ASU physics professor Lawrence Krauss and former Oxford University professor Richard Dawkins paired up to create a new documentary, “The Unbelievers.”
The film chronicles Krauss and Dawkins as they speak to universities and conventions around the world about the importance of science and reason in modern society.
The film opens with Krauss and Dawkins sitting in a coffee shop discussing what appears to be an upcoming convention. Krauss asked Dawkins the controversial question, “What’s more important in some sense … to explain science or destroy religion?”
Krauss took consideration in the roots of the documentary when selecting the people who would be a part of his film.
“We were discussing the possibility … and it all fell together when Richard and I found out we were doing a tour of Australia together,” Krauss said. “The inception began less than four weeks before we left.”
Krauss said he hopes the documentary will cause debate and discussion, especially with the younger generation.
“People are always afraid of the unknown,” Krauss said, “and what science teaches us is to not be afraid of the unknown. … Mysteries are what keep us going.”
Director of Photography and Phoenix resident Luke Holwerda said his initial idea for the film was likened to a film or documentary about a rock 'n' roll concert tour.
“It’s also a labor of love … to the secular, pro-reason community,” Holwerda said. “It’s the kind of film we’d like to see as fans of Rich (Dawkins) and Lawrence (Krauss).”
The Holwerda brothers put together 250 hours worth of footage into a 76-minute film, Krauss said.
Mesa resident Autumn Hall attended a test screening Friday night at ASU Gammage because she is a fan of Dawkins.
“(Dawkins) is a modern day Darwin,” Hall said.
Hall said people who practice any type of religion might be offended by the documentary.
“They have to fight the fence and get defensive because this film directly challenges what they hold closest to them,” she said.
For as much support as was given, several spectators at the screening contended the film’s message.
San Tan Valley residents Matt and Licia Bailey said they were not sure what to expect of the documentary, but found it interesting that there was a large community of atheists.
“There were some points (in the film) we don’t agree with, and we didn’t know that the whole movie was just following those two,” Matt Bailey said.
“The Unbelievers” is not open for official screenings until late April.
Reach the reporter at mkthomp5@asu.edu or follow her on Twitter @MariaKThompson.
