I Am Woman - Leap of Faith is a South African documentary series in which journalist and talk show host Lisa Chait meets a diverse group of spiritually driven women who have big life stories and even bigger explanations as to why they believe what they do.
The series reflects on how these positive role models manage to sustain their faith day in and day out with life's increasing challenges. Viewers learn about their spiritual paths and rituals, morals and values to potentially deepen their own personal relationship with the divine.
Lisa creates a 'spiritual book club', a tapestry of information and experience from a group of 'everyday goddesses' whose life stories and spiritual journeys are transformative and inspiring.
The series asks the question as to what in our humanity, our socialised everyday selves, is holding us back from being fully expressed and as such more connected to the divine.
The series celebrates the humanity in spirituality whilst educating on the rich and diverse beliefs, customs and practises held sacred by South African women today.
I Am Woman - Leap of Faith is produced by Plexus Films.
Series History
I Am Woman - Leap of Faith began when the South African Broadcasting Corporation put out a call for a series on women and spirituality. Former radio talk show host and founder of the family heritage project Life Stories, Lisa Chait, approached documentary filmmakers Lauren Groenewald and Miki Redelinghuys from Cape-based Plexus Films and teamed up with them.
Llewelyn Roderick, the award-winning director who died in late 2012, was also part of the originating team. It took two years before the SABC green-lighted the project and it was first broadcast in April 2012.
The series won the South African Film and Television Award (SAFTA) for Best Talk Show in 2015. It was nominated for two SAFTA in 2013 and three in 2014, with a special mention made by the judging panel for the quality of the series.