Shine Films has launched a brand-new short film series, HOPE, to assist young people explore life’s big questions and discover true and everlasting hope in Jesus.
The free three-part series, available on YouTube with supporting resources, has been developed with input from youth organisations throughout the UK and Ireland.
HOPE engages with the hopelessness and yet openness to faith shaping the lives of many Gen Z today.
With each film tailored to be used in schools, youth groups, churches, or one-to-one settings, Shine Films hope the series will provide a timely tool for faith conversations.
The release comes at a time when some evidence points to growing spiritual interest amongst young people within the UK.
A YouGov survey commissioned by the Bible Society found that church attendance has risen from 8% in 2018 to 12% in 2024, driven largely by Generation Z.
Men aged 18–24 showed the sharpest increase, with over one in five now attending church not less than once a month in comparison with just 4% six years ago.
Women within the corresponding age range also saw a threefold rise, from 4% in 2018 to 12% in 2024.
The study further revealed that almost one in three 18–24-year-olds said they’d go if a friend prolonged an invite, while 1 / 4 voiced interest in exploring the Bible further – the best of any age group.
Additional research by Youth for Christ’s Z-A Growing Spirituality report highlights similar findings amongst Generation Alpha (11–18-year-olds).
More than half identified as Christian (52%) and indicated they could go to church if a friend encouraged them (53%).
Two-thirds (65%) reported good impressions of their local churches.
However, the research also highlights that although many young persons are spiritually interested, most should not have a solid knowledge of Christianity or strong links to traditional church life.
The Belief in Britain Report, published earlier this 12 months and commissioned by Christopher Glasson, showed a pointy generational divide: while nearly seven in 10 over-65s identified as Christian, younger people leaned towards diverse spiritual expressions akin to “mindfulness” and “nature” quite than conventional church worship.
This gap, Shine Films believes, makes resources like HOPE vital.
The Creative Director for one in every of Shine Films’ partners, Scripture Union, Jenny Hamill said: “We know that young persons are grappling with questions on identity and purpose. This series gives them permission to wrestle with those questions, whilst clearly presenting Jesus because the one who brings real, lasting hope.”
The short six to eight minute long episodes mix interviews and stories designed to walk audiences through themes of hope, Christ because the true source of it, and the safety present in faith.
Laura Hancock, lead researcher for Youth for Christ, said: “In 2025, many are spending more time in isolated environments, in the protection of a house with those they trust, engaging with the world primarily through their screens.
“This shift has deeply influenced not only whom they trust, but additionally what shapes their beliefs and decisions.
“Reach out and become involved with the young people in your communities … The time is now. It is urgent. Young persons are on the lookout for Jesus and waiting for somebody to inform them about him.”
