Intrigue

Within the confines of an elusive cult, a vibrant alternative music community thrived, deprogramming themselves through art. Poignant live performances punctuate tragic losses to beautifully illuminate shunning by Jehovah's Witnesses.

Witness Underground is a feature documentary that reveals the insular DIY artist community that emerged within the high-control Jehovah's Witness religion in Minneapolis. Music, fame, and success are typically forbidden in the religion, which instructs its members to "beware of independent thinking." The artists at the heart of the music scene have their faith tested in deeply personal ways. They battle for positive mental health and push the boundaries of their religion's norms, where leaving often means being banned from interacting with your entire family and social circle for life. Although severely restricted, the artists created the record label Nuclear Gopher and produced over 30 albums of earnest and personal music that spans Singer/songwriter, Riot grrrl, Psychedelic rock, Pop, EDM, Shoegaze, and Post-rock. Carefully curated songs and live performances punctuate their stories of friendship, deep loss, and personal growth.—Scott Homan

An insular DIY music community thrived within a modern cult where music, fame, and success are typically forbidden. The leaders instruct members to "beware of independent thinking." The artists at the heart of the scene have their faith tested in deeply personal ways. They battle for positive mental health and push the boundaries of their religion's norms, where leaving often means being banned from interacting with your entire family and social circle for life. Although severely restricted, they create the record label Nuclear Gopher and produce over 30 albums of earnest and personal music that spans singer/songwriter, riot grrrl, psychedelic rock, pop, EDM, shoe-gaze, and post-rock. Carefully curated songs and live performances punctuate their stories of friendship, deep loss, and personal growth.