NEW TESTAMENT, 2006, (23 minutes), High Definition single channel video

A conceptual narrative about the over-determined influence of Right Wing Christianity upon the US government following a collaborative experiment in genetic engineering with the Vatican in the early 1980s to bring about the second coming of Jesus as a weapon. The Jesus character is born, much to the dismay of the Pentagon, Black; 24 years later, this becomes a strategic advantage. The character continuously evades capture and control, finally taking a line of flight, leaving the known world altogether: the superimposition of the Vatican upon Washington DC becomes ancient Egypt upon a nearby beach, becoming Osiris. Here, he turns away from death towards life by way of sexual experience; “he is risen” takes on a more visceral meaning. Text references DH Lawrence’s book The Man Who Died and his essay “Apocalypse” while thinking about Philip K. Dick’s Valis trilogy.

Starring Paul Mpagi Sepuya, Larry Miller, Viva Ruiz, Matt Dunn, and Jason Thome. Music by Nick Hallett and Uncle Woody Sullender.

Watch the trailer.

Shot in on location in Washington DC, New York City, and Fort Tilden, NY.

Camera: Thomas Torres Cordova.

Featuring: Paul Mpagi Sepuya, Larry Miller, and Viva Ruiz, Matt Dunn, and Jason Thome.

Music by: Nick Hallett and Uncle Woody Sullender.