Manifest Destiny Jesus is an award-winning documentary that, as the voice-over states, 'is dedicated to the future memory of white supremacy, the new world’s original gangster.' It is set in Seattle. Washington, a metropolis that was built on traditional land and has grown to become the headquarters for some of the world’s biggest corporations.
With the population growth, the film points out that gentrification has greatly taken place in this city. The story is told by residents of these developing neighborhoods. We meet people like Ian Eisenberg, a shop owner, Pastor Reggie Witherspoon, and Pastor Darla Defrance who share what gentrification initially meant: the growth of a neighborhood. But Pastor Reggie points out that even he can no longer afford to live there despite having roots there.
Pastor Defrance likens gentrification to biblical tales in the Bible. Why is this important? Because there is a connection between religion and gentrification. Everyone grew up knowing that Jesus was a clean, white man, regardless of his background.
This causes tension, division, and ultimately the pushing out of the locals in an area. Most colonizers used the church to encroach on native spaces. They felt that they were coming to free the minorities from forms of oppression, ironically by using religious oppression.
Fast forward to 2017 to the Charlottesville riots and it still shows that the White Jesus complex still connects to white supremacy. A church then decides it is time to change the face of Jesus after a powerful sermon.
The story is short but powerful and shows how religion has been used around the world to oppress and segregate. This documentary beautifully weaves different stories from the past and present that tell the story of how gentrification came to be and its consequences for the people of color who live in such areas, such as Seattle, which is highlighted in the film. It is a story that still continues and evokes conversation surrounding race, home ownership, police brutality, and the White Jesus theory.
Which subject can this film's content be more favorable for?
This documentary is a story that tells the connection between white supremacy, White Jesus, and gentrification and how it is affecting America to this day. This content is suitable for Religious Studies, Social Studies, History, and Political Studies
What film collection would this film be suitable for?
Manifest Destiny Jesus is perfect for historical documentary collections in academic libraries. How it touches on the back story of race, religion, and gentrification will keep everyone engaged during and after viewing. It may not be suitable for younger audiences, but it is a great storytelling tool in good time.
Does this film have Public Performance Rights available?
This documentary has Public Performance Rights available in different packages. You can choose either: a 14-day stream for $60, a 1-year stream for $150, a 3-year stream for $350, or an opt-in “Life of File” Stream for $650, which you can get here. This is ideal for organizations and institutions.