The first time I saw “Jesus People” at its American Film Institute premiere, I didn’t know what to expect. Of course the Christian subculture is ripe for comedy. The usual hors d’oeuvres graced the table before show time, and there was a cute disclaimer by the wine bottles that the fictional Christian band “Cross My Heart” does not approve of alcoholic beverages. Neither does Biola, so I had to pass. But the indie mockumentary itself, based on a successful Web series of the same name, was enjoyable enough for me to come back for seconds.
Biola alumnus C.J. Casciotta, of the entertainment blog ConversantLife, also saw the film at AFI and liked it enough to arrange the pre-screening at Mayers Auditorium. The screening was part of ConversantLife’s First Fridays, a showcase of music and art to be held on campus the first Friday of every month.
Between 75 and 100 people attended the premiere event, which opened with a performance by singer-songwriter Amy Kuney. As a Biola grad, she told stories of awkward moments on stage and first dates at Common Grounds between dynamic ranges of songs. Her laid-back vocals, ease with the guitar and piano, and sense of humor make her a promising new indie-folk artist.
“Jesus People,” which will be submitted to major festivals, was screened after Kuney’s performance. The mockumentary begins with Pastor Jerry Frank (Joel McCrary) being diagnosed with something ominous. But instead of breaking the news to his loved ones, Pastor Jerry would rather worry over the spiritual health of his son (Chris Fennessy) – hoping a homegrown Christian dance/pop group will save Eli’s eternal soul from secular music.
The inept band’s four recruits are colorful individuals, but they might as well also represent varying evangelical responses to the arts. Former Christian pop star Gloria (Edi Patterson) is pragmatic as the self-appointed industry veteran and early ’90s fashion plate. The outspoken fundamentalist Zak (Damon Pfaff) and biblically illiterate beauty queen Cara (Lindsay Stidham) pursue an awkward romance. Ty, the voice of wisdom, interacts with the film producer Jodi (Nikki Boyer) and resists being put in a box.
The movie itself cannot be put in a box, either. The Q-and-A session focused on its unique premise. “We don’t consider it a Christian film,” says writer/producer Dan Edwald. The story’s self-aware satire and wide appeal set it apart from “Fireproof” and “Left Behind,” while its affection contrasts “Religulous.”
Writer/producer Rajeev Sigamoney originally pitched the idea of “Spinal Tap set in the world of cheesy Christian pop.” The film is meant to raise questions instead of giving answers. Taking inspiration from “Monsoon Wedding,” Sigamoney wanted to show both the faults and virtues of a culture. He observes that “the worst thing the Christian world has done is not allowing ourselves to be mocked at any level.”
Actor Damon Pfaff, who plays the most easily mocked character in the film, says he interpreted Zak with compassion. On one hand, he is the easily recognized Bible thumper who sees things in black and white, but he is also loving and caring.
Zak and several other characters have changed considerably from the 2007 Web series. Sigamoney says the transition from five-minute comedy Webisodes to feature film necessitated some “tweaking,” especially with Ty.
The consensus was that making “Jesus People” was about creating a clever comedy instead of preaching to the audience.
“I’m just a Christian filmmaker,” said director Jason Naumann. “It happens to be a story about Christians.”
