What does God think of Donald Trump? It's the question filmmaker Martin Dunkerton asked himself one morning, not that long ago, and the one he hoped to answer by jetsetting around the planet seeking the consult of psychics and spiritual renegades.
The result of Dunkerton's curious endeavor is revealed in his new documentary, "God vs Trump--Only Love Wins." The film premieres in New York City at the IFC on Nov 3, followed by an L.A. romp at the famed TLC Chinese on Nov. 4. The digital download of the film will be available globally Nov. 3 ( godvstrump.com or lovearth.com.)
To be sure, Mr. Trump has spawned many a head-scratching moment for the masses ever since his political celebrity took flight and he morphed into the most talked about (and oddly cherished, ... and ridiculed and reviled--you get the picture) Republican nominee for President in history. Where else to turn but the divine for answers surrounding a man who regularly incites political violence, has been called out a serial liar, rampant xenophobe, racist, misogynist and birther and who has repeatedly pledged to ban all Muslims--1.6 billion members of an entire religion--from entering the U.S.? And this was all before "pussygate."
(Perhaps now is the ideal time to say it: "Obi Wan, you're our only hope.")
Dunkerton's outing is, overall, an illuminating ride that soars best when the camera is on his spiritual subjects, particularly Australia's Jingki, Chieftaness of Gondwana land, and a direct descendant of the 13 original grandmothers, according to her ancestors' oral traditions. Between treks to Iceland, Canada and London, the fimmaker uncovers other insights--both personal and mystical. The director also weaves an environmental thread into the documentary and, like many others before him, questions Trump's integrity and broader vision for humankind.
Dunkerton's overall proclamation that "only love wins" may be steeped in a universal truth--practically all religions and spiritual teachings do teach this, after all--and while some spiritual titans--Matt Kahn, Kyle Cease, Deepak Chopra--suggest that Trump is merely an external projection of the collective ego run riot, most of us can agree that Nov. 9 cannot come soon enough.
In the meantime, take note of my recent interview with Dunkerton and the twists of fate we all suddenly face.
Greg Archer: Tell us the impetus behind creating this documentary? Why was it important for you to do it?
Martin Dunkerton: "I simply awoke one morning and asked myself, 'What does God think of Donald Trump?' It was such a powerful and amazing question, yet I didn't know the answer. I love going to amazing psychics, and I thought they'd be a brilliant source of discovery."
The concept is unique. How did you narrow down the search and find these curious souls?
"My brother said in England, 'Why don't you interview the Dalai Lama, Deepak Chopra, or 'high end' spiritual leaders?' I knew in my heart what felt right, and that I wanted to give psychics 'a voice.' Psychics have been demonized in Hollywood, especially around Halloween, yet we go to them in our millions, around the world daily for spiritual and loving insights into the most heartfelt hidden aspects of our life ... so why not ask them about Donald Trump?
"The psychics and spiritual leaders in the movie were often friends of friends. I gave a room in my house to an Australian singer called Ryan Whitewall last summer who led me to 'Iolani Grace, The Heart Alchemist in Australia, who in turn led me to the Aboriginal voice of Jingki, who is an award-winning visionary singer--and a tough cookie. Jingki has read law and is viscerally powerful on camera. People love her and her views on Trump ... and American politics."
Was there anybody else who truly surprised you?
"I was constantly in awe and surprised. The twists and turns of turning an idea instantly into a movie literally meant I was traveling the world, with my shirt-tails flying. So, the psychics who appeared along the way, thankfully, were revelatory. Bjork from Iceland was entrancing, as she had a beautiful ability to describe the spirit realms. Bjork has been psychic since a child, and can see fairies to dwarfs, to elemental spirits. So her views and spiritual insights into psychically 'viewing' Trump were compelling.
"Bjork also looked ahead, as I asked her, 'What would happen if Trump were President and possibly the most powerful man on earth?' Bjork's reply was pretty dark and actually quite terrifying. One surprise revelation via our English psychic Sarah, was that Trump is a mirror to our own soul. So, if God is love, this answer was truly surprising."
Most creative projects tend to have a life of their own. Did you notice that with this one? Did it emerge a bit differently than you imagined?
"My father died on Aug. 17, and I heard about it less than an hour after my first psychic interview. The movie took a U-turn to England, where upon I met another psychic in Glastonbury--Sarah--who gave more than brilliant powerful insights into Trump. From the UK, I leapfrogged to Iceland, which was a total surprise."
What are a few things you learned, overall, from having interviewed all these people?
"How precious our Earth truly is. And that Trump is akin to a destroyer--he doesn't care about the environment, and already bankrolls coal, gas, oil. However, I went deeper into the psychic and spiritual nature of the planet, and how real the spirit realms are, so yes, I learned a huge amount."
So, why do you think Trump has held our interest for the last 18 months? What is it?
"Trump wields words of fear, and this has attracted millions to back him. Yet, people only want to be healed and loving, so it feels like a conundrum. I feel underneath ... everyone is so desperate for change. The USA quite obviously is ready and requires an overhaul, and sadly 'the people' are clearly desperate, which gives an opening of power to an allegedly misogynistic, xenophobic, man like Trump. It's tragic he is so close to power."
What do you hope audiences take away from this?
"That we are powerful beings. We hold the spiritual keys of grace and love in our own hearts. That politics is of our own making. That Trump is a mirror to our soul and like Darth Vadar was in 'Star Wars,' Trump is to 'God vs Trump--Only Love Wins.'"
One last thing: What do you love most about filmmaking?
"My thesis at the Royal College of Art, Masters in Film, was 'can film help create social or political change?' And I believe more than ever, it can. I adore and love filmmaking, just picking up a camera seems a holy experience. Filmmakers are truly modern day shamans, we reveal and reflect the world with our stories. Our duty is to entertain and enlighten, and I love it."
Learn more about "God vs Trump--Only Love Wins" here. Discover LovEarth here.