Historic Dr. Ida Documentary Wins International Award
The event took place in the United States, but the most robust cheers likely went up in Vellore, India, the location of the Christian Medical College and Hospital. CMC’s documentary film on the life of the institution’s founder, Dr. Ida Sophia Scudder, entitled “Be Thou My Vision,” won International Christian Media’s Silver award in the Best Foreign Film Production category. The honor was announced at the National Religious Broadcasters’ International Convention in Nashville, Tennessee, on February 18.
The 53rd Annual ICVM Crown Awards, the longest-running faith-based Christian film awards, recognize and promote the best in independent Christian movies, documentaries, music videos, foreign films, and 18 other categories.
This film is Part 1 of a two-part series. Part I, directed by Sanjay Guru and Aneesh Daniel, covers the period of 1849 to 1922. Part 2 is now in the early production phase. The executive producer and director of the series is Aneesh Daniel. Dr. Reena George, M.D., is the principal scriptwriter.
The film does an outstanding job of bringing the beloved Aunt Ida to life. After people in south India and beyond have heard so much about the pioneering medical missionary, everyone can now see her face and hear her voice, even though she died in 1960 at the age of 90. The documentary was posted on YouTube on December 9, 2025, the 155th anniversary of her birth, making this remarkable film available to people around the world at the mere click of a button.
A fascinating clip of her addressing Indian medical students opens the film.
Here’s the link: Be Thou My Vision – Ida Scudder of Vellore (1849–1922) | CMC Vellore Documentary | Part 1
Part 1, which runs just over 50 minutes, was produced by CMC Vellore and Shepherd Films of India. It was released in 2024 and seen then by alumni of the institution, staff, students, and administrators. Now this award-winning production is available to the world.
Established by Dr. Ida in 1900, CMC Vellore is one of the largest and most revered hospitals in India, with a global reputation for excellence. The hospital offers cost-effective or subsidized care to over three million patients each year.
