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TRUTH BE TOLD is a feature-length documentary that studies the lives of several individuals raised in the Jehovahs Witnesses religion. The title refers to a tendency by Jehovah's Witnesses to regard their beliefs exclusively as the truth.
In a series of informal interviews former Jehovahs Witnesses discuss life experiences within the organization including the impact the religion had on their childhood and family, schooling, adolescence, and approaches to dating and marriage. The film also explores how being raised in the Jehovah's Witnesses religion has shaped their current spiritual beliefs and attitudes.
GLOBAL REACH
As a person born and raised a Jehovah's Witness, I could speak at length about the impact of the religion on my childhood and family - the effects of which resonate to this day. But instead of trudging through my past, I'd like to share portions of a letter sent to me from someone who viewed an online excerpt of TRUTH BE TOLD:
'...I'm so
excited to hear that your documentary is moving onto the next stage. When I
first saw your video introducing it, I was intrigued but had little hope that
it or any other source of exposure of the Cult would have any success in
destroying the Watchtower. Now I realize that my desire to destroy it only came
from my fear. Exposure and information from sources like your documentary will
bring relief from that fear, and eventually set the victims free. After that
the healing can begin.
...When I was searching for the real truth I could have never found it without
the help of all the videos and websites. I feel indebted to those I left behind
to do whatever I can to help them escape the fear. Your full length and very
well produced and directed documentary will help thousands. It will change the
course of events in the lives of innocent children whose parents after having
been enlightened will spare their children the abuse that I and millions of
other parents have allowed our children to suffer."
-PrintedTruth
Per the official synopsis, TRUTH BE TOLD is not an indictment of religion but rather a retrospective. The purpose of the movie is to provide a comprehensive forum for anyone that has story to share - to start a new conversation intended to heal, not hurt. And while the ultimate product may not be even-handed, it will be honest.
RESOURCES NEEDED
TRUTH BE TOLD is approaching the post-production stage. The next several months will be spent in various studios for editing, sound mix, and the digital creation of scenes based on the anecdotes provided in the interviews. Additional creative overhead includes Art/Music Department expenses. Administrative expenses include rights clearances, legal fees, and obtaining E&O insurance (expensive but essential for distribution).
Truth Be Told will also be submitted to a number of national/international film festivals. Funds will be used to cover festival fees, formatting content to specific exhibition formats and other co-op fees (i.e. theater/projection equipment rental, paid advertising, and general publicity and promotion).
Other Ways You Can Help
The Jehovah's Witnesses religion is over 7 million strong worldwide. Individuals and families affected by the generations of Jehovah's Witnesses doctrine however number in the tens if not hundreds of millions.
If you cannot contribute financially, we kindly ask that you do whatever you can to promote awareness of the documentary. Tell family, friends, coworkers, and colleagues who might be or have had dealings with Jehovah's Witnesses. Forward this link. Become a fan and share your story on the TRUTH BE TOLD Facebook page. You can also follow us on Twitter.
Feedback from the excerpts alone has been powerful (see GALLERY). With your help the reach of the completed documentary can potentially rival the worldwide influence of the Jehovah's Witnesses organization itself.
This is NOT about religious persecution...this is about the truth.
Thank you for taking the time to read this.
Gregorio Smith
Director - Truth Be Told
Created By:
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Gregorio SmithDirector/Producer