Spiritual film - Definition and Overview

Spiritual film is a type of film in which metaphysical topics and stories about human potentiality are presented. This can be a part of any film genre, though the stories tend to attempt to be uplifting and optimistic and thus are usually a part of romance films, fantasy films, comedy films or drama. Typical plots include friendly aliens, angels, time travel romances, saints and hero myths, and of course afterlife depictions. Certain directors and producers are either explicitly or implicitly working to advance spiritual film. Filmmakers who are actively working to advance this type of film include Stephen Simon (producer of What Dreams May Come and Indigo and Antero Alli (of Under a Shipwrecked Moon fame) in the United States. In Argentina, director Eliseo Subiela is also working to advance the film type with films such as Little Miracles and Don't Die Without Telling Me Where You Are Going.

Some related film categories could be considered subcategories, such as religious films, in which the beliefs of existing churches are explored, much in the same vein as a Documentary. Many fans of this film type would consider dogmatic religious films to be antithetical to Spiritual film, although they clearly share the same metaphysical themes. Mystical film, in which paranormal and psychic phenomenah are depicted with some realism at the possible expense of wide inspirational appeal is also related, although it is probably more related and inspired by occult themes and horror films, because for a mystically interested audience the effort at depiction is itself inspiring.

See also

MysticalMovieGuide (http://www.MysticalMovieGuide.com)
SpiritualCinemaCircle (http://www.SpiritualCinemaCircle.com)
Adherents.com/movies (http://www.adherents.com/movies/)