Experiencing Interruptions?

Spare the Child

"Spare the Child" is the first documentary to uncover the lifelong impact that spanking has on the human body, heart, and psyche. Through intimate interviews and compelling animation, this documentary explores the childhoods and subsequent adulthoods of three survivors of childhood corporal punishment.

  • Joshua Overbay
    Director
    "As It Is In Heaven," "Luke & Jo," "Transposition."
  • Joshua Overbay
    Producer
    "As It Is In Heaven," "Luke & Jo," "Transposition."
  • Andie Morgenlander
    Producer
    "Luke & Jo," "Whistle Down Wind," "Polished."
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short
  • Runtime:
    29 minutes 23 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    August 24, 2020
  • Production Budget:
    5,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital - Blackmagic Cinema 4K
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2.35:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
Director Biography - Joshua Overbay

In 2014, Joshua Overbay (MFA) released the award-winning feature film, “As It Is in Heaven.” After playing in theaters across the United States, The NY Times deemed it a “Critic’s Pick,” while The Hollywood Reporter described it as “ominous” and “quietly compelling.” In 2015, his second feature film “Hope Bridge” was released, and can now be purchased at any Walmart, Target, or Best Buy. Most recently, he completed his third feature film entitled, “Luke & Jo.” It has received numerous accolades and is currently available on Amazon Prime.

Before “As It Is in Heaven,” Overbay garnered over 30 awards for his short films. His film “Transposition” was a 2009 National Finalist for the Student Academy Awards. He has taught courses in independent screenwriting, directing, producing, and film history at Asbury University and Louisiana State University. He is currently an Assistant Professor of Film at Western Carolina University.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

I was born into the morally scrupulous world of religious fundamentalism, where parents were expected to take personal responsibility for the policing and modification of their children’s behaviors, beliefs, and thoughts. When their children failed to meet God’s perfect law, they were whipped with a belt. To survive, I reshaped my entire self to become the ideal image for my parents and church to behold.

Though I left Christian fundamentalism two decades ago, its impact continues to make itself known, particularly as I’ve transitioned into being a husband and a father. Gratefully, therapy has helped me recognize how my trauma continues to show up in the forms of self-hatred, self-doubt, perfectionism, black and white thinking, and hyper-vigilance. The ability to speak about my past and name it as abuse has not only given me a profound sense of freedom, but also the hope of healing.

My deepest aspiration is that those who have had similar experiences feel seen and heard as they watch this documentary. And that it reminds them of their courage and resilience, so the long work of healing can begin.