Had the pleasure of viewing this documentary recently. Even though it was filmed back in 2016, the message could not be more true today. A simple(yeah right) drive across the 50 states in a Volvo station wagon on the brink of destruction, and a profound thought of what brings people together. Nathaniel and Jillian share this message through stories, and their own music. Without giving anything away it is amazing to see walls that people build up be torn down when they open their minds and hearts to something greater. This is definitely a message that should be shared today. Unity is not an idea, but ultimately a changing of the heart.
12 Reviews
A shining light of hope in this challenging world
bconklinmk26 April 2024
This film is timely and timeless, capturing a beautiful portrait of The United States of America at its core.
It depicts our foundational values on which we were founded including: unity, freedom, and love.
This documentary embraces the true soul of our country that often goes unseen or unreported because negatively takes precedence. Nathaniel and Jillian offer a perspective of hope and positivity amidst the deep rifts we are all experiencing.
The reality of life encompasses great difficulties as well as incredibly joyful moments when we choose to seek it out. Thank you for promoting light and love!
It depicts our foundational values on which we were founded including: unity, freedom, and love.
This documentary embraces the true soul of our country that often goes unseen or unreported because negatively takes precedence. Nathaniel and Jillian offer a perspective of hope and positivity amidst the deep rifts we are all experiencing.
The reality of life encompasses great difficulties as well as incredibly joyful moments when we choose to seek it out. Thank you for promoting light and love!
Wonderful message of positivity!
sggfpskzn12 April 2024
My wife and I recently had the pleasure of seeing a screening of the film State of the Unity. This film is about husband and wife duo who form the band The Bergamot. They travel across the country in a Volvo wagon to spread the message that there is more that unites us than divides us. As can be expected, there are setbacks and obstacles, but also beautiful moments of serendipity and connection. Their music and performances are interspersed as well as some input from experts on why we are so divided. Overall, it was a beautiful, uplifting message that if we take some time to actually see and know "the other", we find that we all mostly want the same things. See it if you get the chance! We all need a lot more positivity these days. This film delivers!
Timely, Balanced, Skillful, Uplifting
shantiknight4 December 2023
This film reflects on the questions we've all been asking over the past seven years, finding our footing on land that often feels more like sand (or quicksand) than a solid oak wood floor. Seen through the lens of working artists, witnessing people from all 50 states sharing love, this film demonstrates the common threads that bring us together as people, that help us see the best in each other and believe that there's more to living in this day and age than just being right. Bolstered by academics, The Bergamot's inner thoughts, trials, and hypotheses feel relevant and, most importantly, hopeful. This is a film we need, that can be enjoyed by anybody and that will continue to bring us together for years to come.
A message of connection and hope!
denisedk-7744329 January 2024
My husband and I have watched state of the unity twice. Why? Because we found it so completely inspiring. What Jillian and Nathaniel are doing may seem like a small thing, but we found its impact to be quite large. We believe they are creating ripples on a pond with each signature on that car, ripples on a pond that will continue to go out throughout the world and cause acts and thoughts of unity, compassion and connection. These are the actions that we need in the world right now in order for us to progress in a positive way. The light that emanates from the two of them is causing such a connection with the people that they encounter that we know that anyone who watches this documentary will be inspired. We highly recommend you watch this documentary!
Excellent Movie!
tonicrowderinfo12 April 2024
Last night, I had the privilege of seeing State of the Unity and I absolutely loved the movie! Jillian and Nate did an excellent job of bringing the audience along in the car right beside them. I was laughing, smiling and crying throughout the entire movie. I wish I had been taking notes of all the wonderful and deep sentiments shared during the film. I would certainly watch it again! After the movie, the couple gifted us with two beautiful songs and an interesting Q and A. They are just as warm and genuine in person as they seem in the film. I hope many others will see this movie and be inspired by what two people with hope, and a dream can accomplish. Watch the movie. It will be time well spent.
Unity is the American Dream
melissapaigemaguire9817 February 2024
I had the pleasure of attending a screening of State of the Unity and I cannot recommend the film enough! It is a beautiful documentary featuring a beautiful couple spreading love and togetherness through music and art. In todays world we are all guilty of becoming jaded and indifferent to each others plight and risk becoming disconnected. This films ethos and practices combat the notion at the seams. The positivity and light is contagious I dare you to watch the film and leave in a negative headspace it's not possible!!! I hope these two continue making art for social change for many years to come.
Self-serving "feel good" doc loaded with toxic positivity
slark-028778 October 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Talk about tooting your own horn. If this documentary was produced by someone other than the main characters, it might have turned out okay. Instead we see two people really trying so hard to make themselves the center of attention. All of their "on the road" problems were self-inflicted. The whole things smacks of toxic positivity. It's less about actually bringing people together and more about how much the filmmakers can make themselves look good and promote their own music careers. Once you realize how much these two crave the spotlight and will do anything to get it, the whole film becomes practically laughable.
The Real Deal
rebeccachurch-2398520 November 2023
State of the Unity was a great film about 2 very genuine people trying to unite people of all backgrounds. It obviously wasn't an easy task if you watch the film. Living one gig to the next trying to spread a message all people should consider was a leap of faith. They used their gifts to bring love, laughter, generosity, perspective, and unity to a country that needs it now more than ever. Jillian and Nate are the real deal. They are genuinely kind and loving people with a desire to make the world a better place. They are raw in their experiences. They don't hold back. If you like passion, encouragement, and hope, give it a go!
Shine ON, Unity Collective!
jcherry-1525912 December 2023
I really enjoyed State of the Unity. As a follower of their band The Bergamot for many years, the film provided me an intimate and honest view into the trials of life on the road in pursuit of a dream, as well as a sense of the generally goodness of people across the country. Jillian & Nathaniel's passion, curiosity, determination, and radical empathy radiate from the screen. I thoroughly enjoyed the thought leadership from Pat Ashton and David Anderson Hooker, who's message that what's important is not a shared vision of the future but rather a vision of a shared future really hit home. It's interesting to compare this 2016 experience with today's social climate to see how far we've come and how far we have to go to become more unified. Change starts with individual actions, and State of the Unity strengthened my belief in that.
A Road Trip to Unity!
kristikidwell22 December 2023
My husband and I attended a musical performance by The Bergamot in Sedona. During the performance Nathaniel and Jillian spoke about their journey in making The State of the Unity. Throughout their performance they talked about opening your heart to others we think are different from us, and how we have more in common than we think. This led us to The State of Unity documentary.
We loved this documentary in its pursuit to bring people together to share their common messages of hope, love, and encouragement. The Unity Car is truly the vehicle that draws the curious in, along with the gentle lead of two talanted and generous spirited musicians who want to see a kinder country. The film illuminates the fact that people, opposite in political or ideological perspectives, mirror one another in their desire for connection and respect. A main message communicated in many defining moments within the film is; while we have our differences, we also have much in common, which can serve as our foundation of acceptance and understanding.
Watch this movie and feel your heart grow a few sizes bigger!
Kristi and Mark.
We loved this documentary in its pursuit to bring people together to share their common messages of hope, love, and encouragement. The Unity Car is truly the vehicle that draws the curious in, along with the gentle lead of two talanted and generous spirited musicians who want to see a kinder country. The film illuminates the fact that people, opposite in political or ideological perspectives, mirror one another in their desire for connection and respect. A main message communicated in many defining moments within the film is; while we have our differences, we also have much in common, which can serve as our foundation of acceptance and understanding.
Watch this movie and feel your heart grow a few sizes bigger!
Kristi and Mark.
A message every heart could heal from
jchristine-8763616 April 2024
What I appreciate most about State Of The Unity is we don't know any of those people who showed up. We have no background of the lives they live or any poor decisions made. All we know is that love showed up and made a difference. Love created a movement.
No matter anyone's mistakes, creed, or origin, everyone is deserving of what should have been so freely and purely given since birth - love.
Not only love but acceptance. Because ultimately that is what love allows us to feel is accepted. Love gives us the opportunity to shed off any facade we've held up for far too long.... State Of The Unity links us all by a cord we've all so desperately needed help threading....
No matter anyone's mistakes, creed, or origin, everyone is deserving of what should have been so freely and purely given since birth - love.
Not only love but acceptance. Because ultimately that is what love allows us to feel is accepted. Love gives us the opportunity to shed off any facade we've held up for far too long.... State Of The Unity links us all by a cord we've all so desperately needed help threading....
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