Andrew Matthews with his wife Amy Matthews at the world premiere of The Least of These in NYC on January 23.
Camera IconAndrew Matthews with his wife Amy Matthews at the world premiere of The Least of These in NYC on January 23. Credit: Supplied/Getty Images for Skypass Enterta

Swan Christian College drama teacher celebrates world premiere of The Least of These in New York

Sarah BrookesThe Advocate

THE TRUE story of Australian missionary Graham Staines has hit the big screen, celebrating its world premiere in New York City.

Swan Christian College head of performing arts, Andrew Matthews, wrote the script and co-produced the movie The Least of These.

Starring Stephen Baldwin (The Usual Suspects), actress Shari Rigby (October Baby), and Bollywood star Sharman Joshi (3 Idiots), the movie tells the true-to-life story of missionary Graham Staines through the eyes of a fictional young journalist Manav Banerjee.

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“The life of Graham Staines, serving lepers in a remote part of India for 35 years before his untimely death, is true heroism,” he said.

“The Staines’ represented all that is good in Christianity, and for that to be seen as ‘evil’ and to be destroyed, that needs to be challenged.

“The forgiveness offered by Gladys Staines and her faithful commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ was inspiring.”

Mr Matthews said he was looking forward to sharing the experience with his students.

“The experience of writing and developing the script over many drafts, collaborating with the production team and seeing the project through to its completion are all valuable lessons that can be incorporated in providing better information and learning experiences for students,” he said.

The Least of These was released in the United States in early February and will be released in India in early March.

A release date for Australia has not been announced yet, but Mr Matthews said he was confident the movie will eventually come to Perth cinemas.