Few images could be more surreal than disciples of a South American messiah, dressed in blue robes, singing along to 80s hair metal. That, however, is just the tip of the iceberg in this doc, which explores the communities surrounding three men who are convinced they are the second coming of Jesus Christ. One lives in Brazil on a compound surrounded by karaoke-loving, social-media-savvy disciples, wearing a fake crown of thorns and preaching from a throne. Another is a British M16 whistleblower, squatting with his followers on National Heritage property and cross-dressing in between preaching at music festivals. The third is an enigmatic character with an angelic face, the saviour of a rural and isolated Russian community living to serve their absent and discontented master. Not just an interesting look at religion, but also at the motivations behind community and belief, I AM JESUS focuses on the day to day lives of these religious groups and the tensions within them. 

SCREENINGS:
Sun, May 1st, 9 pm, Cumberland 2
Tues, May 3rd, 4 pm, TIFF Bell Lightbox 3

~
Haley Cullingham