ABOUT THE PROJECT

LOGLINE
A teenage white sister and black adopted brother struggle to maintain their close relationship amidst their harsh Christian Fundamentalist home and brutal reform school.

SYNOPSIS
Based on the New York Times and London Times bestselling memoir by Julia Scheeres.

JESUS LAND is the true story of Julia Scheeres and her adopted black brother David, who struggle to navigate their tumultuous childhood in their authoritarian Christian Fundamentalist home and the surrounding community in rural Indiana. They both dream of going to Florida to be free in a diverse environment. When they rebel against their abusive parents, they are sent to a reform school in the Dominican Republic, where they experience the brutality of a world built on strict religious doctrine.

JESUS LAND explores themes of race, identity, religion and family, providing a powerful critique of the harmful effects of extreme dogma and prejudice. Ultimately, it’s a story of hope and survival amid seemingly insurmountable odds. With unflinching honesty, the film reminds us that love is the ultimate truth—it is resilient, and we can still find common ground and freedom, despite our differences.

PROJECT TYPE Narrative Feature

DIRECTOR Saila Kariat
SCREENWRITER Saila Kariat
PRODUCER Saila Kariat, Jeff Allard, Bernard Stewart

WEBSITE sailakariat.com/jesusland

The Film Collaborative (TFC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing programs and services for independent filmmakers. TFC’s federal tax ID number is 32-0295081. All donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

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