DOCUMENTARY

THE IDEA

THE AMERICAN PROPHET is a documentary project exploring the spiritual quest of John Alan Schwartz, the producer of the notorious mockumentary FACES OF DEATH.
The film examines the life of a man who, despite creating one of the darkest and most controversial films in cinema history, sets out to seek spiritual enlightenment.

MY EXPERIENCE

During my studies in Print & Broadcast Journalism at UCLA, I had the remarkable opportunity to meet John Schwartz on the beach in Los Angeles. Inspired by our conversation, I invited him to the Hollywood Forever Cemetery for an intimate interview. Looking back at the resulting footage today, it is clear that there are many editing inconsistencies, sound issues, and technical imperfections — things we could resolve in a second today on Instagram. Yet, the video remains on my website, not only for nostalgic reasons but also to honor John Schwartz, who passed away recently. This project represents a formative moment in my early career, combining the excitement of hands-on filmmaking with the challenges of documentary storytelling, while having a really good time and many belly laughs.

THE PROTAGONIST

In 1978, John Alan Schwartz created Faces of Death, one of the first mockumentaries, earning recognition as a visionary and pioneer. The film blends real and staged footage in ways that blur reality and fiction, charting a course for the modern documentary and reality industry. Produced on a shoestring budget of $450, the film went on to gross $60 million, despite being banned in over 40 countries.

The American Prophet asks a provocative question: What happens when the “king of the macabre” is cast as a seeker of divine truth? Cameras follow John as he navigates a path of spiritual exploration, encountering skepticism, uncomfortable questions, and moments of personal doubt.

THE TRAILER

John’s journey begins at a three-day prophetic conference in Redding, California. Will this first encounter with the unknown guide him toward enlightenment, or will it deepen his fascination with darkness?
The documentary follows his adventures as he engages with spiritual communities around the world, facing dilemmas, contradictions, and moments of revelation.