Raw Faith
Directed by Peter Wiedensmith
Synopsis
One of the few women to lead a large church of any denomination, Unitarian minister Marilyn Sewell is a respected writer and sought-after speaker known for her progressive social vision; beneath the surface, she is lonely and yearns for change. This open, affectionate documentary follows her over two years as she considers leaving the ministry and her only social network as she questions her past, her relationship with God, and her ability to love.
Film Info
Release Year: 2010 Running Time: 92 Color Type: Color Country: U.S. Language: English
RAW FAITH is an intimate and revealing documentary that follows two years in the private life of Marilyn Sewell, an outspoken and socially progressive Unitarian minister who has re-energized her Portland community.
While serving a community that relies on her for wisdom and advice (on both personal and ethical issues), Marilyn struggles quietly with decisions about her own future. As she seeks to reconcile the commitments of her profession with a longing for intimacy and love, childhood memories of mental illness and alcoholism come back to the surface and must be dealt with before she can move forward.
As Marilyn’s life unfolds in front of the camera (in real time), she shares her journey with remarkable candor, humor and increasing wisdom, ultimately leading her to an unexpected revelation of faith and love in all of its guises.
Cast
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Marilyn Sewell (herself)
Crew
- Directed by Peter Wiedensmith
- Produced by Ashley MacEachern , Jane Buchan , Jim Driscoll , Neil Kopp , Scott MacEachern
- Cinematography by Peter Wiedensmith
Festivals / Awards
2010 NPT Human Spirit Winner - Nashville Film Festival
Official Selection - Nashville Film Festival
Reviews
"...it's refreshing to see a documentary about a normal grown-up who is struggling with problems of life and love, just as so many invisible others do." - The New York Times
"Raw Faith is as pared as Sewell's sermons, as there doesn't seem to be a misplaced or gratuitous moment in the entire film...one of the most emotionally accurate and empathetic documentaries I've seen in years." - Slant Magazine
"Shining an intimate light on an individual in order to reveal greater truths about life and the world, Raw Faith focuses on progressive-minded Portland, Oregon, Unitarian minister Marilyn Sewell..."- The Village Voice
"At long last a vibrant, emotionally rich, relevant, and timely documentary about a progressive Unitarian Universalist minister and the challenges she faces in her public and private lives." - Spirituality and Practice
"...as holistic a portrait of religious devotion and engagement as exists in recent memory, and an achingly, profoundly moving snapshot of how the human experience is meant to be shared." - Brent Simon
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Marilyn Sewell
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Credit: Alive Mind Cinema; Kino Lorber, Inc
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Marilyn Sewell addressing her congregation
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Credit: Alive Mind Cinema; Kino Lorber, Inc
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Marilyn Sewell with her sister, Donna
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Credit: Alive Mind Cinema ; Kino Lorber, Inc
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Marilyn reveals her doubts to George
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Credit: Alive Mind Cinema; Kino Lorber, Inc
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Marilyn Sewell delivering a sermon to
her congregation
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Credit: Alive Mind Cinema; Kino Lorber, Inc
