The official trailer for HEATHENS has been released, offering a first look at a powerful new documentary that explores the hidden world of Americans who privately question the faith they were raised in. Directed and produced by David Cowan and Shawn Hardin, with executive producers Rebecca Cammisa, Brad Feld, and Amy Batchelor, the film follows five people over several years as they confront the personal and social consequences of religious doubt.
The trailer introduces viewers to a striking statistic: more than 80 million American adults—about one in three—hide their religious doubts or exaggerate their level of belief. According to recent research, the strongest predictor of whether someone conceals their doubts is not their theology, but the pressure they feel from family, community, and culture.
HEATHENS follows five individuals who first meet at a secluded retreat in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. Some arrive under assumed names. Others come without telling their families. All share the fear of what honesty might cost them—relationships, stability, or livelihood.
The trailer highlights moments of confession, humor, music, and emotional release as the group begins to reclaim the word “heathen” as a symbol of autonomy and identity. Their weekend together becomes a turning point, prompting each to return home and confront the truth they’ve long kept hidden.
The documentary features:
- Sarah McTaggart
- H.G. Roberts
- Darante Martin
- Allen Coffey
- Nathlye Tatiana
with commentary from Dr. Darrel Ray and Dr. Samuel L. Perry, whose research provides context for the social pressures surrounding religious conformity.
Over three years, the film follows the subjects as they navigate the emotional and practical realities of stepping outside the faith traditions that shaped their lives. Their stories unfold against a backdrop of rising Christian nationalism and political polarization, illustrating how religious identity can become intertwined with family loyalty, community belonging, and national rhetoric.
Creative Team
Directors / Producers: David Cowan, Shawn Hardin
Executive Producers: Rebecca Cammisa, Brad Feld, Amy Batchelor
Featuring: Sarah McTaggart, H.G. Roberts, Darante Martin, Allen Coffey, Nathlye Tatiana With: Dr. Darrel Ray, Dr. Samuel L. Perry
