You Won't Believe What Happened Behind the Scenes of 'Daniel'—Filmmaking Brothers Reveal Shocking Divine Moment!

NASHVILLE, Tennessee — Filmmaking brothers Matthew and Daniel Kooman didn’t anticipate a spiritual awakening while shooting their latest project, a film about the biblical prophet Daniel. Yet, as they captured scenes directly from Scripture, a remarkable atmosphere enveloped the set.

“When you were actually filming these scenes, incredible things were happening,” Daniel recounted in an interview with The Christian Post. “Wind blew like actual winds blew in. Trees were blowing. Tents were literally flying off the set.”

These moments reinforced the significance of their work, which has been supported by one of the most successful faith-based crowdfunding campaigns in recent memory, raising $1.2 million for the film's production through their company, UnveilTV.

“We literally prayed before we made this movie, ‘God, if you're not supposed to make this movie, let us make this movie,’” Daniel said, highlighting the project’s spiritual roots.

The Kooman brothers, alongside their sibling Andrew, are taking a significant step with this full-scale adaptation of Daniel’s early life, particularly focusing on the first chapters of the Old Testament. “We grew up in a home that loved the Bible,” Matthew shared. “The Bible was open at the dinner table, and we read it.” Daniel was even named after the prophet himself.

The decision to create a film about Daniel came after the cultural shifts prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic. “After the shutdown in 2020, we kind of had a way into the story that felt really fresh and really applicable to basically Western culture today,” Matthew explained. The success of projects like The Chosen further inspired them, signaling a growing acceptance and demand for faith-based narratives.

“The market really has opened up to stories like this to be told and to be received in a broader way that has never really been there for us,” he added, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to share Christian stories.

Rather than attempt to cover Daniel’s entire life, the film zeroes in on his youth. This choice was influenced by a reading of the Complete Jewish Bible, which refers to Daniel and his companions as “boys” when taken into Babylon. “There was this sense of youth and this young Daniel approach, which I don't think we've seen,” Matthew noted.

The film focuses specifically on the first three chapters of Daniel, with plans for future installments. Choosing a movie format over a series was intentional, Matthew explained: “There’s something special about watching a story together on a big screen. You get to sit there, and you watch, and you take it in.”

The Koomans emphasized that while cinema is a powerful medium for storytelling, maintaining accuracy was paramount. They consulted with pastors, theologians, and biblical historians to ensure their representation was respectful and precise. “It’s like a tightrope, and it’s also scary,” Daniel remarked. “You want to honor it, because it’s biblical Scripture; there’s literally nothing else like it.”

To preserve authenticity, the team spent months studying Scripture and mapping out historical timelines, noting overlaps between Daniel, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Habakkuk. This groundwork allowed them to integrate various biblical voices and utilize direct quotations. “There are quite a few scenes where they're just literally verbatim quoting Scripture,” Daniel elaborated, mentioning that cast members continually sought confirmation on the accuracy of their lines.

The production took place in India, where the disparity between the film's themes and the reality of the surroundings became poignant. While shooting scenes featuring King Nebuchadnezzar’s statue, the crew witnessed locals engaging in idol worship. “We're sitting there going, this is the irony of this moment is so, so strong,” Matthew reflected.

That same day, they filmed the iconic fiery furnace sequence. The emotional weight of the scenes deeply affected the cast, with one actor noting, “I’ve never seen this from actors.”

Additionally, the film will feature a reimagined version of the worship anthem “Awesome God,” performed by renowned artist Michael W. Smith. This collaboration emerged through composer Tyler Michael Smith, Michael’s son, who was already contributing to the film's score.

Ultimately, the Kooman brothers aspire for audiences to find the courage to express their faith boldly, no matter the circumstances. “Are we willing to take courage? Are we willing to be bold in the public square?” Matthew asked, as they drew inspiration from Daniel 3:17-18, where Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego declare their unwavering faith before Nebuchadnezzar. “That’s not a light faith,” Daniel asserted. “That’s a truly bold faith.”

Matthew further emphasized Daniel's ability to navigate political power without sacrificing belief, stating, “They stood before kings. Politics was right out the window when it came down to it. They stood for what they believed.” Their storytelling underscores the lasting impact of these acts of faith, inspiring reflection on how individuals can embody that same courage in their own lives.