Caden Miller is a Catholic social media influencer from North Carolina. His Instagram account, TheFilmPope, curates content focused on film culture and grounded in a robust Catholicism. TheFilmPope has a largely secular following; most of his nearly 200,000 followers are not Catholic, even as the material Caden produces is permeated with Catholic themes. His profile picture, a portrait of Pope St. Pius X, oversees the many posts highlighting films and TV shows that portray the seven deadly sins, the cardinal virtues, the Ten Commandments, and Dante’s Divine Comedy. The evangelical effect of his work on Instagram has borne unexpected fruit, attracting non-Christians to Christianity and former Catholics back to the Church.
Andrew Tolkmith of Word on Fire Publishing interviewed Caden about the relationship between Catholicism and film, his experience of evangelizing through social media, and why being an influencer can be an effective ministry.
Andrew Tolkmith: When did you first discover that you were a cinephile (a lover of film)?
Caden Miller: My grandmother loved film. She showed me all of the classics when I was a kid. I think the first film I ever watched was The Sound of Music, and then Singin’ in the Rain, It’s a Wonderful Life, and even The Lord of the Rings trilogy. She is the reason I fell in love with the art of film from a young age. I always knew, ever since I was a kid, that movies were something deeper than just entertainment.
When did the idea first occur to you that there can be a powerful relationship between being a Catholic and loving the art of film?
The idea of a relationship between being a Catholic and loving the art of film first occurred to me when I found out about the Vatican’s list of important films that it curated in 1995. Pope St. John Paul II said that movies have the potential to “be moving challenges to the human spirit, capable of dealing in depth with subjects of great meaning and importance from an ethical and spiritual point of view,” and he urged filmmakers to aim for art of this caliber. I think that JPII’s message is showcased in films like A Hidden Life (2019, dir. Terrence Malick) and Andrei Rublev (1966, dir. Andrei Tarkovsky). Films can change your life.
Movies have the power to reach hearts and minds, and engaging with them through a Catholic lens can be a bridge to deeper conversations about faith, beauty, and truth.
Why do films (particularly art films) enrich a person’s faith? How, in turn, can Catholicism contribute to a more spiritual way of viewing films and creating a robust film culture?
Art films often delve into the complexities of the human experience—pain, joy, love, suffering, redemption, and the search for meaning. This exploration resonates with themes found in our Catholic teaching, which allows us to reflect on our own faith and understanding of God’s presence in our lives. These films also tend to emphasize visual and narrative beauty, which draws us into an appreciation of the artistic and the sublime. This opens our mind to the beauty of creation and the Creator, as beauty is a pathway to experiencing God. The nuanced storytelling found in films like these often encourages us to grapple with moral and ethical questions. Just like literature, film can challenge us to foster a deeper understanding of our faith and the call to live a virtuous life.
Where did the idea first occur to you to start an account dedicated to film culture? Did you always consider it to be a ministry or apostolate?
The idea for TheFilmPope first came to me as a way to combine my deep love for cinema with my Catholic faith. I’ve always been passionate about the way film shapes culture and tells meaningful stories, many of which align with spiritual truths. At first, I just wanted to create a space to discuss movies from a thoughtful, faith-informed perspective. But over time, I realized it could be more than just a hobby; it could be a kind of ministry. Movies have the power to reach hearts and minds, and engaging with them through a Catholic lens can be a bridge to deeper conversations about faith, beauty, and truth. But I didn’t want to shut the account off from those who aren’t Catholic. A lot of my following is secular, which is all a part of the mission. It showcases that even though they may have different beliefs, they can still appreciate and learn from the faith. So yes, I now see TheFilmPope as an apostolate of sorts—a way to meet people where they are, and invite them to see movies (and life) with a richer, more meaningful perspective.
How can approaching film culture with a Catholic mind be a catalyst for evangelization?
Film is one of the most powerful storytelling media of our time. It shapes how people see the world, wrestle with those big questions, and understand the human experience. When we approach this with a Catholic perspective, we’re not just analyzing movies—we’re engaging with the deeper themes they explore: truth, beauty, redemption, sacrifice, and the longing for something greater. You’ll find that you can find an undertone of truth even in the most secular films. God is always present. There are so many stories of mercy, justice, and self-giving love in secular films, and even in these you can evangelize. On the other hand, you have films like Triumph of the Heart, which is a new film about St. Maximillian Kolbe that can bring non-Catholics to the faith through the art of film. The faith isn’t separate from culture—it’s embedded in the very stories we tell.
What are the great merits and pitfalls for a ministry based in social media and especially on Instagram? Do any specific encounters come to mind that demonstrate these merits or pitfalls?
Social media, and Instagram in particular, is a double-edged sword for any ministry. On the one hand, it’s an incredible tool for reaching people where they already are. It allows for quick engagement and the ability to create a community over shared interests. I’ve had countless encounters with people who discovered TheFilmPope and told me it helped them see movies—and even their faith—in a new light. Some have messaged me saying my account led them to begin OCIA and convert to Catholicism. That kind of impact wouldn’t be possible without social media’s reach.
But there are pitfalls too. The fast-paced, often superficial nature of Instagram can make deep discussions difficult. Algorithms reward controversial and quick takes rather than thoughtful insights. I’ve also encountered moments when people misinterpret a post or react negatively without fully engaging with the content. There’s always the danger of falling into vanity—focusing too much on metrics instead of mission.
One specific encounter that stands out was a private message from someone who had drifted from the faith but found their way back, in part through movie discussions we had in the past. That was a reminder of why I do this. But on the flip side, I’ve also had posts that sparked unnecessary outrage, where people assumed bad intentions rather than engaging charitably. It’s a balancing act—using the platform wisely while keeping the focus on Christ, not on numbers or controversy.
People are looking for more than just surface-level reviews; they want deeper, more unique discussions about the themes, artistry, and moral questions in the movies they love.
Your account has seen explosive growth in recent months, even as you’ve maintained a strong Catholic style in your content. Why do you think your following has increased so rapidly?
The rapid growth of TheFilmPope has been humbling. I recently discerned out of seminary, and God has blessed me with the rapid growth right at the perfect time. I truly believe it’s all just aligning with his plan, but I also think that a big part of it comes down to a growing hunger for thoughtful, faith-based engagement with pop culture—especially film. People are looking for more than just surface-level reviews; they want deeper, more unique discussions about the themes, artistry, and moral questions in the movies they love. By maintaining my own niche, which is my Catholic perspective, I think the account has resonated with those who appreciate a perspective that goes beyond the usual hype or cynicism in film discussions. I always tell people: Have your own niche. Be unique. Be original. Be thoughtful. Show that you care.
Film culture itself has seen tremendous development in recent years, with the Criterion Collection, MUBI, Letterboxd, and other outlets increasing in popularity. Why do you think Catholics should engage film culture and its forums more extensively in our time?
There’s a movement of young Catholics who don’t want to retreat from culture but engage with it critically and charitably. If we want to be a part of the broader cultural conversation, we can’t ignore film—we need to engage with it. If Catholics step into these spaces, not just as consumers but as contributors, we can bring our Catholic perspective into these conversations and offer something unique while bringing the culture back to the Church. We have a vision of film that sees art as a path to truth, not just entertainment. The Church has a long history of engaging with art, from writers like Dante and Flannery O’Connor to cinematic giants like Federico Fellini and Robert Bresson. Our time is no different; we’re called to be present, to appreciate the good, to critique the flawed, and ultimately to elevate the conversation to glorify our Creator.
Why do you think social media is such an effective place for entering the conversation surrounding movies new and old?
Social media is an incredibly effective space for discussing movies, both new and old, because it thrives on shared experiences but also on those experiences that we don’t share. We can learn from each other. Film is one of the most accessible art forms today—nearly everyone watches movies, whether in theaters, through streaming, or through physical media. Social media allows people to react to films in real time and share insights while connecting with others who see the deeper meaning in storytelling.
Are there any long-term goals you plan to pursue for TheFilmPope?
Absolutely! While TheFilmPope started as a simple Instagram account, I see a lot of potential for it to grow into something even bigger. One of my long-term goals is to expand beyond just social media posts and create more in-depth content—whether through a website, a podcast, a book, or even video essays. Another goal is to foster a real community of Catholics and film lovers who want to engage with movies thoughtfully. That could mean hosting live discussions, starting a film club, or even collaborating with other companies, filmmakers, and brands. I want this to be more than just an Instagram account. I want it to be the place Catholics and film lovers go to explore how storytelling and faith intersect. If I could do this full time, I’d do it in a heartbeat.
At the heart of it all, the mission remains the same: to elevate the conversation around film and faith. Whatever direction TheFilmPope takes in the future, I want it to continue being a place where people can encounter beauty, truth, and peace.