Christ in Film course
Imag(in)ing Jesus: Exploring the Cross-Cultural Portrayals of Christ in Film
In Mark 8:29, Jesus asks, “But who do you say that I am?”—a question that remains deeply relevant today. For centuries, cinematic portrayals of Jesus have been shaped by whiteness, influencing how audiences perceive him.
This session will first examine the history of Jesus in film, tracing dominant trends and cultural influences. We will then focus on a South African depiction of Jesus, exploring how different cultural contexts shape both filmmakers’ portrayals and audience interpretations. Through a comparative approach, we will analyse how Western and non-Western depictions of Jesus reflect broader theological, social, and political implications.
The first half of the session will provide an overview of Jesus in film history, while the second half will engage in a critical discussion of parallel portrayals from diverse global perspectives.
About the Tutor
Dr Victoria Omotoso is a cross-cultural research scholar. Her research engages with decolonisation, the image of the White Jesus, Black theologies and biblical reception. Her book, Imag(in)ing Jesus in the Universal or Particular, is to be published in 2025 by Bloomsbury Publishing. Victoria is an Honorary Research Fellow at the University of Exeter and a visiting lecturer at London School of Theology.
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