Films for Discussion on Interfaith Issues

Films for Discussion on Interfaith Issues

The Armor of Light –A thoughtful new documentary that explores the possibility of crossing across political divides. The film follows a pro-life conservative Evangelical minister as he challenges his community by preaching in favor of gun control, because of his pro-life stance. He builds an unexpected alliance with a pro-choice African-American mother, whose son was shot and killed by a white man claiming a Stand Your Ground defense. It is a thoughtful look at the ways in which people can build relationships and work together, even when they may not completely agree on all topics. The film is directed by Abigail Disney, one of the producers of Pray the Devil Back to Hell (also on this list). Available (soon) on Netflix. Website:

Budrus -A Just Vision documentary film, Budrus shows the non-violent movement that develops to support about a Palestinian village that is seeking to block the Wall/Separation Barrier being built across village lands. Their success comes after a long and arduous journey that in fact ends up showing them how their “community” is not necessarily their next of kin or their tribe, but the community of people who value what they value, freedom with dignity.

EncounterPoint– An older, but still relevant documentary about Israelis and Palestinians engaging in dialogue across boundaries and borders. The filmtells profoundly moving stories about individuals and families and how they are affected by the conflict, and shows both the obstacles to and the potential for peacemaking. Produced by Just Vision –

The Good Lie - A powerful and moving film about the life of refugees. A narrative feature film that feels like a documentary, The Good Lie follows the lives of several “Lost Boys” of Sudan, as they struggle to make a new life in the United States after arriving as refugees. Beautiful performances by Sudanese actors convey the courage and resiliency of these young men, who survived the horrors of war only to find themselves facing new challenges as they adjust to life in the American Midwest. Reese Witherspoon plays a well-meaning but somewhat naive counselor. Available on Netflix. Film Website:

The Imam and the Pastor – An inspiringtrue story about reconciliation and peace. The film tells the story of Pastor James Wuye and Imam Mohammad Ashafa of Nigeria, who were members of opposing militia until they experienced spiritual and personal transformation, anddeveloped a friendship based on forgiveness and trust. Together they founded the Inter-Faith Mediation Centre, risking their lives to bring Muslims and Christians in Nigeria together. Website: Copies available on loan from the MA Conference Task Team for Ecumenism and Interfaith Relations.

James Carroll’s Constantine Sword – A documentary by Oren Jacoby detailing the history of Jewish-Christian relations, as examined through the lens of James Carroll’s spiritual journey. This is a very thoughtful look at the legacy of anti-Jewish attitudes in Christianity, and the importance of facing this sobering history, based on James Carroll’s book of the same title. A very beautifully crafted and important film.

Pray the Devil Back to Hell –Thislively documentary tells the story of Christian and Muslim women in Liberia who come together to demand an end to the civil war, risking their lives and overcoming religious divides. The film features LeymahGbowee, the winner of the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize, and speaks to the impact that women of faith can make in their own communities, as peacemakers and change agents.Available on Netflix.

Precious Life -Thisdocumentarywas made by an Israeli journalist, ShlomiEldar, and it tells the story of a Palestinian family from Gaza with a gravely ill infant and the ways in which figures on both side of the border experience trying to save this precious child.Available through Amazon.

Waking in Oak Creek – An inspiring film about forgiveness and a community’s response to hatred and violence. This 34 minute documentary was filmed in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, after a white supremacist shot and killed 6 worshippers at the local Sikh temple. This moving film follows the families of victims, Sikh community members, police, the mayor and members of the wider Oak Creek community, as they come together to find healing, confront hatred, and to better understand one another. The film is being made available for free, and a kit is provided to help communities plan screenings.

Looking for more? Check out this list of “The Top 10 Interfaith Films” by Michael Fox, which feature Jewish-Christian relationships.

Compiled in March 2016 by Polly Hamlen for the MA Conference UCC Task Team on Ecumenism and Interfaith Relations. For more information, contact Polly at .