Herman, Katz, Gisleson & Cain has long been committed to representing survivors of clergy sexual abuse in New Orleans and across Louisiana, working tirelessly to hold institutions accountable. A new documentary, God As My Witness, brings this critical issue to the international stage, giving voice to survivors and shining a light on the systems that allowed clergy abuse to persist.
Film Festival Success and Upcoming Screenings
The documentary has already received worldwide attention and acclaim at various film festivals and premieres. On June 26, 2025, God As My Witness had its world debut at the Raindance Film Festival in London, one of the world’s leading independent film festivals. The film was selected from over 16,000 submissions and was nominated for Best Feature Documentary. It placed in the top three among nine finalists, which is an incredible achievement.
The documentary’s European premiere took place in Setúbal, Portugal. The screening was held inside the private chapel of the Bishop of Setúbal (also the Cardinal of Lisbon), with members of the Portuguese survivor group Grupa Vita in attendance. The event featured a deeply moving Q&A session, attended by clergy and cultural leaders from the Diocese of Setúbal.
The film will make its U.S. debut at the Winter Park Film Festival in Colorado on September 5–7, 2025. Once again, it’s been nominated for Best Feature Documentary. Following Winter Park, the other confirmed film festivals featuring God As My Witness as a Best Feature Documentary nominee include:
Footcandle Film Festival in Hickory, NC (Sept. 19-28), with the film screening scheduled for September 27, 2025.
Chagrin Documentary Film Festival in Chagrin Falls, OH (Oct. 7-12), with the film screening scheduled for October 11, 2025.
Japan Independent Film Festival in Tokyo, Japan (Nov. 22–26, 2025)
Why This Film Matters
God As My Witness examines the experiences of those who endured sexual abuse while growing up in the Catholic church in New Orleans and their fight for justice. The stories shared in the film reflect the experiences of many clergy sexual abuse survivors in Louisiana and beyond – the struggle for justice, the need for institutional accountability, and the resilience of those who have come forward.
Our firm has been at the forefront of Louisiana clergy abuse cases. We help sex abuse survivors navigate the legal system, protect their rights, expose the truth, and recover compensation for the effects of their abuse. The documentary God As My Witness underscores why these cases matter and why the fight must continue.
We know how difficult it can be to take the first step. If you are a survivor of clergy sexual abuse, we are here to listen, guide, and advocate for you every step of the way. Every conversation with our team is confidential. Contact us at 844-943-7626 or request a free consultation online to learn about your options and how we can help.
Other Clergy & Priest Abuse News
Louisiana survivors may have legal claims involving Jesuit schools and organizations even when the abuse occurred decades ago. Records, prior allegations, hiring practices, and the identity of the responsible institution can all become important to a case.
Louisiana’s childhood sexual abuse lookback window remains open through June 14, 2027, as the Archdiocese bankruptcy raises new questions about claims involving separate religious orders, including the Jesuits.
The documentary God As My Witness gives clergy sexual abuse survivors a voice while examining how attorneys investigated decades-old abuse, uncovered evidence, and pursued justice involving the Archdiocese of New Orleans.
A federal judge has approved a $305 million settlement in the New Orleans Archdiocese clergy sex abuse bankruptcy. This article explains what the settlement means, how Louisiana’s lookback law changed the case, and what survivors should know now.
A New Orleans clergy abuse trial verdict has demonstrated that justice is possible thanks to the Louisiana lookback law.
The first jury verdict was reached in a case relying on the Louisiana sex abuse look-back window, which revived claims related to childhood sexual abuse.
