What does it mean to lose your grown child to a religious cult? Do you walk away or fight to get them back? How much can a parent intercede when the child declares their desire to be left alone? In this haunting film, mothers Sandi and Marcia desperately search for their grown children on the streets of Seattle. Seven years ago their daughters joined a highly secretive, nomadic, Christian cult, and they have not seen them since. These young women, believing they are on the path to salvation, have abandoned all worldly ties, including their family. As the film follows families searching for their children, God Willing returns to cult members on bicycles, constantly
in motion — creating an evocative, recurring theme. When we meet some of these young adults who return to the secular world we hear in their words, what held them there and why they finally left.
God Willing looks beyond sensationalized news accounts of cult children and kidnappings, at deeper issues that emerge when freedom of religion, faith, family and identity collide. When does trying to “save your child” interfere with freedom of religion? The painful quest of parents, glimpses of their children, impressionistic surveillance footage and the testimony of ex-cult members are woven together in an extraordinary film.
Post-screening Q&A with Director Evangeline Griego in person.
Evangeline Griego, Director
Ms. Griego is an award winning independent documentary producer/director who has been working in film for the past 18 years. Her company, About Time Productions, produced the documentary, Paño Arte: Images from Inside and Border Visions/Visiones Fronterizos. Most recently she produced the feature documentary, Rosa’s Boys. Currently she’s in production on the feature documentary God Willing about a bible-based nomadic cult.
As Segment Co-Producer, she completed THE NEW AMERICANS, a Kartemquin Films’ PBS multi-part series due to air in March, 2004. As Line Producer she is in post -production on The Journey Home, a PBS multi part series also due to air in the Spring 2004. Her extensive production management and line producing experience includes short and feature films, music videos, and public service announcements. She has produced for the J. Paul Getty Trust, and worked with The Walt Disney Company, Faction Films, Morgan Creek Productions and MGM Studios. She has worked with OUTFEST as the Festival Manager and is the Co-Founder of the Silver Lake Film Festival in Los Angeles. She serves on the board of directors for NALIP, The National Association of Latino Independent Producers, and OUTFEST Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian film festival.