The Story Continues
5 . 15 . 2026
A Series by Andrew Ishak
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Episode One
In Episode 1, Father Beemen Kolta (called "Abouna" by his congregants) is a newly ordained Coptic Orthodox priest doing his best to serve the people of his church while feeling like he's in over his head. Through conversations with loved ones and memories of his childhood and father, he comes to recognize that the very culture he loves might be getting in the way of his congregants' spiritual growth. By the end, he's made a decision about how to make Christ's message more accessible to everyone.
Episode Two
Now, Father Beemen is putting that conviction into action. But when a well-intentioned attempt to modernize his church backfires, he's left scrambling, navigating a high-stakes visit from an authority figure while questioning his own ability to lead. And just when he feels most lost, it takes a good friend to show him what he couldn't see on his own.
Screenings
Information about other screenings coming soon.
Behind the Scenes
A look at the people, places, and moments that brought the story to life.
Accolades
Beacon of Light Coptic Film Festival
Best Feature
Mosaic Film Festival 2024
Best Feature
Davis Film Festival 2023
3rd Place
Great Lakes Christian Film Festival 2024
Official Selection
Atlanta Christian Film Festival 2024
Official Selection
Riverside International Film Festival 2024
Official Selection
Nieves Christian Film Festival 2024
Official Selection
Faith Fest 2024
Official Selection
Perth Christian Film Festival 2024
Official Selection
World Culture Film Festival LA 2024
Official Selection
FAQ
"Abouna" is Arabic for "our father." In the Coptic Orthodox tradition, it's the title congregants use when addressing their priest.
Episode Two picks up where Episode One left off. You'll get the most out of it by watching them in order, but new viewers will still be able to follow along.
Abouna Episode 2 was filmed in various locations in the San Francisco Bay Area, including Oakland, Santa Cruz, Santa Clara, San Jose, and Los Gatos.
We're taking this one episode at a time, but we're hoping to make more with your continued support.
For more about the making of Abouna, check out one of these podcasts:
Reintroduction Podcast
with Fr Elijah Esefanous and Mina Sawires
Coptic Dad and Mom Podcast
with Laura Michael and Madona Lawindy
Beyond the Walls Podcast (Australia)
with students from Saint Mark's Coptic Orthodox College, Sydney
Where It Began
Watch the first chapter of the Abouna series before Episode Two arrives.
Available now to stream.
About the Creator
Andrew Ishak, right, with his brother and two friends Anthony and Paul.
A note from the creator: I grew up in the Coptic churches of Northern California, a religious community defined by family bonds, spirituality, and identity. I always loved making films with my friends, including a mockumentary about an Egyptian boy band called "The Sphinxters."
I'm also obsessed with research. I earned a PhD in Organizational Communication at the University of Texas, and I currently serve as a teaching professor at Santa Clara University, where I explore and teach how cultural elements shape the way we communicate.
Abouna is the result of blending the Coptic experience with academic research and filmmaking. As the series' creator, writer, and director, I have been really careful to ensure that this project is based on real experiences, which is why I've spent countless hours interviewing, observing and reading about the Coptic experience. At the same time, this is no one priest's experience; it's a story I'm telling that is meant to be something that resonates with those who have grown up in an ethno-religious community.
I'm thankful that the series has resonated globally; the first episode screened at ten festivals and numerous churches across three continents, taking home Best Feature at the Beacon of Light and Mosaic Film Festivals. It also earned Best Director honors in Atlanta and at the Beacon of Light Festival. It means a lot to me that people would spend time watching this project, and I appreciate you taking the time to read more about it.
The story continues this spring.