HAIL SATAN? Trailer Aims to Stir the Pot
Jonathan Barkan
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It’s perfectly understandable that some people have a rather visceral reaction to hearing that there’s a Satanic Temple. With thousands of years behind the concept of Satan being an evil force, one can easily make the assumption that a temple that uses such a character in their name must be full of only the most evil and wicked amongst us. But as with so many other situations, once a little bit of light is cast and a little bit of time is invested, the truth appears.
The Satanic Temple may have an incendiary name but their mission is rather noble. Their actions show that they demand equality, even when it’s uncomfortable for others, so as to expose hypocrisy. The best example is when they insisted that a Baphomet statue be placed next to a statue of the Ten Commandments outside the Oklahoma State Capitol building. After becoming a legal situation, the Ten Commandments statue was found to be in violation, requiring its removal. The Satanic Temple withdrew their request afterward. A similar situation occurred at the Arkansas Capitol Grounds, although the outcome there is yet to be seen.
To find out more about The Satanic Temple, documentary filmmaker Penny Lane decided to make them the subject of her latest film, which has released a trailer that can be seen above.
“Chronicling the extraordinary rise of one of the most colorful and controversial religious movements in American history, Hail Satan? is an inspiring and entertaining new feature documentary from acclaimed director Penny Lane (Nuts!, Our Nixon). When media-savvy members of the Satanic Temple organize a series of public actions designed to advocate for religious freedom and challenge corrupt authority, they prove that with little more than a clever idea, a mischievous sense of humor, and a few rebellious friends, you can speak truth to power in some truly profound ways. As charming and funny as it is thought-provoking, Hail Satan? offers a timely look at a group of often misunderstood outsiders whose unwavering commitment to social and political justice has empowered thousands of people around the world.“
Directed by Penny Lane and produced by Gabriel Sedgwick, Hail Satan? will be coming to theaters on April 19.
