What if, before you were born, your soul went through a rigorous vetting process to see if you are viable for human existence?

What if your essence was given a litmus test on what it means to be alive and appreciate life in the moment? Would we pass the test?

These are just some of the questions posed in Nine Days, the first feature film of Japanese-Brazilian filmmaker Edson Oda.

With a dynamic cast of Winston Duke, Zazie Beetz, Benedict Wong, Tony Hale, and Bill Skarsgård, Oda takes readers into deep contemplation about life, transcendence, love, and connection.

We sat down with the freshman filmmaker to explore the story behind the film, the tragic death of his uncle by suicide, the struggles of mental health, and the journey of human expression.

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CBF’s podcast shares stories from across the Fellowship and innovative practices of those working to renew God’s world. The vision is to share ideas, stories, and innovations from ministers, authors, and practitioners.

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This podcast episode is brought to you by The Center for Congregational Health, Baptist Seminary of Kentucky, and McAfee School of Theology Doctor of Ministry program.

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Andy Hale is the creator and host of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship Podcast. Hale is the senior pastor of University Baptist Church of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, following eight years as the founding pastor of Mosaic Church of Clayton and five years as CBF’s church start specialist. Follow on Twitter @haleandy