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The Interpreter Foundation’s goal is to support the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints through insightful scholarship. As filmmakers, our goal is to build faith through telling the true stories of the early saints. The Witnesses project was funded entirely through private donations. We are not funded by any major studio, TV network, or streaming service.

If we don’t tell our own stories honestly, untruths and confusion will continue, impacting countless lives.

Together we can make a difference.
So join us. And be a part of the next chapter.

This story of a youthful Brigham Young, of his special relationship with Brother Joseph, the story of Emma, and of the Saints coming to understand the will of the Lord in turbulent times is of critical relevance today.

The Story

The Prophet Joseph was dead. Enemies of the Church thought it would die with Joseph. In fact that danger was real. The crisis was undeniable, and Nauvoo was in chaos.

For the reeling saints, there was no tested path, no clear consensus, no definitive word left by Joseph on who should lead. The saints were being torn apart. Opinions changed as fast as they could be expressed. Yet hours following his death, the “campaign” began.

Central figures of this true story

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Sidney Rigdon

Though Sidney Rigdon’s relationship with Joseph Smith was strained at times, Sidney was selected as Joseph Smith’s running-mate in his 1844 United States presidential campaign. Following Joseph and Hyrum’s martyrdom, Sidney rushed back to Nauvoo from Pittsburgh, claiming the right as the last member of the First Presidency to act as “guardian of the Church.”

Emma Smith

A grieving widow, still carrying Joseph’s child. Everyone wanted Emma’s support. What Emma wanted was what every mother wants—to be able to care for her children in peace.

Brigham Young

Of the active, ordained council and quorum members, the one man who seemed to have the clearest vision. But Brigham had spent years away as an apostle and missionary. Many of those in Nauvoo barely knew him.

Thomas Sharp

Preached war and extermination against the Saints, and would continue to do so until the last of the Saints were gone. War and extermination is inevitable! Citizens ARISE, ONE and ALL!

Oliver Cowdery

Oliver, by virtue of his role as Associate President of the church, could potentially have claimed the call as successor—but Oliver was quietly practicing law in Ohio.

Jesse James Strang

An intense, recent convert, who claimed to have a letter written by the murdered prophet naming Strang as the successor to Joseph. Though doubtful in authenticity, it was enough to persuade hundreds of Saints to follow him.

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The power of Latter-day Saint history, the recounting of testimonies borne, of lives lived and lives lost, is both compelling and profoundly significant to our day.

What people are saying about Witnesses

Nixon

I don’t usually go see a movie twice, but I’m seeing this one twice. Heavenly Father’s feeling was very strong. I love the feeling to know the gospel is true.

Kathleen

Don’t miss this amazing film.It will give a better idea what these men went through.

Stephany

Answered my prayers about my doubts.

Delmas

Very much enjoyed reacquainting myself with the 3 Witnesses.

David

Thank you for providing such insights into these men.Your perspective on Martin Harris is one I never considered.

Brittany

I laughed. I cried. I am endeared to these men.

Susan

Beautiful movie that touched my heart and soul.

Tanya

A wonderful Witness and testimony…we get caught up in the hows, and worldly things when what really matters is the truth and testimony given….Thank you for this tonight you guys! IT WAS GREAT!

James

I saw the premiere of Witnesses Film tonight and thought it was very well done. It made me much more appreciative of Martin Harris

Tom

I really enjoyed this film. First, it was not cheesy like many can be in this genre. Second, the acting, cinematography, music, editing, sets, costumes, etc. were all very well done and professional. This was a very well-built film. But perhaps my favorite thing is that it didn’t shy away from the controversial parts of Church history. Rather than gloss over them or skip them the film showed how those events impacted. As a result, I have so much more appreciation and respect for Whitmer, Harris and Cowdery. If you are a Latter-day Saint, this is a must-see.

McKenzie

Offers a visual insight into what the witnesses of the plates suffered for us to have the gospel.

From the producers of the movie Witnesses comes the next chapter