Looking for Jesus

The film problematizes the so-called Jerusalem Syndrome, an acute delusional disorder which was reported by medical professionals only in the second half of the 20th century. After visiting the Holy Land, people afflicted with the syndrome start to identify with Biblical characters–usually with the Messiah. Since 2012, the artist has visited Jerusalem several times in order to find those who in the early 21st century believe themselves to be Jesus. The result is over 100 hours of video footage–interviews, shots of the city, which serves as a backdrop for religious rituals and a scene for people of various faiths, denominations, and colors–subsequent Messiahs who try to convince the artist they are miraculous and genuine, surrounding themselves with colorful crowds of pilgrims and locals. Kozyra encounters incredible personalities. Each of her characters hides a fascinating story and all of them combined constitute a project presenting ways and means of carrying out one’s faith, its place and role in today’s world, and values on which we build our reality. “Looking for Jesus” is a documentary debut by Katarzyna Kozyra, a Polish sculptor and audiovisual artist.