Picturehouse acquires ‘Leap of Faith’: A documentary that bridges divides
A new journey in documentary filmmaking
Picturehouse has recently secured the distribution rights for Nicholas Ma’s compelling documentary, Leap of Faith. This film promises to be a significant addition to the world of documentary cinema, exploring themes of division, faith, and reconciliation.
Nationwide release and special appearances
The documentary is set for a nationwide theatrical release starting October 4. Picturehouse is partnering with various organizations across the country to facilitate conversations around the film’s themes. Notably, the film will feature in-theater appearances by Nicholas Ma’s father, the renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma, in cities such as St. Louis, Washington, D.C., and Boston.
The heart of the film
The film’s logline provides a glimpse into its profound narrative: “In 2016, 1 in 6 people stopped talking to a family member. It’s even worse now. How do you continue to love each other while you disagree? Over the course of a year, 12 diverse Christian leaders struggle to find hope and fellowship at a series of boundary-breaking retreats in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Brought together by Michael Gulker of The Colossian Forum, five women and seven men explore some of today’s most contentious issues. The divisions between them become apparent and test both their common belief in the universal importance of love and kindness and the bonds they build over the course of a year.”
A personal leap
Yo-Yo Ma shared his personal reflections on the film, stating, “Leap of Faith moved me to take my own leap. To dive into the difficult conversations that will begin to heal the fractures in our communities, to ask how can I better practice that most fundamental call: love thy neighbor.”
The power of art and faith
Nicholas Ma, reflecting on his motivations, explained, “My father taught me that music and art have the ability to transcend our very human divisions. It’s with that in mind that I set out on the journey to make this film. After making this film, I’d add faith to that list, faith pursued sincerely and lovingly.”
A collaborative effort
The film is produced by Ma and his producing partner Morgan Neville, known for his work on “20 Feet From Stardom” and “Steve (Martin!): A Documentary in Two Pieces.” Ma and Neville previously collaborated on the 2018 documentary “Won’t You Be My Neighbor.”
A timely and relevant film
Bob Berney, CEO of Picturehouse, emphasized the film’s significance, stating, “Leap of Faith will surprise audiences with its timeliness and relevance. Experiencing this film in a theater with others will open doors to new conversations that hopefully will continue long after the end credits roll.”
A transformative journey
Nicholas Ma shared insights from the filmmaking process, saying, “Filming this story, it became clear the path was not to change each other’s positions, but to see each other more honestly and more lovingly, and in doing so to learn to belong to each other. I wasn’t sure that was achievable at the beginning, and I didn’t expect the story to take the turns it took. But somehow, over time, I saw that space that exists between all of us transformed from one of division to one of possibility.”
A promising debut
Ma’s directorial debut, the narrative feature Mabel, premiered to positive reviews earlier this year at the San Francisco Film Festival. This promising start sets high expectations for Leap of Faith.
Watch the trailer
For those eager to get a glimpse of this thought-provoking documentary, you can watch the trailer for Leap of Faith.
Leap of Faith is more than just a documentary; it’s a call to action, urging viewers to engage in meaningful conversations and bridge the divides that separate us. As the film rolls out across the nation, it offers a unique opportunity to reflect on our own relationships and the power of faith, art, and love in healing our communities.