Dr. Pauline Williams spent years as a Chicago Public Schools teacher in the Austin neighborhood, watching fatherlessness shape the lives of her students. On Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026, she'll bring the documentary she made about it to her own church in Oak Park.

"Shoutin' Hallelujah: A Journey of Healing" screens at Resurrected Life Church International, 171 N. Cuyler Ave., with doors opening at 1:30 p.m. and the film starting at 2 p.m. A panel discussion, audience Q&A, and reception follow, running until 4 p.m. Tickets cost $25.

Williams, founder and CEO of Mattimex Productions, directed the documentary, which features personal stories and expert perspectives on father absence, reconciliation, and emotional healing. She told the Austin Weekly News that the project grew from people approaching her to share their experiences.

"As people learned about the project, certain individuals, including members of my own family, approached me and shared deeply personal stories," Williams said in a July 21 interview. "That's when I realized it was more than just a film to be made, it was a conversation that needed to be had within our communities."

Williams holds a PhD in Curriculum Design and trained as a television producer through a local cable access network. Her company, Mattimex Productions, produces documentaries, narrative films, and educational media for schools.

She chose Oak Park for the screening because Resurrected Life Church International is her congregation. Pastor Dr. Ray Allen Berryhill, who has led the church since December 1992, partnered with Williams throughout the project and offered the space for the event. The congregation draws members from more than 40 nations, according to the church's website.

Licensed therapist Dr. Lynetta Davis will join the post-screening panel as an expert. Davis leads the counseling ministry at Resurrected Life Church International and is founder, CEO, and board chair of The Empowerment Place, one of the event's community partners. Williams said Davis provided practical guidance for fathers seeking to reconnect with their children and for mothers navigating that process.

The documentary serves as a companion piece to an upcoming narrative feature film also titled "Shoutin' Hallelujah!" The screenplay has been written, and proceeds from the Aug. 8 screening will help fund its completion.

Tickets are available online at tickettailor.com or in person at the church from congregation member Sherryn Fuquay, according to the church bulletin.