At 175, a Brooklyn church turns to film to preserve its legacy for a new generation

On the second Sunday of August, the congregation of Berean Baptist Church in Brooklyn was dressed in white. After the opening prayer, on a series of large screens flanking the altar, appeared the first installment of a six-part short documentary series on the church’s history, “The Audacity of Faith: Freedom From Freedom To.” Archival photographs and animated images brought to life a vision of Berean’s founders, who, in 1850, built a spiritual and communal home intended for both free Black Americans and white abolitionists determined to create a sanctuary of dignity in a hostile world.

From the balcony, 27-year-old filmmaker and drummer Jahleel Hills rolled the first frame. Hills, who runs his own production company, Hype Man Hills Productions, and has directed comedy specials on Amazon Prime and live performances of up-and-coming musicians, produced “The Audacity of Faith” under the guidance of Berean’s elders.

“It didn’t feel like a gig at all,” he said. “It really just feels like I’m a part of this history. Every Sunday I walk into this church and feel that. Using my gifts for the service and for the glory of God, it’s beautiful.”

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