The Doctrine

The Doctrine — Plot

This epic documentary follows a group of Indigenous teenagers to Rome where they confront representatives of the Pope about 15th century Vatican laws known as the Doctrine of Discovery that codified conquest, colonization, racism, and slavery – and became international and U.S. law. Also featuring Indigenous activists in Aotearoa New Zealand, Guatemala, New Caledonia, and Puerto Rico, the film exposes how the Doctrine continues to impact humanity and the planet.

• Release date
• April 28, 2025
• Runtime
• 79 min
• Genres
• Documentary
• Director
• Gwendolen Cates