Independent Lens
Recorder: Marion Stokes Project
The strange life of a radical activist-turned-recluse who videotaped everything on TV for 30 years — in the name of truth.
Over the Rainbow
Over the Rainbow traces the history of Scientology and explores, through the lens of a relatively nascent faith, the molding of human meaning and purpose.
- Series
- NETA Presentation
- Premiere Date
- January 6, 2024
- Length
- 60 minutes
- Funding Initiative
- Series and Special Projects
Director
Jeffrey Peixoto
Jeffrey Peixoto attended NYU and was selected for the Sundance Institute's Screenwriting, Directing, and Documentary Fellows programs. His work has been recognized by Cinereach, CPH:DOX, and the Austin Film Society. Camera credits include Tiny Furniture, The Great Invisible, and The Black Belt. Over the Rainbow is his debut.
Producer
Kyle Martin
Kyle Martin is the founder of Electric Chinoland, a film label specializing in American independent cinema. His productions include Cheche Lavi and Cryptozoo. Kyle’s producing credits include Independent Spirit Award nominee Donald Cried, The Great Invisible, and Tiny Furniture. He was named one of Variety's “Ten Producers to Watch.”
- Other ITVS Films
- Recorder: Marion Stokes Project
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The Film
In the long history of human spirituality, The Church of Scientology (founded in 1953) is still in its nascent stages – like the Catholic Church in the third century or the Amish at the turn of the 18th. While it has drawn ire from critics and provided fodder for tabloid headlines, Scientology is still establishing its place among world religions. Director Jeffrey Peixoto sets out to explore the creation of Scientology in the theological context of how meaning and purpose are molded through religious belief. While some insist that Scientology shares common traits with other, more widely accepted, belief systems, others contend that it is an entirely new form of religion, even a sinister cult. Based on the testimonies of both active and former Church members, Over the Rainbow considers humanity and its relationship with faith through the lens of Scientology’s believers and detractors.
