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Description
Frat Boys of Faith is a thirty-three-minute documentary that investigates the formative college experience from the unique perspective of two students who pledged Greek fraternities early on in their college years, only later to become devout Christians. The film's narrative structure follows two distinct subjects: Ben Falealili, a Samoan anthropology major who is a leader and spoken word artist, and Patrick Barbour, a political science major, who leads a life of abstinence with his current Christian girlfriend. Both are graduating seniors, and on the verge of making crucial career choices. As these young men form their identities within the "brotherhood" of Christianity and Greek fraternities, we observe the role religion plays in their everyday lives as students, "brothers," and boyfriends. We are offered an inside look into how the subjects deal with the college routine, job hunts, and life-changing conflicts that arise. This thesis project explores the critical issues of Christianity and sexuality, doubt and faith, and religious interpretation. It does not take sides, but rather attempts to answer the question: what does a life devoted to God on the college campus look like? According to a recent UCLA study, more young people are claiming to be "nonreligious" than ever before. This project is an analysis of a group on the other end of the spectrum. It will examine why these subjects joined their fraternities, how they came to believe what they believe, and what impact that belief has had on their individual realities. Through careful observation and analysis, Frat Boys of Faith attempts to offer a valuable contribution to the conversation about religion on the college campus. This thesis paper will address the many inherent challenges in making a film about religion on campus. It will also present research about the role religion and Greek fraternities play on the college campus; it will present the films, documentary modes, interview tactics, and influential television series that have been examined for this project. A DVD of the film is available for viewing at the Media Center of Love Library.
