“I Have to Make This Movie”: Director Dallas Jenkins Shares the Incredible Stories Behind The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

“The Herdmans were absolutely the worst kids in the history of the world.”

That’s the sentence that kicks off Barbara Robinson’s 1972 novella The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. That line, and the story that follows, has captivated readers ever since—including one Dallas Jenkins, creator and director of The Chosen.

After one reading of Robinson’s classic Christmas tale, Jenkins knew he just had to make a film adaptation of the book. Something that would translate the book’s warmth, wit and (most importantly) beautiful Christmas message onto the big screen. He tried and tried but was never able to secure the rights to make the movie.

… Until 20 years later. And wouldn’t you know it, it was Jenkins’ work on The Chosen that opened the door for the Christian creator to film The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.

Jenkins shares that remarkable story and more in an interview with Plugged In (video below). We hope you enjoy it!