This 2026 documentary film, hosted by Australian historian John Dickson and featuring composers Chris Tomlin and Ben Fielding, explores the discovery of the earliest known Christian hymn in Egypt and its modern musical reimagining. What is the title of this movie?

The 2026 documentary film exploring the discovery and modern reimagining of the earliest known Christian hymn is titled The First Hymn. This feature-length movie, hosted by Australian historian John Dickson, delves into the fascinating origins of a papyrus fragment unearthed in Oxyrhynchus, Egypt, in 1918. This ancient scrap, known to scholars as P. Oxy 1786, is remarkable for being the oldest surviving Christian hymn that includes both lyrics and musical notation, dating back approximately 1,800 years to the late 3rd century AD.

The film chronicles the hymn's journey from its desert discovery through its historical context, revealing beliefs held by early Christians centuries before major denominational divisions. Dr. Dickson guides viewers through this historical exploration, while Grammy Award-winning composers Chris Tomlin and Ben Fielding take on the unique challenge of resurrecting the ancient melody for a contemporary audience. They meticulously crafted a modern worship song using the original 35 words found on the papyrus, tracing its path from Egypt to recording studios in Nashville.

The First Hymn offers a compelling blend of music, faith, and history, showcasing how an artifact discovered over a century ago can still resonate profoundly with today's world. The documentary culminates in a live concert performance of the reimagined hymn, allowing audiences to experience a piece of ancient Christian worship brought to life anew. This cinematic endeavor highlights the enduring power of music and faith across millennia.