‘Holy Frit’ Movie Review 2023

“Holy Frit”: A Stained Glass Journey

On December 22, 2014, an article was published in the Wall Street Journal under the title “Window Pains: The Challenges Faced by Stained Glass.” The piece centered on Judson Studios, an establishment in Los Angeles with a stained glass heritage dating back to 1897. Remarkably, the studio has remained under the stewardship of the Judson family for five generations and counting.

The article delved into the evolving landscape of stained glass craftsmanship, highlighting the substantial changes in demand. Unlike its prominence in the Middle Ages, stained glass has witnessed a decline in popularity in the 20th century. This shift is largely attributed to the decreased attendance at traditional churches and the transformation of church architecture over the past five decades. Modern places of worship now bear more resemblance to conference halls or even stadiums, leaving little room for the intricate beauty of colored glass panels to radiate within their interiors.

The piece pondered the fate of stained glass, a timeless craft with a history spanning over a thousand years. Could it eventually become a cherished relic of the medieval era, much like illuminated manuscripts, celebrated for its beauty and historical significance, yet consigned to a bygone age?

The documentary “Holy Frit,” helmed by director Justin S. Monroe, offers a departure from the conventional historical accounts of stained glass, eschewing scholarly narrations of its timeline. Instead, the documentary immerses us in the vibrant world of Judson Studios, where artisans dedicate their lives to the art of stained glass. At the heart of this narrative is Tim Carey, a pivotal figure whose artistic journey began as an oil painter before leading him to the doors of Judson Studios.

In the year 2014, a significant turning point unfolds at Judson Studios when they secure a prestigious commission. Their task is to craft a magnificent stained glass window for the Church of the Resurrection in Kansas City, a project driven by the visionary Pastor Adam Hamilton. He aspires to create a sanctuary of awe-inspiring beauty within the newly constructed space, envisioning a colossal window that will span an entire wall. This colossal creation is set to encompass a staggering 4,000 square feet, a scale that, for context, rivals some of the largest stained glass windows in history. To put it in perspective, renowned stained glass installations such as the one at Chartres Cathedral cover 1,224 square feet, and Notre Dame’s window comprises 1,406 square feet. The upcoming window at the Church of the Resurrection is almost as expansive as a regulation-sized basketball court, and it falls upon Tim to conceive its design.

“Holy Frit” serves as a comprehensive chronicle, capturing the entire journey from inception to the grand unveiling of the monumental stained glass project. This ambitious endeavor unfolds over the course of nearly two years, marked by relentless dedication, a series of challenges, ongoing negotiations with the church regarding the design, and the looming pressure of an impending, high-stakes deadline.

Executive director David Judson succinctly articulates the prevailing apprehension, confessing, “What keeps me up at night is we don’t know how we’re gonna do this.” The project is no small feat, comprising a staggering 161 individual panels, each of which measures an imposing 4 feet by 5 feet. Tim’s artistic vision for the design is nothing short of mesmerizing, with an almost psychedelic quality, teeming with a profusion of figures, intricate details, celestial nightscapes, vibrant green trees, and a kaleidoscope of colors that defy the traditional stained glass paradigm of single colors for each panel.

Recognizing the need for innovation to bring this vision to life, Judson Studios extends an invitation to Narcissus Quagliata, a distinguished maestro in the realm of stained glass with a trailblazing reputation. His avant-garde designs have paved modern pathways for the art form. In the hopes of harnessing his expertise, Judson Studios welcomes Narcissus into their creative enclave for a two-week collaboration, seeking to steer their project in the right direction with his cutting-edge techniques.

Among the innovative methods explored is the application of what they term “frit,” finely ground colored glass that is delicately scattered across the finished panels, akin to dusting sugar onto cookies just before they enter the oven. This “frit” integrates with the existing panels, yielding strikingly painterly and impressionistic effects, where colors meld and bleed into one another seamlessly.

Narcissus Quagliata becomes the guiding force, imparting an intensive crash course on the intricate use of “frit” to the studio’s team. This immersive experience pushes everyone outside their customary comfort zones, as they delve into the nuanced aspects of how distinct colors must be treated and grapple with the formidable challenge of creating artwork that can withstand the rigorous cooling process. The explanations offered on these matters are not only enlightening but also greatly informative, shedding light on the intricacies of this innovative technique.

Monroe skillfully guides us through each phase of the construction process, deftly weaving in broader themes such as art, faith, commerce, and the personal narratives of all those involved. At the heart of this narrative is Tim, a central figure whose journey is marked by stress, sarcasm, and the weight of overwhelming responsibility. He often finds himself in over his head, grappling with the monumental task at hand. Amid the tumult, there’s the unwavering glass cutter who calmly predicts that the project won’t meet its deadline. Even the driver responsible for transporting the colossal glass panels from California to Kansas City shares insights into the delicate and complex loading process, underscoring the fragility of the cargo.

Narcissus, a cigar-smoking maestro, emerges as a significant presence in the story. He assumes the roles of both mentor and stern critic, guiding Tim to greater self-assuredness while chastising him for his fatalistic and pessimistic outlook. Narcissus’ unwavering belief in Tim becomes a catalyst for Tim’s personal growth and newfound determination.

The documentary also introduces us to Quentin, a remarkable 19-year-old who overcame a history of drug addiction. He initially joined Judson Studios as a floor sweeper but, by the documentary’s conclusion, has risen to a position of considerable responsibility, even taking on the intricate task of applying “frit” to the colossal glass panels. Quentin’s transformation is a testament to the power of resilience and opportunity in this captivating narrative.

Monroe’s approach to storytelling exudes an extraordinary sense of intimacy. In “Holy Frit,” the scope of the narrative is vast, yet it resonates deeply with genuine emotion. The unveiling of the window, which can be witnessed here, stirred unexpected tears within me, and I was profoundly moved by Quentin’s sense of pride in the remarkable journey he had embarked on. It’s a poignant reminder of the profound impact that belief and opportunity can have on one’s life.

One of the remarkable qualities of well-crafted documentaries lies in their ability to immerse us in subcultures that might otherwise remain hidden from view. “Holy Frit” accomplishes this brilliantly, rendering these hidden worlds visible, much like sunlight streaming through intricately colored glass, casting a radiant and profound illumination on the human experience.

Currently screening at chosen cinema venues.

Film Credits

By: M Z Hossain, Editor Sky Buzz Feed