In a world that often feels overwhelming, stories of ordinary people doing extraordinary things remind us of the power of compassion. Rescued, a new film from the producers of Netflix's Blue Miracle, brings one such tale to the screen. Exclusive first-look images reveal Kristoffer Polaha (Jurassic World Dominion) as Mike Williams, a comedian who abandoned his career to become a humanitarian after the devastating 2010 Haiti earthquake.
Polaha is joined by Sarah Lancaster, beloved by fans for her role in Chuck, along with Gilberto Ortiz, Jordan Rice, Stelio Savante, and Manny Perez. The film, shot entirely in the Dominican Republic, chronicles Williams' transformation from a man who made people laugh to one who dedicated his life to serving the most vulnerable.
From Comedy to Calling
Mike Williams was a successful comedian when the 2010 earthquake struck Haiti, triggering a humanitarian crisis. Unable to ignore the suffering, he moved his family to the Dominican Republic to help those in need. What began as a single act of faith—repairing a contaminated water well—grew into CUPS Mission, an organization that has provided Christian discipleship, family counseling, nutrition, medical care, and vocational education for over 12 years. Today, the mission has expanded to Africa and Mexico.
The exclusive images from Rescued capture the authenticity of Williams' journey. Whether gathered around a dining table with loved ones or working alongside locals on community projects, the film emphasizes the Dominican spirit that inspired him. As producer Darren Moorman put it, "This is exactly the kind of story that reminds us what is possible when ordinary people choose to live for something bigger than themselves."
A Creative Reunion
Behind the camera, Rescued reunites Moorman with writer-director Trey Reynolds. The duo previously collaborated on Blue Miracle, another true-story film about resilience and faith. Reynolds said, "When I heard Mike's story, I knew I had to be a part of it. This film is for every person who has ever felt the pull to do something greater than themselves."
The film's commitment to authenticity is evident in its production. By shooting on location in the Dominican Republic, the team literally followed in Williams' footsteps, capturing the communities and landscapes that shaped his mission. CUPS Mission's executive director, Jack Eason, described the story as a demonstration of how putting good into the world can plant a seed that grows into something life-changing.
For fans of inspirational true stories, Rescued joins a tradition of films like Schindler's List and We Feed People. But what sets this film apart is that Williams' work continues to affect lives today. As Eason noted, "What began as one family's act of faith grew into a lasting mission as local residents joined together to transform their community."
For more on the power of storytelling, check out our exclusive look at the Scavengers Reign artist's new graphic novel. And if you're a fan of Sarah Lancaster, you might also enjoy our piece on why 'Appa's Lost Days' remains the saddest episode in TV history.
Rescued is a testament to the idea that one person's courage can ripple outward, inspiring others to act. As Reynolds said, "Mike Williams stepped away from personal success to answer a deeper calling, and the ripple effect of that decision is still being felt today."
