In a world saturated with content that often overlooks the nuanced realities of faith and personal struggle, Emmy-winning director and cinematographer Benjamin Ironside Coppin, alongside the insightful Courtney, offers a breath of fresh air through their candid conversation on our podcast. They share their individual journeys toward self-acceptance and discuss the upcoming release of their film, “Pastor’s Kid: The Movie,” a narrative that dares to delve into the complexity of faith and the human condition. Benjamin and Courtney begin their discussion with personal anecdotes about the profound influence of family support and mentoring on their creative and personal growth. Benjamin credits his family’s unwavering encouragement for his foray into the world of filmmaking. While recounting the impact of her high school teacher on her life and creativity, Courtney fondly recalls the lesson she learned about perspective. This episode explores how our formative experiences and storytelling capacity are deeply intertwined.

This episode explores the challenges of crafting faith-based cinema that resonate beyond the genre’s often narrow boundaries. A transformation of faith often leads to untidiness, and Benjamin expresses his determination to depict that untidiness. In the story, both those within the church and those who have lost faith in religious institutions will find something to relate to. In this podcast, the author explores the critical need for telling these stories to acknowledge the shadows cast by faith and to offer a platform for those who have felt rejected and unseen by the church to speak their truth.

The couple is navigating the inevitable waves of criticism and conversation that accompany any Christian-themed artistic endeavor as “Pastor’s Kid: The Movie” approaches its release. While acknowledging the value of discourse in shaping the Legacy of their work, they are committed to engaging both support and dissent within their community. Our understanding of the filmmakers’ intentions is enlightened by their reflections, affirming everyone’s worthiness of love and acceptance.

The podcast concludes with a discussion of “Pastor’s Kid: The Movie,” highlighting its potential to reach a wider audience and its importance as it opens this weekend. Benjamin and Courtney emphasize their hope that viewers from all walks of life will be moved by the movie’s message of divine love and redemption with a dedicated social media presence and call to action.

The podcast offers listeners a nuanced discussion that weaves together concepts such as self-love, creativity, and faith-based storytelling.

This episode promotes an upcoming film and serves as a testament to cinema’s transformative potential when it fearlessly embraces authenticity and the complexities of the human spirit.

Apple Podcast Link:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/becoming-bridge-builders/id1527559732?i=1000649172432

Spotify Podcast Link:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/08nVKggtNaPkSrFcMLGVd0?si=FdgZRYQrRZCcgXy89v5XuA

YouTube Video Link:

https://youtu.be/1WB2NqoPBXA?si=wDmH8QCSoa9WrNh2

Originally Published on https://www.becomingbridgebuilders.org/blog

Rev. Dr. B. Keith Haney Rev. Dr. B. Keith Haney

Rev. Dr. Byrene Haney is a dedicated and experienced pastor with over 31 years of service in multi-ethnic urban congregations. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Science from Southern University, Baton Rouge, LA, and a Master of Divinity from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO. And a Doctorate of Education from Concordia Univerisity, Irvine, CA. Throughout his career, he has served in various roles, including Senior Pastor at Gospel Lutheran Church in Milwaukee, WI, and Mission Facilitator for the Northern Illinois District of the LCMS.

Currently, Rev. Dr. Haney serves as Assistant to the President in the Iowa District West, where he assists congregations with strategic planning, visioning, outreach, and fostering a culture of generosity and human care. His commitment to connecting faith with community needs and crises has significantly impacted the congregations he serves.