Why Religion? 2026

Directed by Jenny Mackenzie

"Why Religion?" is a feature-length documentary film exploring the extraordinary work and personal journey of renowned scholar Elaine Pagels. Celebrated for her groundbreaking research on the Gnostic Gospels, Pagels challenges conventional religious narratives and invites us to rethink how early western religions approached divinity, enlightenment, and the human experience. The film offers intimate access to her life and work, revealing how her research of ancient texts shaped her own path of spirituality and self-discovery.