Watching films about interfaith experiences allows us to reflect on our own beliefs and their effect on our interactions. These movies can deepen our understanding of how faith shapes relationships and communities, fostering dialogue and mutual respect.
Keeping the Faith (Touchstone Pictures/Spyglass Entertainment, 2000, Rated M)
Directed by Edward Norton, the film stars Norton as Father Brian, Ben Stiller as Rabbi Jake, and Jenna Elfman as Anna Riley, the woman who comes between them. Norton’s directorial debut humorously explores the complexities of interfaith relationships, highlighting the tensions of love across religious boundaries. Praised for its light-hearted yet thoughtful take on serious topics, it offers valuable lessons in communication, empathy and respect in interfaith dialogues.
The Namesake (Fox Searchlight Pictures, 2006, Rated M)
Directed by Mira Nair and starring Kal Penn as Gogol, this powerful drama depicts the life of a Bengali American family grappling with their cultural and religious identity. The film also stars Irrfan Khan and Tabu as Gogol’s parents. Based on Jhumpa Lahiri’s acclaimed novel, The Namesake portrays the challenges of living between two cultures and religions with sensitivity and depth. The film was lauded for its authentic portrayal of the immigrant experience and the complexities involved in maintaining one’s faith in a multicultural society.
Meet the Parents (TriBeCa Productions/Nancy Tenenbaum Productions, 2000, Rated M)
Directed by Jay Roach and featuring Ben Stiller as Greg Focker and Robert De Niro as his prospective father-in-law, this comedy became a cultural phenomenon for its humorous depiction of interfaith and familial tensions. Also starring Teri Polo and Blythe Danner, the film humorously details the misunderstandings and cultural clashes that can occur in interfaith relationships, ultimately emphasising empathy, compromise and communication. Meet the Parents was a box office success, allowing viewers to live vicariously through Greg’s experiences and reflect on their own approaches to navigating religious differences.
My Big Fat Greek Wedding (Gold Circle Films/HBO Films, 2002, Rated PG)
Directed by Joel Zwick, written by and starring Nia Vardalos, this romantic comedy tells the story of Greek Orthodox woman Toula Portokalos and her non-Greek fiancé (John Corbett). Their on-screen journey through cultural and religious differences is heartwarming and relatable. My Big Fat Greek Wedding became one of the highest-grossing independent films of all time and remains a beloved example of how interfaith relationships can thrive despite differences. It encourages us to embrace the richness of diverse faith traditions while fostering openness and acceptance within our communities.
These films entertain while also prompting reflection on our own faith journeys and interactions with those of different beliefs.
Laura Kings is Australian Catholics assistant editor – education and youth
Reflection questions
1. How do characters handle interfaith relationships, and what can I learn about fostering empathy and respect?
2. What challenges from cultural and religious differences arise, and how can I address similar issues while staying true to my faith?
3. How does the film balance religious identity with diversity, and what does this teach me about living my faith in a multicultural world?
4. How have my experiences with different faiths influenced my understanding of Catholic teachings on love and compassion?
5. What actions can I take to promote interfaith dialogue and strengthen relationships with those from different religious backgrounds, inspired by the film?