First local docufilm on Spiritual Baptists to be screened Saturday

The story of Spiritual Baptists in St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG), and their fight for religious freedom is being told for the first time on screen in a recently released documentary, titled Ring the Bell, Shout Hallelujah!

The feature length film traces the persecution of the Shakers, the name Spiritual Baptists were known by in the past, and their resistance to the Shakerism Prohibition Ordinance, which was enacted into law in 1912.

The legislation banned all religious gatherings for Shakers and resulted in a heavy police crackdown where many were arrested and charged for violating the Ordinance.

The film opens in early 1913 when police surveillance of the religion had heightened, and shows a secret meeting being intercepted and members arrested.

Through dramatized re-enactments, the audience can follow the story of the fictional character, ‘Mother Gloria’, played by radio host, Dianna Cain, and her determination to keep the congregation active despite the Prohibition Ordinance. Her story is recounted through the voice of her great-great grandson, student Zhi-Jason Smith-Hannaway, who affirms his commitment to the faith as a result of her resistance.

Ring the Bell, Shout Hallelujah! highlights pivotal moments in the history of the Spiritual Baptists Movement, including the legislative fight mounted by politician, George McIntosh, the eventual repeal of the Ordinance in 1965 by Chief Minister, E.T Joshua, and the recognition of the national holiday passed in the House of Assembly by the government in August, 2024.

The documentary features interviews with historian, Dr Adrian Fraser who conducted in-depth research for his publication, ‘From Shakers to Spiritual Baptists: The Struggle for Survival of the Shakers of St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ released back in 2012.

Spiritual Baptists leaders, elders,  and youth are also featured in the 46-minute documentary, speaking on various misconceptions about the Faith and their hopes for the growth of the religion locally. There is also a segment on how African-based religious practices are used by Vincentian theatre practitioners as a tool of decolonization.

The film was written and directed by SEARCHLIGHT Senior Journalist Christina Smith, shot and edited by SEARCHLIGHT Videographer, Eldontè Samuel, who both previously produced the ‘SVG Murder Mysteries’ series released in 2024.

The film will premiere at the Vincy Night event of the Hairouna Film Festival (HFF) on Saturday, March 22, 2025 at 6:30 p.m on the Calliaqua Playing Field.