Documentary Series | 5 10-minute episodes with a final 20-minute short documentary | poetic style with mixed media | ©2026
A Hindu Swami, a Zen monk, a Muslim teacher, a Protestant minister, a Sociologist of Religion, and a Jewish educator start conversations with college-aged storytellers and reflect on their spiritual beliefs, values, and practices….
Episodes
1
Hinduism
2
Buddhism
3
Christianity
4
Judaism
5
Islam
6
Atheism & Agnosticism
7
Religious Diversity
The Concept
Religion Stories is a 6-episode storytelling project about the world’s religions that aims to increase religious literacy and diversity awareness. The 6 episodes follow experts in religious traditions in conversation with university-aged storytellers who explain their personal beliefs, values, and practices. The experts teach about the fundamental principles and practices of the traditions, and the young storytellers speak about their religious identity, worldviews, and religious engagement. Through thoughtful dialogue, the series sheds light on both the intellectual foundations and everyday practices of these traditions while showcasing the diverse ways people connect with (or disengage from) religious life.
Filming for Religion Stories began in Fall 2023, with the goal of making religious knowledge more accessible and engaging for students, educators, and the general public. More than just a documentary series, Religion Stories serves as an educational tool for classrooms, interfaith initiatives, and personal exploration—fostering curiosity, understanding, and dialogue across worldviews.
PRESS ABOUT RELIGION STORIES
VIDEO LIBRARIAN: "a fantastic introduction to six of the world’s largest religions...a must-have for comparative religion university coursework."
DIRECTOR'S STATEMENT
"I've spent much of my career asking how people make meaning. As a sociologist of religion, I've studied how beliefs shape identities, relationships, and societies. As a filmmaker, I've become increasingly interested in something scholarship alone cannot fully capture: the lived experience of faith.
Religion Stories grew from a simple conviction that storytelling can build understanding where
argument often cannot. Rather than debating which beliefs are “right,” this series creates space for people to tell their own stories — and for others to listen.
By pairing religious scholars and practitioners with college-aged storytellers, we wanted to create conversations that were thoughtful, vulnerable, and occasionally uncomfortable in the best possible way. I hope Religion Stories encourages viewers to ask better questions, listen more generously, and discover that understanding difference begins not with agreement, but with genuine conversation."
Jenn Lindsay
Producer / Director
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Watch the project trailers:
Watch the project Introduction:
PRODUCTION STILLS
For a private screener link send a request to marketing@sofarefilms.com