Let The Church Say
by Rafiq J. Nabali

Rafiq J. Nabali
Follow
Let The Church Say
by Rafiq J. Nabali
Rafiq J. Nabali
Follow
Let the Church Say is a filmmaker’s coming of age story. It is an episodic, investigative study of the Black church and its relevance in African American lives. It confronts viewers with the question: Is the Black church dead? The conversation starts with the church's role in social justice.
Let the Church Say is a filmmaker’s coming of age story. It is an episodic, investigative study of the Black church and its relevance in African American lives. It confronts viewers with the question: Is the Black church dead? The conversation starts with the church's role in social justice.
-
Story
Mission Statement
The Black church is the oldest Black institution in African American history, but in a culture that is constantly changing, is the church actually relevant to the youth of today? We need the Black church and the church needs its people. This conversation can be the catalyst for a brighter future!About The Project
The Black American Church: Dead or Alive?
Imagine that in a large cathedral with stained glass windows and mahogany pews stands Rafiq J. Nabali, a young, African American filmmaker and Christian. Here, in the First African Baptist Church, the oldest (established in 1773) Black church in the U.S., we encounter one of the foundations for the preservation of Black culture in America. Through the years of oppression and sacrifice one thing has remained: The Black church and its impact on Black culture today. Nevertheless, in the light of the loss church's central role in African American communities, some would argue that the Black church is dead or dying. Is it true?
Rafiq, familiar with the arguments and conflicts within the church, now embarks on a journey to uncover the truth behind the external criticism. He starts in Atlanta, the landing pad of the current Black migration, a city bustling with Black culture, wealth, political power, and a stomping ground for legendary civil rights activists like the late Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the late John Lewis.
Due to the frequent stories of unarmed Black men being killed by police officers, an unprecedented movement for social justice has captured the world’s attention. In America, Black people are hurting everywhere. Rafiq unearths testimonies from Black brothers, Black sisters, and contributors to this current revolution, in order to see where the Black church stands in all this pain.
Has the Black Lives Matter (BLM) organization displaced the Black church in the realm of social justice? If BLM has become the voice of morality, does this render the church obsolete? Rafiq participates in several marches, including the March on Washington organized by Rev. Al Sharpton. Through conversations with activists, progressive-thinking pastors, and the most knowledgeable of voices, he discovers where the church has and hasn’t been involved. Does the institution’s involvement or lack thereof give credit to its livelihood or point to its inevitable extinction?
Where would the Black community be without the Black church?
The perspectives of those interviewed will be the evidence of the
investigation. This is the true story of the Black American church through the
eyes of a Black American.DIRECTOR'S STATEMENT
I was born in the church. This statement not only details my personal experience but also is a reminder that the church, like a beloved ancestor, has lived a life full of triumphs and failures long before I even existed. Some of my earliest memories consisted of my late grandmother being honored in front of her entire church congregation. I remember church members coming to visit and praying for her when she was sick and them sending their condolences when she passed. My firsthand experience of such events sparked my interest in the Black church and its significance in the lives of African Americans. I believe very few people fully understand the importance of the Black church. It has long stood for equality and valuing its members. It is an institution that provides psychological refuge for the broken and of course, a path to salvation for the lost.
Nevertheless, my love for being a part of such a community may have blinded me from seeing that the church I attended seemed to have little effect on the dilapidated community in which it resided. The actions of the faithful, though authentic and significant, seemed to benefit mostly the members. Today, what I still see as a crucial part of my life seems to have lost its significance in the overall African American experience. The decline in religious affiliation amongst Blacks, the loss of the churches' central role in Black communities, the numerous scandals and the lack of involvement with current injustices in society speak to an entity in spiritual and social decline. In addition, the current pandemic has restricted in person gatherings for churches across the United States of America, an unprecedented dilemma for a lot of congregations. It seems as if the evidence for the Black church’s vitality is harder to find in mainstream media. I am even less surprised when I encounter non-religious Black people in my social circles, something that was a rarity when I was younger. More than ever, the collective voice of African Americans needs to be uplifted and the Black church is a foundational part of Black life whether we recognize it or not. I want the world, especially African Americans, to recognize the church’s historical significance and church leadership to make critical decisions that will build a better future for all.
Let the Church Say is my coming of age story. Is the Black church dead? This question will be answered through a variety of means including uniquely designed interviews with affiliates of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), government officials, Black influencers and religious leaders. Coupled with guerrilla-style footage of current protests, Atlanta natives and archival images, the church will be seen through the perspective of those who know it best. Perhaps the greatest evidence will be found in my personal journey towards the truth. I know that not everything I learn will be lovely, but my aim is not to immortalize the church, nor do I aim to sanctify it. Quite frankly, that is not my job. Rather, I desire to present the humanity of the Black church and declare it still beautiful.
- Rafiq J. Nabali
CAST
At the heart of this project is a reckoning with hope. Is there hope for our people? Is there hope for the Black church? Join the conversation as we navigate some tough issues, realities and questions!
Where will this be seen?
Our ultimate goal is wider distribution of our full docuseries via a major studio/online streaming platform (i.e. Netflix, BET, Hulu, HBO, Oprah Winfrey Network), but our more immediate goal is completion of this film and sharing it with YOU. We plan to submit this film to some of the most highly acclaimed film festivals around the world and debut it to our supporters via a virtual screening. Our larger docuseries will explore many different viewpoints including the Black church's role in economics and music.
What your contributions will cover?
The contributions to our campaign not only help reimburse the expenses from our first round of filming, but it also covers payment of our production staff, the cost of post production and marketing/distribution. Expenses like paying our editor, colorist, cinematographer, graphic artists and more are dependent on us reaching our goal.
How can you help?
- PLEDGE TO OUR CAMPAIGN! We've partnered with an amazing Black owned, Christian clothing company, Humble & Faithful, to offer you the most fashionable perks possible. Coupled with our own uniquely designed film perks you can support a project you love and receive one of our many tokens of gratitude.
YOUR GIFT IS TAX DEDUCTIBLE
Let the Church Say is a fiscally sponsored project of Film Independent, a 501(c)(3) non-profit independent media arts organization. Contributions on behalf of Let the Church Say are payable to Film Independent (through Seed and Spark) and are tax-deductible less the value of any goods or services received, as allowed by law. The value of goods and services being offered will be given upon request.
Other ways to help...
- FOLLOW US on all of our social media platforms! Like, Comment and Share with your family and friends.
- Know someone who would love to support a project like this? Are you a part of a Christian congregation, organization or institution that you think would be interested in contributing? Share the page with them or have them contact us directly at [email protected]
Risks & Challenges
- Covid 19 has made filmmaking even more of a challenge. Traveling to different states, operating with smaller crew sizes and following strict covid protocols increases expenses and limits some of our production endeavors. Nevertheless we are committed to telling this story and giving hope to those that need it most. We've centralized a majority of our production to Atlanta, GA and hired an incredibly talented crew to work as effeciently as possible. In light of some our cast being immunocompromised, we've also taken additional precautions to ensure the safety of everyone on set.
THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR SUPPORT!!!!
Incentives
$10
God Is Good All The Time
They say it takes a village to raise a child, but it also takes a congregation to raise our voices. Let's start here, together and with this contribution you will be helping us on our journey to make this film a success.
You Get:
- Social Media Graphic Shout Out
- To Support A Project You Love
$15
And All The Time God Is Good.
"God loves a cheerful giver." - 2 Corinthians 9:7
Every dollar counts! Cheers us on as we bring this story to life.
You Get:
- Social Media Graphic Shout Out
- Digital Download of The Film
$25
Jesus Take The Wheel
Take a trip through your timeline and look out for a fun and personalized social media shout out from the LTCS team.
You Get:
- Personalized Thank You Card from the Director
- Digital Download of The Film
- Thank You Credit In The Film
- Personalized Social Media Graphic Shout Out
$50
Look At God
We're overwhelmed and want to show our appreciation by saying thank you in a fun video shout out on our social media platforms.
You Get:
- Personalized Thank You Card from the Director
- Digital Download of the Film
- Thank You Credit In The Film
- Social Media Personalized Video Shout Out
- 2 Fun 'Let The Church Say' Stickers
$100
Turn To Your Neighbor And Say
Some blessings in life are too exciting to keep inside, you just want to reach out and tell somebody! That's how we feel about the contribution you've made. This eye-grabbing Humble & Faithful T-Shirt is our way of saying thank you.
You Get:
- Personalized Thank You Card from the Director
- Digital Download of the Film
- Thank You Credit In The Film
- Social Media Personalized Video Shout Out
- 2 Fun ‘Let The Church Say’ Stickers
- 1 Bumper Sticker
- Humble & Faithful Pin
- Early Bird Screening of the Film
- Humble & Faithful T-Shirt
$250
When The Praises Go Up, The Blessings Come Down!
"Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." – Luke 6:38
This generous contribution you have given to us will be such a blessing to our project!
Be among some of the first eyes to see the completed film with an early bird special release. Get ready for storytime as you tour some great Behind-The-Scenes moments with the director, Rafiq J. Nabali.
You Get:
- Special Thank Card from the Director
- Digital Download of the Film
- Thank You Credit In The Film
- 1 Fun Bumper Sticker
- 2 Fun "Let The Church Say” Stickers
- Early Bird Virtual Screening of The Film
- Humble & Faithful Pin
- Humble & Faithful Hoodie
- Unreleased BTS Storytime with Director
$500
It’s Not Over 'Till God Says It’s Over!
We're gonna make it, together.
Some say it's not over until the fat lady sings but we say it's not over until God says it's over. Thank you for your continued support and this generous contribution will help us accomplish our production goals.
Not only do you get private access to an early screening of the film but you can also enjoy the perks of VIP status and literally jump into the conversation with our screening Q & A.
You Get:
- Everything +
- Signed Film Poster by Cast & Crew
- Early Bird Virtual Screening of the Film +VIP Q & A with Director & Producers. *Special Guest Appearance from Cast*
$1,000
Blessed And Highly Favored
Have your name listed among the very limited and exclusive list of Associate Producers on this project in the credits, IMDB, and social media.
It's cool, you can start bragging. You're a BOSS!
You Get:
- Everything +
- Associate Producer Credit
$2,000
Praise Break
Let's Go!!!
Break out the tambourine, hit that drum solo we're making room for the praise break! Hallelujah! We can't do this without you and your generous contribution will catapult us to our target.
Spread the word, you're in the big leagues now and we'll broadcast your name among a special group of Producers for the project in the credits, on IMDB and our social media platforms.
You Get:
- Everything +
- Producer Credit
$5,000
Amazing Grace, How Sweet The Sound
The words Thank You just aren't big enough. This amazing contribution will have us all dancing across the finish line.
And with your new hotshot Executive Producer title, you can brag and boast as we spread your name across all of our social media pages, on IMDB, in the film credits and everywhere else.
We did it, because of you!
You Get:
- Everything +
- Executive Producer Credit
-
Wishlist
Use the WishList to pledge cash and loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an incentive directly.
$10
God Is Good All The Time
They say it takes a village to raise a child, but it also takes a congregation to raise our voices. Let's start here, together and with this contribution you will be helping us on our journey to make this film a success.
You Get:
- Social Media Graphic Shout Out
- To Support A Project You Love
$15
And All The Time God Is Good.
"God loves a cheerful giver." - 2 Corinthians 9:7
Every dollar counts! Cheers us on as we bring this story to life.
You Get:
- Social Media Graphic Shout Out
- Digital Download of The Film
$25
Jesus Take The Wheel
Take a trip through your timeline and look out for a fun and personalized social media shout out from the LTCS team.
You Get:
- Personalized Thank You Card from the Director
- Digital Download of The Film
- Thank You Credit In The Film
- Personalized Social Media Graphic Shout Out
$50
Look At God
We're overwhelmed and want to show our appreciation by saying thank you in a fun video shout out on our social media platforms.
You Get:
- Personalized Thank You Card from the Director
- Digital Download of the Film
- Thank You Credit In The Film
- Social Media Personalized Video Shout Out
- 2 Fun 'Let The Church Say' Stickers
$100
Turn To Your Neighbor And Say
Some blessings in life are too exciting to keep inside, you just want to reach out and tell somebody! That's how we feel about the contribution you've made. This eye-grabbing Humble & Faithful T-Shirt is our way of saying thank you.
You Get:
- Personalized Thank You Card from the Director
- Digital Download of the Film
- Thank You Credit In The Film
- Social Media Personalized Video Shout Out
- 2 Fun ‘Let The Church Say’ Stickers
- 1 Bumper Sticker
- Humble & Faithful Pin
- Early Bird Screening of the Film
- Humble & Faithful T-Shirt
$250
When The Praises Go Up, The Blessings Come Down!
"Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." – Luke 6:38
This generous contribution you have given to us will be such a blessing to our project!
Be among some of the first eyes to see the completed film with an early bird special release. Get ready for storytime as you tour some great Behind-The-Scenes moments with the director, Rafiq J. Nabali.
You Get:
- Special Thank Card from the Director
- Digital Download of the Film
- Thank You Credit In The Film
- 1 Fun Bumper Sticker
- 2 Fun "Let The Church Say” Stickers
- Early Bird Virtual Screening of The Film
- Humble & Faithful Pin
- Humble & Faithful Hoodie
- Unreleased BTS Storytime with Director
$500
It’s Not Over 'Till God Says It’s Over!
We're gonna make it, together.
Some say it's not over until the fat lady sings but we say it's not over until God says it's over. Thank you for your continued support and this generous contribution will help us accomplish our production goals.
Not only do you get private access to an early screening of the film but you can also enjoy the perks of VIP status and literally jump into the conversation with our screening Q & A.
You Get:
- Everything +
- Signed Film Poster by Cast & Crew
- Early Bird Virtual Screening of the Film +VIP Q & A with Director & Producers. *Special Guest Appearance from Cast*
$1,000
Blessed And Highly Favored
Have your name listed among the very limited and exclusive list of Associate Producers on this project in the credits, IMDB, and social media.
It's cool, you can start bragging. You're a BOSS!
You Get:
- Everything +
- Associate Producer Credit
$2,000
Praise Break
Let's Go!!!
Break out the tambourine, hit that drum solo we're making room for the praise break! Hallelujah! We can't do this without you and your generous contribution will catapult us to our target.
Spread the word, you're in the big leagues now and we'll broadcast your name among a special group of Producers for the project in the credits, on IMDB and our social media platforms.
You Get:
- Everything +
- Producer Credit
$5,000
Amazing Grace, How Sweet The Sound
The words Thank You just aren't big enough. This amazing contribution will have us all dancing across the finish line.
And with your new hotshot Executive Producer title, you can brag and boast as we spread your name across all of our social media pages, on IMDB, in the film credits and everywhere else.
We did it, because of you!
You Get:
- Everything +
- Executive Producer Credit
- Updates
-
Current Team
About This Team
RAFIQ J. NABALI
Rafiq Jordan Nabali is a gifted filmmaker and recent graduate of Savannah College of Art and Design. As a leader and visionary in the SCAD Film and Television department, Jordan’s passion for current cultural events inspire him to create stories that explore the viewpoints of unsung heroes. Uncompromising and indefatigable, Jordan crafts films with exceptional insight, deep emotion, and enlightening perspectives. In this project, Jordan will combine his deep commitment to Christianity with his ambitious skills as a filmmaker. His journey into the heart and history of the Black church will provide a personal view of the vital connection between race and religion.
JOE HOWELL
Producer Joe Howell is the Managing Director of Stage Ten Media, a Film and Media Production Company. Joe has worked in the film and music industries for over 20 years as a filmmaker, engineer, music producer, director and writer. He directed the music documentary film “All Natural,” which was nominated in the Best Short Doc category at the 2019 Bronze Lens Film Festival. He has worked for ABC Television in video editing and in studios, such as NYC's Sony Studios and the Hit Factory, as a recording engineer. He secured a music publishing deal with Universal Music and his work is showcased on many LP albums and live projects including LaFace/Arista Records and Bad Boy/Universal Records. He received ASCAP’s prestigious Rhythm and Soul Award for his Billboard, chart-topping work.
NANCY HOWARD
Nancy B. Howard is the Founder of The Big Picture Film & Video Foundation and the Big Picture Con Film & Technology Conference. She is a film producer with two decades of production experience. As a marketing professional, she has been responsible for extending brand awareness, community involvement, and driving member loyalty for Coca-Cola Federal Credit Union. As Executive VP of Kiss The Limit Productions, Nancy produced the short film, The Promise, featuring Melissa McBride of The Walking Dead. Nancy is a member and former Board Member of Women in Film & Television Atlanta, and also a member of Film Independent, Georgia Production Partnership and the Atlanta Film Society.
VISHVESH BAKSHI
Cinematography Show Reel: https://vimeo.com/382149823
A 29-year-old, aspiring Cinematographer born and raised in India, Vishvesh has over 3 years of work experience in the Indian Film Industry. He worked his way up from a video intern with Glitch, Mumbai, to a cinematographer and Editor on multiple award-winning productions. He moved to the United States to pursue his film career. He graduated form SCAD Atlanta with Masters of Fine Arts in Film and Television Production in 2020. During his time at SCAD he worked on many key projects such as Music videos that won the Student Emmy and Short films that have been selected at Atlanta Film Festival, New York International Film Awards, Louisiana LGBT Film Festival to name a few. Through years of experience across different cultures he has developed a unique style that will elevate any production to the next level.
DANIELLE NEBELIUK
Danielle Nebeliuk is a 28-year old Jamaican born Emmy-nominated Writer/Director. Following her passion for storytelling in 2017, she left her career in advertising and moved to Atlanta to pursue an MFA in Film & Television at the Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD). Within her first quarter at SCAD she pitched for and was hired to create a short film for Sesame Street. After which she was invited to speak on panels at the 42nd Atlanta Film Festival and at the 2018 SCAD Animation Fest about the short film entitled, ‘L is for Laundromat’. The short film premiered worldwide throughout the HBO platform on January 12th, 2019. In the Fall of 2018, Danielle interned on the featured film, ‘The Banker’ and was mentored by William Greenfield. She was also selected to operate as the Cinematographer’s assistant where she assisted Charlotte Bruus Christensen for the duration of the film’s principal photography. In the Spring of 2019 Danielle was hired as an office production assistant on the HBO Television show LoveCraft Country. While working on LoveCraft in the Summer of 2019 a music video that Danielle wrote and directed was nominated for a Student Emmy award. Danielle is currently working on her thesis film which she plans to shoot in the Spring of 2021.
-
Media
Videos
Images
-
Community
Supporters
Followers