Film Crew Hoping To Capture Passion Of Politics

For many, politics is a passion that touches every aspect of their lives.  A New York filmcrew is spending the day in Tulsa, hoping to capture that passion.  News On 6 anchor Scott Thompson reports the documentary crew has been on the road since January 1st, spending time in Iowa, New York and South Carolina, but Tuesday's subject was a Tulsa woman who says faith and politics should go hand-in-hand.

Christina Rodriguez is got wired for sound, just minutes before she voted in the primary. Not far from her side was film producer Ilan Ziv.

"The people that I chose is people of faith, people who support a candidate because he or she reflect their values," said Ziv.

Rodriguez fit the bill as a devout Christian and a leader in the Mike Huckabee campaign in Tulsa. She didn't think twice when Ziv asked if she could be featured in his documentary called "Faith and Politics."

"It was definitely interesting. A lot of people don't want to touch faith and politics together. I think it's something that should be touched on," said Rodriguez.

The project has been in Ziv's mind since coming to the United States in 1974. The New York filmmaker says he's noticed religion take on a much more important role on the political landscape. His cross-country journey has helped bring that into focus.

"What I realized, which you don't realize when you live in New York, is the country is devoutly faithful," said Ziv.

Rodriguez hopes her role in the film shows others faith and politics can be a good mix.

"It is still important in the United States and I want people to know that and to be able to go out and vote their conscience and their morals," said Rodriguez.

Ziv's time on the road has introduced him to those of all faiths from evangelical Christians to an anarchist Catholic couple. He wants his film to show all sides.

"I think the truth is hovering somewhere in between and I think religion and politics in this country should be continuously debated," said Ziv.

"Faith and Politics" is scheduled to air on PBS near the end of October.