The alarming rise of an aggressive faction of Islam, coupled with the phenomenal growth of televised evangelism, are arguably the most spectacular religious phenomena of our time. While we are riveted by the inherent violence of the radical Islamic movement, evangelical mobility has gained ground in equal measure. The beliefs and ideals held by the new breed of fundamentalists have insinuated themselves into our homes, largely due to the saturation level of media coverage in every aspect of global society. Gloria Jesus is a fictional feature film directly inspired by these events.

Bruno, a young Brazilian pastor in the South American country of Amazonia, zealously pursues his mission to convert the indigenous tribes. His evangelism is extremely emotional and heavily laced with a stern, literal interpretation of the Bible. Pastor Bruno’s religious fervor and intense charisma draw the attention of Pastor Randy, a TV evangelist for the World Christ Channel (WCC), a fictional US-based evangelistic network methodically expanding through five continents.

Because of his unique talent for inflaming his followers, Pastor Bruno is recruited to be part of an international team of TV preachers. This team, which originates within the WCC, intends to crusade without conscience, aiming to undermine and demonize any religion that differs from their own. Each successive campaign stop is filmed and broadcast live on the WCC. Their locations are chosen deliberately and purposefully, leading inexorably to the final stage: Afghanistan, where the Taliban awaits them.

Gloria Jesus is neither a defense nor an indictment; it is the small, yet powerful awakening of critical awareness. 

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