Comedian and Writer Shaun Micallef takes a leap of faith on three extraordinary spiritual adventures. Envious of those with ‘unshakeable faith’, Shaun journeys across the globe immersing himself into some of the world’s most unique beliefs. This is his adventure out of suburban Australia on a quest to find the meaning of life itself.
Shaun Micallef travels to Salt Lake City to live, eat and pray with the Mormons before heading off with young missionaries to the jungles of the South Pacific. He then ventures to the Deserts of Utah to break bread with breakaway polygamists. This is Shaun’s adventure out of Suburban Australia and back to the origins of America’s own home-grown religion on a search for the meaning of life itself.
“Micallef gains unprecedented access to a family of Mormons who are surprisingly open about their beliefs. It's bound to be as eye-opening for the viewer as it was for Micallef” – Vanessa Williams, The West Seven Days, 14/01/17
Shaun Micallef is wondering if there is more to life than being a semi-professional comedian. Travelling to the back blocks of Brazil he immerses himself in the community of world famous medium and psychic spirit healer John of God - for a chance to commune with the dead. Here Catholicism is intertwined with a belief in supernatural miracles, mediums and the afterlife.
“His lack of religious convictions aids in the construction of the show as an exercise in enlightenment rather than clashing belief systems: these religious passions are clearly alien to him, but he seeks understanding openly and honestly.” – Green Guide, The Age, Melbourne, 19/01/17
Shaun Micallef is wondering if The End really is nigh and how to physically and spiritually prepare for the Apocalypse. Heading to America he undergoes biblical combat training with Doomsday Preppers and explores the world of TV evangelism with Born Again Christian fundamentalists. On a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, he stands where Jesus is prophesied to return, before finally retreating to the Greek Island of Patmos where the Book of Revelation was scribed.
“Programs such as this are expensive to produce and make immense demands on presenters and crew, but this is an outstanding achievement, well worth the investment. The economic realities of life with a public broadcaster may decree that Micallef has to return to his desk job, but I hope he can also get more time on the loose. He is a most gifted explorer of disparate human world” – Jane Goodall, Inside Story, 27/01/17
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‘Delightful’
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[Shaun Micallef’s] quest to discover if there is ‘‘greater purpose than being a semi-professional Australian TV personality’’ makes for a funny and watchable journey.
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(pick of the week)
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