Varsity 3 Monday, April 16, 2018 - 9:40 PM

The Gospel of Eureka

Documentary Feature

75 minutes

2018

Director(s): Michael Palmieri and Donal Mosher

USA

Synopsis

Oregon Premiere

Love, faith, and civil rights collide in a small town in Arkansas “40 min away from Branson.” Evangelical Christians and drag queens step into the spotlight to dismantle stereotypes in a distinctly American way. The film takes a personal, often comical look at negotiating differences between religion and belief through performance, political action, and partnership. Gospel drag shows and a year-round passion play set the stage for one hell of a show. In the end, most of the townspeople who seem to be complete opposites turn out to be much the same, showing tolerance and acceptance unusual in today’s political climate. By continually emphasizing the overlap of faith and love in this little tourist town, the film gives a tiny ray of hope about the nature of humanity. Narrated by Mx Justin Vivian Bond.

Directors’ Statement

Cinema, like theater, can heighten our belief or make us believe the unbelievable. It can also disrupt and deconstruct our belief. Without condescension, we hope to show that what is crass, campy, or even profane in the eyes of one group is sacred and full of communal significance in the eyes of another. In an era where fundamentalism in both faith and politics rules the national stage, we hope to present a drama that explores the complex nature of belief and the fluid nature of faith.