đ Share this article Compelling Documentary on Church Abuse in the Big Easy Receives Highest Honor An revealing documentary investigating the widespread abuse within the church in the historic city has recently won the award for best documentary at Coloradoâs Winter Park film festival. Called âGod As My Witness,â the documentary highlights that those who commit these atrocities are not beyond justice, while providing a platform to survivors and seeking accountability. Screenings of the film at the gathering in the start of the month allegedly drew full houses, with numerous viewers moved to tears by the content. Produced by a New Orleans native and developed by Michael Brandner Sr, the feature-length film builds on personal accounts, including the discovery of letters authored by a clergyman accused of child molestation. The narrative also includes numerous victims who experienced abuse while being raised in church environments in New Orleans. Furthermore, the documentary examines the court proceedings undergone by the local archdiocese, which sought financial reorganization in mid-2020 due to numerous allegations of misconduct. Through latest reports, the bankruptcy case remains ongoing, though over 600 of survivors are in the process of deciding on a potential resolution valued at millions in compensation. The filmmakers accepted the top honor on the seventh of September. Michael Brandner described that seeing survivors take part in the honor was powerfully touching. âThe survivors transitioned from someone harmed to a person of strength to champion,â he said. âIt was truly beautiful.â Earlier than the Colorado event, the documentary was nominated for best feature documentary at the London-based event in June. It has also was shown at an event in a foreign country, where it was approved to be shown in a religious space by a local cardinal. As stated by those involved, the documentary skillfully presenting a local issue into a universal one. In the future, the feature is likely scheduled to premiere at the local cinema event in the end of the month. Admissions for that festival are expected to be released in mid-October.