The Catechism Cataclysm

A bored and blasé man of faith hits the road and encounters some strange surprises along the way in this independent comedy from filmmaker Todd Rohal. Father William Smoortser (Steve Little), known to his colleagues and students as Father Billy, is a Catholic priest who seems to have become disenchanted with his work; he'd rather tell jokes to his bible study group than actually discuss scripture, and has more interest in the finer points of diner food than Catholic doctrine. Father Billy's superiors decide he needs some rest and recreation, so he invites Robbie Shoemaker (Robert Longstreet) to join him for some camping and canoeing. Robbie used to play guitar in a heavy metal band and was engaged to Father Billy's sister, and to the priest he's always seemed like the epitome of cool. Robbie and Father Billy hit the river and soon have traveling companions in a pair of young Asian women who call themselves Tom Sawyer (Koko Lanham) and Huck Finn (Miki Ann Maddox). But it isn't long before the travelers become lost, and the journey becomes increasingly surreal as Father Billy learns some surprising secrets about Robbie. The Catechism Cataclysm was an official selection at the 2011 South by Southwest Film Festival.