Over the Rainbow

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.