HopeMedia Panamá Premieres Sendero, the Country's First Faith-Based Drama Series

HopeMedia Panamá has produced Sendero (Pathway), the first faith-based drama series filmed in Panama, and more than 700 people turned out for its premiere in David, Chiriquí. The nine-episode series is now set to reach viewers across the region on Hope Channel Inter-America's digital platform, producers said.

Filmed with more than 40 Panamanian actors, most under 30, Sendero adapts Senderos de la Felicidad, a values-based book familiar to generations of Seventh-day Adventist Pathfinders, into contemporary stories about the struggles, choices, and faith of young people. Additional premieres are planned in Panama City and Colón, with a second season in development.

More than 700 people attend the premiere of Sendero in David, Chiriquí, Panama, filling the venue to celebrate the debut of the faith-based series produced by HopeMedia Panamá. (Photo: Hope Media Panama)

"A series like Sendero is a doorway. This kind of content  pulls a young audience in, and works to build a path that leads  the viewer  from watching a story to walking with Jesus. Panama's team created something people are genuinely engaging with, and that is where discipleship begins," said Robbie Berghan, vice president for global media and engagement at Hope Channel International.

"We had never produced a dramatic series or film in Panama," said Misael González, director of HopeMedia Panamá. "The greatest challenge was taking that first step. As we moved forward, we could see God's hand in every detail, and now we believe this is only the beginning."

Lead actor Jarod Arauz waits for direction during a scene while filming Sendero. (Photo: Hope Media Panama)

The production drew its cast through a nationwide casting call, and the experience has already changed some of those who took part. Lead actor Jarod Arauz said the series renewed his connection with the church. "I had been somewhat distant from church," Arauz said. "Through this project, I began attending again more regularly. It helped me think about what God can do in my life when I trust Him and make the effort."

Director and screenwriter Ariel Morales adapted the book by Lawrence Maxwell into the screenplay.

González framed the premiere as a starting point. "We hope it becomes a blessing to the church, connects with those outside it, and opens the way for more young Panamanians to use their talents to tell stories that can transform lives," he said.

The premiere of Sendero was reported by Inter-American Division News. https://interamerica.org/2026/07/panamas-first-christian-drama-series-draws-more-than-700-to-premiere/