For its 2025 Film series selection, the Wedgewood Social Justice Community is inviting Charlotte citizens to a screening of God & Country at Eastway’s Visart Video on Sunday, April 13.
Directed by Dan Partland, God & Country dives deep into the rise of Christian Nationalism in the United States, examining how it distorts Christianity and threatens the fabric of American democracy. The documentary is a timely and urgent piece that sets the stage for honest and necessary conversations about the intersections of faith, politics, and justice.
Partland is familiar with covering politics in his documentary stylings, having pursued other topics dealing with the rise of right-wing politics as well as Donald Trump on a few occasions. He is also known for pop culture topics, such as with his immersion into the effects of being constantly online in 2022’s “Digital Addiction” and 2019’s chronicling on fashion through the decades in “American Style”.
Following the screening, Dr. Shea T. Watts, a theologian, author, and Director of Contemporary Music and Worship Arts at Covenant Presbyterian Church, will be guiding attendees through a community dialogue around the film’s themes. His upcoming book, relating to the film’s themes, explores the connections between Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) and white Christian nationalism, offering valuable insight into the ways worship and ideology intersect in modern America.
“Shea brings both academic depth and pastoral care to this conversation,” said Liz Schob, Wedgewood’s Operations & Communications Director. “His presence will help ground the dialogue in both truth and hope.”
In addition to the film screening and group discussion, attendees will have a chance to connect with local organizations that promote and advocate for social justice initiatives in Charlotte and the Greater North Carolina region. The organizations that will have information tables available to offer resources and ways to take action include The Freedom Center for Social Justice and the Reproductive Rights Coalition.
The Wedgewood Social Justice Community is an interfaith community committed to peace, justice, equality, and the care of Mother Earth. Through programs like the Wedgewood Film Series, Wedgewood fosters interfaith dialogue and action on critical social issues. Those looking to learn more about the community group can find more information at wedgewoodcharlotte.org.
The God & Country film screening will take place April 13, 1:30 p.m. at Visart Video, in the Eastway Plaza shopping center at 3104 Eastway Drive. Tickets are $5 and are available for purchase online at http://visartvideo.org/visart-calendar-of-events.