“Finding Noah” is an exciting journey to the top of Mount Ararat. Several explorers, including a few pastors, make the difficult journey to the summit to drill and see if they can find pitch-like substance, or even wood, from the ark. The documentary chronicles the explorers’ hopes, dreams and disappointments, as they deal with difficult weather. The film weaves archived footage into the story, highlighting past attempts and discoveries.

Pastor Bruce Hall, a forensics expert in addition to being a minister, speaks with his family via computer before making the trek and acknowledges that the explorers don’t know if they will return from such a tumultuous journey. A father and son, Bill and Will Hughes, also make the trip, and Will states he has no doubt in his mind that this search should happen.

The documentary makes good use of various comments from those involved in the climb, animated short videos, archive footage, and the actual drilling to determine if the explorers find anything there. Do they find something? The viewer will have to watch to see but, as one of the travelers says, the journey itself and the discoveries the explorers make about one another and about themselves are what count. For, as a few of them confess, they feel closer to God because of this journey. We are pleased to award this film our Faith Friendly Seal for ages 12-plus. This documentary is a good mystery, as well as an exploration film!