(NEW YORK, NY) -- Jesus Land, written and directed by Saila Kariat, will have its World Premiere on Monday, October 12, 2026 at the 2026 SOHO International Film Festival (SIFFNYC). The film, which stars Juliette Lewis and Ella Anderson, will screen as the Closing Night film at Regal Union Square Theater 12 as the festival heads into its October 13 Awards Gala. Showtime is 8:30pm.
Based on Julia Scheeres' acclaimed New York Times bestselling memoir, Jesus Land is a powerful story of resilience, identity, family and survival. Set in 1980s rural Indiana and a brutal reform school in the Dominican Republic, the film follows a young girl and her adopted brother as they struggle to survive a childhood shaped by religious extremism, racism and abuse while holding onto the bond that gives them hope.
The film stars Ella Anderson (Song Sung Blue, Conviction), Juliette Lewis (Cape Fear, Yellowjackets), Kristian Bruun (Orphan Black, The Recruit), Kelly Sullivan (The Young & the Restless, General Hospital), Xavier Jones (Chicago P.D.,Extraction), Bryce Johnson (Pretty Little Liars, Popular) and Nikki Roumel (Ginny & Georgia).
"When I first read Julia Scheeres' memoir, it resonated with me deeply. I grew up in that era and, like David, was the only person of color in my school. Like Julia, I also experienced the contrast between a rigid, traditional home and the world outside.
"The story captures the pain and confusion of adolescence, while exploring deeper themes of family, faith, identity, race, and resilience. I hope Jesus Land reaches the right audiences and sparks meaningful conversations. We're thrilled that Jesus Land will have its World Premiere at the SOHO International Film Festival." - Saila Kariat, Writer/Director, Jesus Land.
The World Premiere comes as part of the 17th annual SOHO International Film Festival, which runs October 7–13, 2026, celebrating independent filmmakers and cinematic voices from around the world. Tickets for the screening are available for purchase online.
Wavefront Pictures was founded in San Francisco in 2008 by filmmaker Saila Kariat. It is a motion picture development and production company with a mission to tell novel and meaningful stories which raise societal awareness of relevant issues of our times.
Founded in 2009 by Jorge Ballos, the SOHO International Film Festival (SIFFNYC) is an annual celebration of independent film that showcases works from around the world. Now in its 17th year, SIFFNYC continues to foster cross-cultural dialogue and highlight groundbreaking cinema, drawing support from both industry insiders and Hollywood celebrities who champion independent voices.
photos and clips courtesy of Wavefront Pictures
There are multiple performances including:
Wednesday, October 07, 2026
@ 7:30pm
McCarter Theatre Center (Matthews Theatre)
Princeton, NJ
Thursday, October 08, 2026
@ 7:00pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center
Morristown, NJ
Thursday, October 08, 2026
@ 7:30pm
State Theatre New Jersey
New Brunswick, NJ
Thursday, October 08, 2026
@ 6:00pm
Hamilton Stage at Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC)
Rahway, NJ
There are multiple performances including:
Thursday, October 08, 2026
@ 8:00pm
Oakes Center
Summit, NJ
