As someone who has grown up in church, faith has always been a significant part of my life. Growing up, Christianity often felt dismissed or misunderstood by people my age, with many holding it to stereotypes. More recently though, I have witnessed an increasing curiosity about faith and church in people my age. Recent data suggests that a resurgence in church attendance may be taking place, with mainstream media, including BBC and Sky News, discussing this trend. This traction highlighted to me that a wider cultural conversation is taking place, rasing questions about what might be drawing this generation towards Christianity.

 

This curiosity became the central narrative of Not Just a Building. Rather than focusing on whether a religious revival is happening, I want to explore what young people are searching for through church and faith. Through the personal testimonies and experiences of young adults from Portsmouth, the documentary aims to present authentic stories that audiences can connect and resonate with. Focusing on lived experiences allows the audience to personally evaluate what might be drawing this generation to church. I want the audience to reconsider stereotypes often associated with the church and re-evaluate the relevance of church for young people today. That being said, as a Christian, presenting a balanced approach is important to me because I want the audience to come to their own conclusions in response to the contributors’ experiences.

 

My intention is to create a film that encourages reflection, curiosity and conversation surrounding the relevance of faith for younger generations.