new documentary film about Disfellowshipping - the anti - Knocking

by RubyParker 74 Replies latest forum announcements

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  RubyParker

  You’re quite right Paralipomenon – thank you for pointing out my error. In my excitement I had forgotten to add:
  
  g) any current members who wish to express their views regarding disfellowshipping, anonymous or otherwise
  h) any current members who are currently not associating with a family member because that member is disfellowshipped
  i) any current WTS representatives including Elders or members of the Governing Body J To interview an Elder would be ideal.
  
  Any wish or desire for anonymity will be respected, except for those who fall into category i.
  
  I am, of course, aware of the need to be reflexive and aware of one’s own bias. However, I contend that all filmmakers, particularly documentary filmmakers are biased to begin with. It is impossible to be entirely impartial. Whoever edits really shapes the story. However, I completely agree that in order for the film to be progressive there has to be an effort to strike a balance between believers’ perspectives and those who have been DF’d. Unfortunately, the entire issue of course, is that I want to talk to active Witnesses (including my family) – but will they talk to me?
  
  I wish to open a dialogue, to provoke a discussion and ultimately to politicize this issue – to open up the subject of disfellowshipping (a foreign concept to most) for public debate.
  
  Part of my argument is that those who are disfellowshipping experience a unique form of TRAUMA. It is not possible to lose your entire family, social network and worldview overnight and to then obtain closure or to “carry on” in my experience. The experience is carried with us - - it is not possible to compartmentalize our emotions and memories this way. Disfellowshippiing has a long term impact on an individual’s: emotions, self-worth, mental health, social skills, finances…the list goes on. The best these individuals can do, in my view, is to cope and continue to learn about our experience and those of others. If we had all “moved on” – none of us would have logged into this site in the first place.
  
  Ah yes, the budget. My film does have a budget. I am fortunate to have friends who work in the industry who have been able to point me in the right direction. This will NOT be shot on a camcorder and uploaded to YouTube.
  
  In terms of the audience, I am not aiming specifically toward current members – I think this issue is of interest to all human beings. It essentially asks us what it means to be human? What are we if our most basic human bonds are severed? Is this practice humane? If so, how do we rationalize / explain it?
  
  Thank you for bringing up this very important point.
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  ninja

  hey Rooby Doo....I am available for the casting couch.....he he.....da ninja
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  RubyParker

  Hello Hoping4Change,
  
  I completely agree - please refer to my response to Paralipmenon (which I am having trouble viewing for some reason - can you see/read it?). Not referencing the opinions of current members was an oversight on my part -- it has always been my intention to interview active members, and to attempt to speak with WTS representatives. Otherwise it would be horrendously unbalanced. I suppose since this is really a former JW forum, I had framed my little message toward the audience, but I suppose there are current members on here also.
  Naturally, I want desperately to be able to quote their own publications, and to use their own imagery but this has many legal implications. We'll see what happens...
  
  Thanks very much for your input!
  
  Ruby
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  RubyParker

  Thanks for your well wishes Rabbit. I have to admit, I have geared my entire education...every single paper...toward trying to understand this experience. Surprisingly, I entered as an undergrad very very bitter and a complete atheist with no tolerance for other people's religious views, regardless of which tradition they followed. It is because of my studies that I feel that I am now able to rationally maneuver around this topic, even though it is extremely personal. Thanks for your expression of support. Ruby.
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  RubyParker

  Hello Crumpet,

  Thank you for your response. I would be delighted to speak with you. Would you mind contacting me at the following e-mail:

  [email protected]

  The website should be up and running within the next few weeks which will provide you with more information, I'll be sure to forward it to you. keep in touch, Ruby.
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  RubyParker

  Hello greendawn,

  Thank you for your support. Actually, as someone pointed out below there have been others who have created similar films. I know that at least two individuals are currently working on documentaries, one called 'Loosing My Religion'. I am hoping to be able to contact each of these filmmakers to offer support and make sure that we are not stepping on each others' toes.

  There are SO many angles to approach this from: gender, internal policies regarding molestation reports, blood transfusions, sexuality - in particular homosexuality. I honestly believe that hundreds of films could (and I'm sure, will) be made about Jehovah's Witnesses - there is simply too much territory to cover. I am focusing specifically on the mental/emotional trauma that results for both parties as a result of disfellowshipping.

  Thanks again,

  Ruby.
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  Will Power

  Applause applause for taking on this important work.
  
  another suggestion for an angle to cover..... all the publicity the WT gets from governments & activists praising their fight for "freedoms" - whenever I hear the words..... if it wasn't for the witnesses we wouldn't have freedom of religion etc.... I just shake my head.
  
  The freedoms they fight for is for the legal organization to operate as a dangerous high control group with all the tax benefits - not for its individual members right to choose their beliefs. (they are all chosen for them)
  
  wp
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  RubyParker

  Hi megsmomma,
  I would love to hear more about your experience -- it sounds as though you've been through an awful lot to say the least. If you feel comfortable doing so, please e-mail me at: [email protected].
  Looking forward to hearing from you,
  Ruby
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  RubyParker

  Hi AlanF,
  I was not aware of this production! Thanks very very much for telling me. Now to figure out how I can view it....
  many thanks,
  Ruby
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  ninja

  hey rubyparker....are you spidermans wife?