JESUS TOWN, USA
During the filming of Forty Days, the documentary in which Billie went looking for Jesus, he came across a small town in Oklahoma that had a story deserving of its own documentary. For 88 years, the residents of this town have been putting on the passion play.
Jesus Town, USA recounts what happens when the man who had played Jesus for eight years retires, and his replacement, a long-standing member of the cast, reveals a secret he has been hiding from everyone
Jesus Town, USA (2015) follows the unique small-town tradition of reenacting the life of Jesus in Lawton, Oklahoma, known as the "Holy City of the Wichitas." Every year, townsfolk put on a passion play—a live retelling of Jesus' last days, crucifixion, and resurrection—something they’ve done since the 1920s. The film offers a behind-the-scenes look as the townspeople prepare for the annual event.
The documentary's primary focus is on Zach, a young man reluctantly cast as Jesus, who finds himself grappling with the expectations that come with the role, his own personal faith, and the quirks of a community where religious devotion intersects with local pride. As he steps into the role, Zach's personal journey becomes a reflection of how communities in middle America grapple with questions of faith, tradition, and identity in a changing world.
What sets *Jesus Town, USA* apart is its humorous yet compassionate lens on small-town life, the quirks and passions of the people involved, and the layers of irony surrounding a man who may not be the most religious fit for the role of Jesus, yet takes it on with sincerity. The film taps into broader themes about the role of tradition, the need for belonging, and the complexity of faith, making it both humorous and thought-provoking..
WATCH THE FILM HERE ON VIMEO
