Our Story
This is a story of the worst human atrocity to take place on planet earth since WWII. It is a story that should never be. It is a story that anyone who owns a cell phone, laptop, mp3 player or any other electronic device plays a role in, and more importantly, it is a story whose ending is yet to be written.
The story starts with our electronic devices. All of which contain the minerals TUNGSTEN, TIN, TANTALUM, and GOLD. These minerals, also known as CONFLICT MINERALS, are found in huge supply in the DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, where rebel militias (foreign and domestic) use rape, murder, and slavery to control and extract these minerals.
The rebel militias then sell these minerals into the supply chain where they wind up in the devices we love so much. This situation creates huge profits for the manufacturers of these devices, the neighboring countries who help smuggle the minerals, and the rebel militias on the ground - we consumers get amazing devices, and the people of Congo are left living in what can only be described as hell on earth.
In the last 10 years almost 6 million Congolese people have been killed, hundreds of thousands of Congolese women have been systematically and brutally raped, and millions more have been displaced. The electronics corporations know about this. The governments involved know about this. They have done nothing. We are now bringing this story to the consumers, with the very specific question, "What are we going to do about this?"
The answer to this question writes the end of the story.
The Impact
Our intended impact is to change reality. Reality for the people of Congo, and reality for all who believe that commerce and creation cannot come at the expense of our fellow human beings.
To change this reality we must first tell the story. History has proven time and again that when enough people are told the real story they can do amazing things. It is true of ending the trade of BLOOD DIAMONDS, ending APARTHEID, and even ending JIM CROWE laws in the American South.
And although our first goal is awareness, awareness is not enough. This is why the film will be part of a larger international campaign with major NGO's and non-profits, built to help end the trade of Conflict Minerals from The Democratic Republic of Congo.
We have infinite faith in the power of story, and infinite faith in the power of people to do good by their fellow man. It is a combination that can, and has changed the world. We're honored to be part of this combination.
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What We Need & What You Get
Timing is essential on this project. We have currently raised $101,000 through private and in-kind investments. We need another $30,000 to finish production in Congo and abroad. Post-Production and finishing funds are being negotiated and sought with private investors, foreign pre-sales, and through documentary-film grant opportunities. However, to keep the film and campaign on schedule for a fall of 2012 release, we must keep moving forward with production while we negotiate these deals.
THIS GOAL IS VERY REALISTIC. We will be directly emailing this campaign to 4000 POTENTIAL SUPPORTERS. If only those persons are to pre-purchase the DVD we'd raise enough money to finish all of production and most of post-production. Or, BETTER YET, if everyone of those were to pre-order the DVD and get 3 friends to do the same, (or BEST order the creative consultant package) we'd have enough money to finish the film and launch the entire campaign without spending any more time raising money.
This is ALL VERY DOABLE and we are damn excited to give people the opportunity to participate in this campaign.
(See sidebar of Package options)
Other Ways You Can Help
Pre-ordering a package is the FIRST way you can get engaged. The SECOND way is to help us spread the word - Forward this on to everyone you know who owns a cell phone, laptop, MP3 player, or any other electronic device. Give them the chance to engage in the campaign to end the trade of Conflict Minerals! The THIRD way is to stay in touch. Join the Facebook Page - http://www.facebook.com/ConflictMineralsProject, join us on twitter @mikeramsdell, join our phone campaign TEXT: CONGO TO 313131. It is a unitied consumer voice that will change this practice, and never before has it been easier, or more accessible for consumers to be united.
We thank you in advance and are excited to be working with you.
