Watch I, Pastafari: A Flying Spaghetti Monster Story

I, Pastafari: A Flying Spaghetti Monster Story is a 2019 documentary about the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster (FSM). Directed by Michael Arthur and produced by Gregorio Smith, the film follows the movement and members of the church as they fight for religious recognition and acceptance in various countries around the world.

The film begins by introducing viewers to the concept of the Flying Spaghetti Monster, a deity created by Bobby Henderson, who founded the church in 2005. The FSM is a satirical deity that was created in response to the Kansas State Board of Education's decision to allow the teaching of intelligent design in public schools. The church, which is based on a tongue-in-cheek belief system that encourages adherents to be "Pastafarians," has since grown into a global phenomenon.

The story is narrated by its founder, Bobby Henderson, and centers around the movement's ongoing struggle for recognition as a legitimate religion in countries like the United States, the Netherlands, and Australia. The church's advocacy for religious exemptions on driver's license photos, pastafarian ministers who can conduct marriages, and other religious freedoms in these countries, is also explored.

Throughout the documentary, viewers get to meet various members of the church, including Roel Schutgens, a law professor from Maastricht University and the legal representative for Dutch Pastafarians. Schutgens argues that his country's legal system should recognize the FSM as a legitimate religion, and we see him passionately argue the case in court.

Dirk Jan Dijkstra, a Dutch pastafarian and writer, tells the story of how he discovered the faith and found a community among fellow Pastafarians. He explains how the spaghetti monster has become a positive force in his life, helping him find meaning and connection in a world that often feels cynical and disconnected.

Another member of the church, Bruder Spaghettus from Germany, discusses his efforts to spread the word about the FSM through social media and activism. We see footage of him leading protests and generating awareness for the faith, as well as how he connects with other Pastafarians around the world through online communities.

I, Pastafari also features interviews with scientists and philosophers who offer their insights into why the Flying Spaghetti Monster has resonated with so many people around the world. They discuss whether or not the FSM qualifies as a "real" religion, and how the concept of "belief" plays into the faith's popularity.

Overall, the documentary is a fascinating look into a burgeoning religious movement and the unique ways in which its members are fighting for recognition and acceptance. Through their shared belief in the Flying Spaghetti Monster, we see a diverse group of people coming together to find meaning, connection, and a sense of belonging in a world that often feels uncertain and chaotic.