March 3, 2025 | 40: The Temptation of Christ—our humble, faith-based film made for less than $100,000—rose to
#3 on Amazon Prime’s list of most-watched movies in the United States.
Originally released in April 2020, the film found new life five years later, unprompted, during the opening week of Lent and Ash Wednesday. What makes this moment extraordinary is that our film was ranked alongside major studio productions with budgets exceeding $10 million—a true cinematic miracle.
Its quiet resurgence, rooted in spiritual depth rather than marketing dollars, stands as a testament to the enduring power of faith-driven storytelling.
Jesus Christ, led by the Holy Spirit, enters the Judean desert to fast, pray, and prepare for His mission to save humanity. After 40 days, weak with hunger, He’s confronted by Satan, who tempts Him to abandon His purpose. Christ endures fear and doubt, as Satan—assuming familiar forms—tries to lure Him into sin.
Douglas James Vail
Executive Director | Filmmaker
Douglas James Vail is an American filmmaker whose narrative lens illuminates the stories and teachings of Christ. His work intertwines the raw beauty of the American spirit with the sacred journey of faith, capturing the profound weight of what it means to walk as an authentic Christian in a world often veiled by cynicism.
Born the third of five brothers, Douglas journeyed from the East Coast to the West Coast, carving out his path in storytelling along the way. His characters are deeply relatable—flawed, seeking, and bound by the struggles of belief—reflecting the honesty of those navigating the tension between doubt and devotion.
With a vision to inspire clarity of faith and the glory of God through the art of film, Douglas founded FaithWorks Pictures. His stories not only captivate but challenge, offering a mirror to the soul and an invitation to walk boldly in truth. Through each frame, he strives to weave light into the shadows, leaving audiences with a renewed sense of hope and purpose.
DIRECTOR STATEMENT
My name is Douglas James Vail, and I had the honor of serving as executive producer and director of 40: The Temptation of Christ. I began this film not knowing it would become a three-year journey—one that would test me, transform me, and ultimately bring me closer to God. It has been the most spiritually enriching and deeply personal endeavor of my career.
From the beginning, I knew this story required more than cinematic skill—it demanded surrender. I spent months in prayer, preparing not just as a filmmaker, but as a servant—asking for the strength, clarity, and humility to tell a sacred story with reverence and truth.
Thanks to the inspired writing of Reed Lackey, we were able to shape a raw and intimate portrait of Christ’s 40 days in the wilderness—a season of isolation, temptation, and divine purpose. This wasn’t just about portraying the struggle of Jesus against Satan. It was about reminding us that while darkness is real and seductive, it is only Christ who can overcome it.
No man, no matter how strong, can face the enemy alone. That truth is central to this film. In exploring the weight of that truth, we aimed to create something both gritty and beautiful—something that speaks not just to the eye, but to the soul.
40 is more than a film. It is my offering. My testimony. My love letter to a God who continues to pursue, protect, and redeem. I made it not only to draw closer to Him, but to invite others into that same pursuit—to reach those still searching, still wandering, and to remind them that they are seen, known, and eternally loved.
Douglas James Vail
Executive Director | Filmmaker
