Great Anti-Scientology Film

In addition to being a total sci-fi geek, I also have a love for independent films that try new things, so imagine my surprise when I discovered this dramatic critique of Scientology, made available for free on-line distribution.

It is a fact-based dramatization of life inside the Church of Scientology called "The Bridge," made in 2006. I urge everyone to watch this 1 hour, 9 minute long film. It's low budget, and some of the acting isn't up to par, but it's innovative in the way that it confronts Scientology head-on. I watched it last night and was not only entertained but educated. This film (yes, I'm pretentious enough to use the word film near-exclusively when applied to indie projects) is to Scientology what Jesus Camp is to conservative Christianity. And it's just as creepy. Kudos to the filmmaker!

I want to reiterate that I am not without sympathy for the people who have been duped by the CoS. This is why I appreciate how the film takes a very human approach to its protagonist, Diane, an insecure young woman who begins to doubt her faith when she realizes the Church isn't sharing the whole truth with her. Diane's story is utterly believable, disturbingly so. Please, watch this movie.

EDIT: Please also note that several weeks after this film began circulating, the Church of Scientology hired investigators to dig up dirt on the director and scare him into silence. Apparently it worked. At this time, there is no mention of this film on the Director's website, bretthanover.com.