Produced by Laurence Fishburne and released by ESPN Films, this documentary feature is a testament to the healing power of love. It follows a martial arts sensei who teaches boys emotional intelligence and helps them confront unresolved trauma as they begin their transformation into men.
2022 / 94 minutes / Credit: Director/Producer

WINNER Tribeca Film Festival - Best Documentary Feature
WINNER Tribeca Film Festival - 1st Place Audience Award
WINNER Tribeca Film Festival - Best Editing
WINNER NYWIFT Excellence in Documentary Filmmaking
WINNER Vail Film Festival - Best Documentary
WINNER Hot Springs Documentary Festival - Audience Choice Award Best US Feature
WINNER Freep Film Festival - Spirit of Michigan Award

Reviews & Press:

“I was rocked to my core… One of the best and most important films of 2022. It will make you feel good for all the right reasons.” —Unseen Films

“The Cave of Adullam is remarkably impactful in every way.” —Pop Culture Reviews

“There is a depth to the stories in The Cave Of Adullam that are underexposed in cinema, and it is satisfying to see these stories documented to film in such a proficient manner.” —For Reel

“At no point does one get the sense that Checkoway is fabricating false drama; instead, she’s allowing the truth of these young men to be the driving factor for the documentary… Running at 94 minutes, The Cave of Adullam could’ve gone longer and it would’ve only made the experience that much more rewarding.” —Elements of Madness

“What was the deciding factor in choosing Laura to direct Cave of Adullam? 

FISHBURNE: Laura was chosen because she’s a brilliant documentarian. She has a cinematic sensitivity and a doctor’s bedside manner. She’s also good at entering someone’s private space as an observer, and allows things to manifest naturally. Laura doesn’t impose her personality or her energy onto anything. It boils down to her humanity and her ability to see the humanity in all of the subjects that she has shot as a documentarian. And that’s the reason why we chose her.” —Deadline (interview with Laurence Fishburne)