Audience Polls: From Jihad to Jesus - Exploring Faith as Film Antagonist

The MAKE IT Podcast

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In this Audience Polls, we talk about faith-based films, revealing surprising results about how audiences perceive movies differently when protagonists versus antagonists have faith-based motivations. Filmmaker Yelena Popovic discusses the challenges of creating authentic faith-based cinema and shares insights from her film about St. Moses the Black. The conversation explores the difference between movies about religion, faith-based films, and art that genuinely uplifts audiences.


We also talk about:

• The poll results show 77% consider films faith-based when protagonists act on faith, but only 26% when antagonists do

• Hollywood's narrow definition of faith-based films requiring divine intervention as a plot device

• Yelena's struggle to get her film accepted by both faith-based and secular studios

• The distinction between authentic spiritual storytelling and propaganda

• How true faith is tested in difficult situations rather than proclaimed in comfort


Mentioned:

Yelena Popovic (filmmaker)

St. Moses the Black (film/historical figure)

Conclave (film)

The Passion of the Christ (film)

Deus ex machina (storytelling concept)


We are humbled to have a community of creatives who care deeply about our work. And your support makes our work possible. Every subscriber, rating, and review matters. So, if you like what we're doing, please consider subscribing, rating, or giving us a review. Cheers, and best of luck on your filmmaking journey. #MAKEIT


All Links: https://beacons.ai/themakeitpodcast



Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
More description

Hello, Hello!


In this Audience Polls, we talk about faith-based films, revealing surprising results about how audiences perceive movies differently when protagonists versus antagonists have faith-based motivations. Filmmaker Yelena Popovic discusses the challenges of creating authentic faith-based cinema and shares insights from her film about St. Moses the Black. The conversation explores the difference between movies about religion, faith-based films, and art that genuinely uplifts audiences.


We also talk about:

• The poll results show 77% consider films faith-based when protagonists act on faith, but only 26% when antagonists do

• Hollywood's narrow definition of faith-based films requiring divine intervention as a plot device

• Yelena's struggle to get her film accepted by both faith-based and secular studios

• The distinction between authentic spiritual storytelling and propaganda

• How true faith is tested in difficult situations rather than proclaimed in comfort


Mentioned:

Yelena Popovic (filmmaker)

St. Moses the Black (film/historical figure)

Conclave (film)

The Passion of the Christ (film)

Deus ex machina (storytelling concept)


We are humbled to have a community of creatives who care deeply about our work. And your support makes our work possible. Every subscriber, rating, and review matters. So, if you like what we're doing, please consider subscribing, rating, or giving us a review. Cheers, and best of luck on your filmmaking journey. #MAKEIT


All Links: https://beacons.ai/themakeitpodcast



Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
2026-02-10 13 min
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