Watch Canvas Cathedral

Canvas Cathedral is a 2018 documentary film that charts the lives of three generations of the Graham family, from the legendary evangelist Billy Graham through to his son Franklin and grandson Will. The focus of the film is on their work in spreading the gospel message through a series of crusades spanning decades. The documentary is directed by Mitchell Galin, who has produced films such as "The Stand" and "Apt Pupil" based on Stephen King novels. The film was shot on location across the United States and features a varied cast of characters who have been touched by the Grahams' ministry.

The title of the film, "Canvas Cathedral," is a metaphor for the temporary structures built to house the tens of thousands of people who attend the Graham family's crusades. These structures are designed to be dismantled and moved from place to place, like a traveling circus. The term derives from Billy Graham's famous tent revivals of the 1940s and 1950s, which were held under canvas roofs.

The film begins by introducing us to Billy Graham, who is now in his nineties and retired from public life. We see archival footage of Graham preaching to huge crowds, including a manicured Richard Nixon at the height of the Watergate scandal. Through interviews with family members and associates, we learn about Graham's humble beginnings as a North Carolina farm boy and his rise to become one of the most influential religious leaders of the 20th century.

From there, the film shifts to the current day and follows Franklin and Will Graham as they prepare for a series of crusades in various locations across America. We see them working with their team of volunteers, rehearsing their sermons, and praying for guidance. We also meet some of the people who have been impacted by their work, including former drug addicts and prisoners who have turned their lives around through the power of faith.

One of the most striking aspects of the film is the scale of the events that the Grahams organize. We see aerial shots of vast crowds filling stadiums and outdoor arenas, waving flags and singing hymns. We also see the human side of these events, with volunteers distributing water and snacks to tired and thirsty attendees. We get a sense of the logistical challenge involved in hosting events of this size, but also of the joy and fellowship that these gatherings can bring.

Throughout the film, we hear from members of the Graham family about their faith and their sense of purpose. We also hear from critics of the Grahams' approach, who argue that their message is not inclusive enough and fails to address issues such as social justice and environmentalism.

Despite these criticisms, the film is ultimately an uplifting celebration of the Graham family's legacy. We see the impact that they have had on countless lives over the decades, and the film encourages viewers to consider the role of faith and spirituality in their own lives. Whether you are a believer or not, "Canvas Cathedral" is a thought-provoking and inspiring film that shines a light on the power of the human spirit.

Canvas Cathedral is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 26 minutes.