Canaan Land

This was truly a labor of love for an issue that is deep on the hearts of the churched and unchurched but not openly discussed.. there is something in this movie for everyone...Richard is bold enough to take on this largely indiscussed topic of con men in the church arena and gives a great performance.. it will help tear down the boulders that have been erected for those who have been hurt by hypocrisy... and bring healing and insight on distinguishing a fake faith from the real thing.

I rarely watch movies these days. Not because there are no movies which are produced well. All the money and craftmanship put into them, all the visual effects are impressive, but I'm still bored. I repeat it, I'm bored. Because my soul is not touched. I'm looking for stories where my human experience and also my deepest longings as a human being are explored. I'm looking for credible portrayals of redemption, of a "much, much greater love" (song at the end of Canaan Land), lifting my spirit, amazing me, making me think. I'm looking for characters that show me what love and life are all about. Canaan Land is such a rare film. It's been made with a tiny budget, but I prefer it over so many multi-million dollar productions because of that.

Such good plot twists throughout the film I was at the edge of my seat. Rebecca Holden nailed her performance and completely sold the story as did the main character. Hope this film gets more attention it rightfully deserves. I'll be sure to recommend this to my friends and family. Canaan Land rocks.

This is such a controversial film it will get some people angry but it is what it is. Loved the con man preacher who played a very charismatic character and as the story got deeper Sister Sara really shined as well. I'm expecting to see more of them as this makes the film awards circuit. God bless!

CANAAN LAND is a film so well-acted and well paced it had me captured for its full 113 minute running time. Richard Rossi's nuanced acting was stellar as con man Brother Billy. His womanizing and hustling was despicable, yet somehow his childlike qualities and subtext of brokenness made me like him and want to see him redeemed. Rebecca Holden was lovely as Sister Sara, the sincere Christian, and she did a great job both acting and singing the Oscar-worthy duet end title song "A Much, Much Greater Love" produced by Grammy winner Joel Diamond, and Rebecca's duet singing partner is Grammy winner Jason Crabb. I am supporting this underdog Oscar contender because it truly breaks out of the formula of so many movies to tell a real story based on minister-turned-moviemaker Richard Rossi's pain and past experiences as a former faith healer. Rossi takes the concept of a religious faith-based film and turns it on its head, while still delivering a spiritual message of hope and faith.