Stephanie Boonstra.

When was The First Hymn released and how long is it?

The First Hymn was released in 2025 with a total runtime of 1h 27m.

What is the age rating and content advisory for The First Hymn?

The First Hymn holds official age classifications: AU: G (General — Suitable for all audiences.).