When God Breaks
A Documentary by Mae Breazeale & Jessica Kristie
When God Breaks follows women who are rebuilding their lives outside of organized religion.
The Story
This documentary shines the light on five women:
When God Breaks is an intimate documentary following women who have left Christianity and are rebuilding their identity, belonging, and purpose beyond organized religion.
Four years ago, I decided to take a hard look at the faith I grew up in, and what followed was a period of grief, isolation, and shame as I navigated the loss of a community, of certainty, and an entire identity. I looked for resources to help, and what I found was a massive community of people experiencing the exact same journey I was on. This process of questioning your faith and re-evaluating your beliefs has a name– deconstruction.
When God Breaks follows these women at different stages of their deconstruction journey through candid interviews. While each story is unique, they share common questions: Who are we when the belief system that once defined us no longer fits, and how do we create meaning, connection, and purpose on our own terms?
Throughout the documentary, we weave in original music, poetry, and visual art created by the women themselves. These creative expressions offer a vulnerable window into their experiences, revealing both the pain of letting go and the freedom of self-discovery.
When God Breaks is existing at a time where cultural and political divisions often leave people feeling judged, misunderstood, or excluded because of what they believe, or no longer believe. I see this film as a call for empathy and a resource for those navigating their own faith transitions, and even more important, a shame-free space where people can see themselves reflected in these stories, find comfort in shared experience, and know they are not alone.
At its heart, When God Breaks is a film about transformation, resilience, and the courage it takes to reclaim yourself.
An important note: we are not encouraging anyone to leave or reject faith. We empower those who still choose to practice faith, and find there are beautiful things in faith. We advocate for the freedom of choice, and to respect and understand people who may believe differently.
From the Heart Productions, a 501(c)(3) organization, is our fiscal sponsor. They are an incredible organization that support independent filmmakers with passion, care and respect.
Raised in an ever-shifting,
fear-based faith, she is learning how to trust herself
instead of certainty.
Colette
Tabitha
Victoria
She grew up in a house where faith meant control, and now she’s exposing what was hidden in plain sight.
Found peace in not having the answers, and now she’s redefining faith as she raises her daughter.
She followed God with certainty. Then tragedy struck, and grief turned her faith into questions.
Mae
Jessica
At a young age she was taught faith would make her loved and accepted, now she’s reclaiming her worth without it.
We Invite You To Stand With Us
If you feel compelled to support our film, you may send a check to our fiscal sponsor.
Make checks payable to:
From the Heart Productions, Inc.
1013 Harbor Blvd #53
Oxnard, CA 93035
Please write "When God Breaks Film" in the memo line
Follow our Instagram for updates and resources:
@whengodbreaks
Meet The Team
Mae Breazeale
Director
Mae Breazeale is a Bay Area filmmaker who moved to Los Angeles in 2023 to pursue storytelling that emphasizes empathy and human connection. She uses her maiden name to honor her late father and believes film can challenge, inspire, and connect people across cultures. Her work is driven by a desire to support those questioning their faith, creating stories rooted in curiosity and compassion. Her project When God Breaks aims to offer a sense of comfort and understanding to those navigating that journey.
Jessica Kristie
Co-creator & Interviewer
Jessica Kristie is a writer and trauma-informed advocate who centers compassion, consent, and emotional safety in her work. With a background in counseling, crisis support, and advocacy for survivors of sexual trauma, she is dedicated to elevating honest, real stories. Her work explores the intersections of faith, shame, sexuality, and healing, creating space for people to feel seen, respected, and supported.
Michael Enos
Director of Photography
Michael is from Northern California who got into storytelling through his Dad's VHS camera, his stills' camera, and through documenting his friends skateboarding. What draws him to making this film is thinking we deserve to listen to and hear people from all perspectives, to further enrich our understanding of each other