Out of Order Feature Documentary

Across four years, from 2012-2016, I directed my debut feature documentary, Out of Order, for which I was honoured with the Parity Award for Social Justice (2016).

The film reveals the complex and painful struggles faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer faith leaders as they confront entrenched bigotry, and work to build loving support within the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A).  It tells the stories of the first out, African American to be ordained into the PC(USA), the first transgender man to seek ordination and the first out pastor in the state of Texas. It has screened in scores of churches and non-religious community groups across the world and is still available as an educational tool.

To host a screening, or watch online please visit outoforderdoc.com

Director

Amanda Bluglass

Producers

Mieke Vandersall, Alex McNeill

Editor

Aden Hakimi 

Assistant Editors

Danny Cooke, Michael Clark, Elizabeth Moore

Sound Editor 

Casey Holford

Music 

Sebastian Renfield, John Szymanski, Mike Sayre

Colour

Danny Cooke

AWARDS 

  • Amanda Bluglass — Parity Award for Social Justice in Documentary Film, 2016 
  • Official Selection  — Outfest, 2017
  • Official Selection — Portland Oregon Women’s Film Festival, 2017
  • Official Selection — Out on Film, Atlanta’s LGBT Film Festival, 2016
  • Official Selection — Cinema Diverse, Palm Springs LGBTQ Film Festival, 2016


Testimonials

"Amanda, thank you, thank you, thank you for this film. As the chaplain to 1000+ high schoolers, many of whom need exactly the message this film portrays, I am so grateful. Last night my kids got to see three, out, queer and Christian leaders who are thriving. They know it is possible to be both fully a person of faith and queer. More than that, they know they are loved. This thing you've created is extraordinary. It was an honor to be the first high school to share it with our students, faculty, and staff.”

– Heidi Carrington Heath, Phillips Exeter Academy, Exeter, New Hampshire USA

“To me, what made it all the more painful to watch is the knowledge that the very place that is supposed to provide spiritual support and comfort to its followers is unable to do so because of fear, and yet the faith and belief shines so obviously in those struggling to be accepted in. You managed to shine a gentle yet powerful light on one very specific aspect of the continued struggle for acceptance, but in doing so invite in wider questioning, which to me is the sign of great art work."

Gladys Paulus, Artist