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Deep Dive: Mission Control Texas (2015)

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Mission Control Texas
Mission Control Texas is a documentary film directed by Ralf Bücheler, focusing on the atheist call-in show The Atheist Experience in Austin, Texas. Every Sunday, the show features secular humanists debating religion and beliefs, with host Matt Dillahunty known for his direct approach in challenging callers. The film captures the tension between the atheist community and the surrounding religious culture in the Bible Belt, illustrating how Dillahunty often hangs up on callers who use dishonest arguments. In addition to the debates, the film presents various aspects of religious life in Austin, including worship ceremonies, a rodeo, and food bank activities, all intertwined with prayer. The film also addresses the perception of religious freedom among Tea Party participants, who claim that only Christianity enjoys such freedom in politics. Dillahunty acknowledges the need for both diplomatic and confrontational approaches within the Freethought movement.

Why Watch

  • •See Matt Dillahunty challenge callers on The Atheist Experience
  • •Find out how religion permeates life in Austin, Texas
  • •Meet the secular humanists debating beliefs in the Bible Belt

Did You Know

•The Atheist Experience airs every Sunday in Austin, Texas.
•Matt Dillahunty hangs up on callers when discussions become unproductive.
•Mission Control Texas won the FFF-Förderpreis award at DOK.fest München 2015.
•The film was produced with funding of 30,000 Euros from FilmFernsehFonds Bayern.

Perfect For

Atheism and secularismReligious debatesTexas culture