Jesus Land (film)
Based on Julia Scheeres’ acclaimed memoir, Jesus Land is a powerful coming-of-age drama set in the conservative heartland of 1980s America.
Synopsis
Julia and her adopted black brother David are raised in a strict, pseudo-Christian household where discipline outweighs compassion and punishment is wielded freely. At school and in their small Indiana community, David faces relentless racism, while Julia struggles with her own sense of alienation. Amid the cruelty of both family and peers, the siblings forge an unbreakable, albeit tested, bond that becomes their only refuge.
When rebellion against their abusive parents leads to them being sent to a reform school in the Dominican Republic, Julia and David are thrust into an even harsher world. They are subjected to humiliation, forced labor, and a system of blind obedience disguised as salvation. Stripped of freedom and dignity, the siblings cling to each other and to the dream of a freer, more compassionate life.
Unflinching and deeply human, Jesus Land explores themes of love, hope, loyalty, race, religion, and family. It is both a cautionary tale about the corrosive effects of dogma and prejudice and a testament to the power of love and hope to endure even in the darkest places.
Director’s Statement
When I first read Julia Scheeres’ memoir, I was struck by how brave and human her story felt. Jesus Land is about surviving the impossible - growing up in a rigid, abusive environment while holding onto hope and love. I wanted to tell this story with honesty and intimacy, focusing on the small, quiet moments that reveal resilience, fear, and courage.
Growing up as a brown girl in the 70s and 80s, I often felt like an outsider, navigating spaces that weren’t built for me. Reading Julia Scheeres’ story felt deeply familiar—the confusion, the yearning for acceptance, and the struggle to find one’s place in a world full of rules and prejudice. Jesus Land became a way for me to explore those feelings, to honor the resilience of children caught in impossible circumstances.
For me, this film is about empathy—showing the world through the eyes of children navigating a world that doesn’t always make sense. Every choice, from casting to design, was guided by the desire to honor their experience and bring audiences into their journey. Jesus Land is a story about confronting pain, finding strength, and remembering that even in darkness, human connection endures.