ABOUNA

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.


See Abouna

San Jose, CA May 15, 2026
New York Late May

Information about other screenings coming soon.

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Abouna episode 2 poster

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Making Abouna

A look at the people, places, and moments that brought the story to life.


Episode One Festival Run

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

Individual Awards

Dina Hanna Best ActressAtlanta Christian Film Festival
Andrew Ishak Best DirectorAtlanta Christian Film Festival
Andrew Ishak Best DirectorBeacon of Light Festival

Questions About Abouna

What does "Abouna" mean?

"Abouna" is Arabic for "our father." In the Coptic Orthodox tradition, it's the title congregants use when addressing their priest.

Do I need to watch Episode One first?

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.

Where was Abouna filmed?

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.

Will there be more episodes?

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

Watch →

Coptic Dad and Mom Podcast

with Laura Michael and Madona Lawindy

Listen →

Beyond the Walls Podcast (Australia)

with students from Saint Mark's Coptic Orthodox College, Sydney

Watch →

Episode One

Watch the first chapter of the Abouna series before Episode Two arrives.

Abouna: Episode One

Available now to stream.

Watch Now

Andrew Ishak as a child

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.