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Josh and Jessica Jordan share their unique cinematic journey where Eastern spirituality meets Texas landscapes in their black and white feature film "El Tonto Por Cristo" - the tale of an Orthodox monastery on the coast of Texas where an unlikely saint emerges.

Support El Tonto Por Cristo's theatrical run here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/748841722/el-tonto-por-cristo-a-cinematic-meditation?ref=7zrob8

Our conversation dives deep into the art of "transcendental cinema" - a slow deliberate approach inspired by masters like Tarkovsky, Bresson, and Bergman, that invites viewers to lean in rather than be force-fed meaning. As Josh explains, "I think that's the reason we're artists - we should not really fully understand who we are." This philosophy permeates their filmmaking process, where they embrace the unknown while meticulously crafting each frame.

What makes this discussion particularly compelling is the behind-the-scenes reality of independent filmmaking. The Jordans reveal how they transformed a 19th century house into both living quarters for the crew and a monastery set, secured SAG approval miraculously a mere hours before filming began during the actors' strike, and completed principal photography in just 14 days. Their emphasis on building community through filmmaking - casting local theater actors and involving family members in production - offers a refreshing counterpoint to Hollywood's star-driven approach.

Beyond production details, the conversation explores the spiritual dimensions of cinema and why certain films endure beyond box office numbers. The Jordans articulate a profound vision for making movies that matter - works that may polarize audiences but ultimately speak truth about the human condition. Their journey to Orthodoxy informs their artistic sensibilities while maintaining a focus on storytelling.

For aspiring filmmakers, spiritual seekers, or someone who simply appreciates thoughtfully crafted cinema, this episode offers insights into creating art that transcends commercial expectations. Follow El Tonto Pro Cristo on Instagram to discover when this unique film might grace a theater near you or consider donating to their fundraiser (live now!) for its theatrical run, at the link above.

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