Posts by morrisamb

can't reveal details just yet, but the family secrets documentary that aired across canada this past monday will be pitched to an american channel in the near future...wish it luck!.

the documentary on my sexual abuse story for the w network has just won some awards: for the first season of the series, family secrets is being awarded a remi from worldfest houston international film & video festival.

whether it's for television series or television directing - i don't know yet.

morrisamb

Hi avisahai

Since we know that there are people who don't report in all kinds of groups, I'm just glad some have got on the report bandwagon. My focus is victims period. If JWs report abuse because they have to, cause they'll get charged if they don't, cause they don't want bad publicity, who fricken cares? I want the abuse reported and the children protected. Period.

It makes me sick to think that a victim that comes forward in any form of organization has to prove they were abused before they'd get help.

The reason the documentary on my story is so important is that it can affect change without inciting hatred. Hatred gets peoples' backs up and they're more convinced they are right. If my story will convince an Elder in Timbucktoo to pick up the phone even annonomously and report abuse, I say mission accomplished. I want to affect people's moral decisions. Morally it is the right thing to do; the humane thing to do.

11

The documentary has legs

by morrisamb in

can't reveal details just yet, but the family secrets documentary that aired across canada this past monday will be pitched to an american channel in the near future...wish it luck!.

the documentary on my sexual abuse story for the w network has just won some awards: for the first season of the series, family secrets is being awarded a remi from worldfest houston international film & video festival.

whether it's for television series or television directing - i don't know yet.

morrisamb

Thank you all for your kind words and wonderful support! My mother's Witness friends visited her today...they watched the documentary on Monday. They said they were very sad watching it; that it was well-done. They also said their policy now is to report sexual abuse to the police.

Mother's Witness friends from the area (one who is in the book too -name changed) called her tonight and said she thought the show was just great. That another Witness had taped it and would be showing it to some who had missed it.

The documentary is not about hate or revenge. It is clear in the show that molestation took place. That it was a Witness family. That we belonged to a certain kingdom hall where Elders did nothing. That is all in the documentary, but there is so much more.

I truly hope America will be able to see it. The director and I totally were in sinc- we didn't want to focus on anything that would get in the way of the story -such as my sexuality. Isn't sexual abuse taboo enough?

My story will reach so many more people if it is shown there.

11

The documentary has legs

by morrisamb in

can't reveal details just yet, but the family secrets documentary that aired across canada this past monday will be pitched to an american channel in the near future...wish it luck!.

the documentary on my sexual abuse story for the w network has just won some awards: for the first season of the series, family secrets is being awarded a remi from worldfest houston international film & video festival.

whether it's for television series or television directing - i don't know yet.

morrisamb

Can't reveal details just yet, but the Family Secrets documentary that aired across Canada this past monday will be pitched to an American channel in the near future...Wish it luck!

Meanwhile, this should help:

The documentary on my sexual abuse story for the W Network has just won some awards: For the first season of the series, Family Secrets is being awarded a Remi from Worldfest Houston International Film & Video Festival. Whether it's for Television series or Television directing - I don't know yet. And the announcement of which award, Platinum, Gold, Silver or Bronze has not yet been announced. It will be announced April 24.

Family Secrets: When Nobody's Looking was awarded in 2003 Chris Awards from The Columbus International Film & Video Festival an Honorable Mention in the category of Social Issues, Social documentary short subject.

Family Secrets: When Nobody's Looking was awarded a bronze finalist award in the 2003 Telly Awards for cable documentary television program.

We'll be posting updates here: http://www.fatherstouch.com

13

Donald's Family Secret documentary!!!!

by mouthy in

i have just finished watching it.

so glad donald mentioned it was the jehovah's witnesses- who knew about the abuse & said nothing..... good work donald.....

i was so sorry to hear what you went through as a youngster...... p.s.

morrisamb

The responses to the documentary on Monday have been unbelievable..from across Canada....you might find this one interesting... Hi Donald: My name is _________, and I live in Aylmer On. I worked as a secretary at EESS [until I retired].... During those years I worked in the Student Practice Office, Guidance and for many years in the Main Office at the front desk. I remember you as a very pleasant and clever young man. Who would have known what you were suffering. After the horrid court case I often wondered what became of you. For many years I often thought of you and prayed that you were safe and doing ok. (I don't want to babble on and take up your time, so I will make this short. ) A few weeks ago, I read your article in the Aylmer Express and found out you had written a book. I also watched your story on the W channel on Monday nite, and I must admit I cried through the whole show. You are a true survivor Donald and I admire what you are doing for others who have, or still are suffering sexual abuse. If your story stops the sexual abuse of just one child, you will know that your years of suffering were not in vain. As a person who loves children, to me Donald you are a hero. One of my main reasons for e-mailing you is to ask if your book will be available in bookstores in my area. ...I am also going to inquire and see if the library at EESS has a copy of your book. Would you please e-mail be back at ____________. I look forward to hearing from you. Thank you for your time Donald. Aylmer, On

13

Donald's Family Secret documentary!!!!

by mouthy in

i have just finished watching it.

so glad donald mentioned it was the jehovah's witnesses- who knew about the abuse & said nothing..... good work donald.....

i was so sorry to hear what you went through as a youngster...... p.s.

morrisamb

This is a response to someone who wrote me privately:

It must have been strange for you to see Ronny and I travel back to the old Kingdom Hall...I've never seen or been to the new one they have. Don't even know where it is.
I have added some new info in my second edition of Father's Touch. I thought it was important to change the names of the major players including Elders, because what happened is the point, not pointing fingers. Yeah, they were jerks...well, I've met just as many non-Witness jerks. I am no apostate. I hate that word anyway. It's like labelling people with a disease or something. It's a power/control word. People are human beings and I've met assholes from every religion. Witnesses don't own a market. In fact, I have more negative feelings about born-again Christians. Don't take offense if you are one, as i have met good people who are too, but they'd better not preach to me!! I heard enough about how I'm going to die from Mom's JW relgion and from my father's born-again bullshit sending me to hell. I want nothing to do with religion, yet find Christ and God so above it all. They must be so disgusted with so many of their so-called disciples no matter what faith they proclaim to be.
When I said 30 people knew about the abuse I was including police, court officials lawyers, doctors etc.
Life isn't fair and I'm lived long enough to be just happy I'm alive.
Look, OJ Simpson is playing golf, Martha Stewart goes to jail and my father's partying in the Phillippines. Life's a bitch, isn't it!

13

Donald's Family Secret documentary!!!!

by mouthy in

i have just finished watching it.

so glad donald mentioned it was the jehovah's witnesses- who knew about the abuse & said nothing..... good work donald.....

i was so sorry to hear what you went through as a youngster...... p.s.

morrisamb

Had Enough, thanks so much for your wonderful post. When I think back to the time I sat and listened to an elder tell me he had not reported our abuse 'cause he didn't think it was against the law, I could scream. I'm all for educating Elders as well as most people on the planet...'cause the truth is 30 people knew about the abuse by the time I read the Ann Landers letter and if everyone didn't do anything, there's a lot of pie to go around, isn't there!

It would be nice to get a letter some day in the mail with an apology from one of these people..it's not gonna happen...well, after more than two decades, I'm not holding my breath. Oh, I did get a post card from my father a few years ago...telling me he FORGAVE me for all I had done to him!!

It helps to have a sense of humour about such things...After working on this subject for so long, I've never felt so normal in my life. I have nothing to be ashamed of; hence the documentary, the book, the public speaking, etc.

Besides, I get to meet great people like you!

13

Donald's Family Secret documentary!!!!

by mouthy in

i have just finished watching it.

so glad donald mentioned it was the jehovah's witnesses- who knew about the abuse & said nothing..... good work donald.....

i was so sorry to hear what you went through as a youngster...... p.s.

morrisamb

Chris, here are some of the responses to the documentary last night... Hi Donald, Just wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed the show last night. It showed your family's courage over the years and how far reaching the effects of sexual abuse can be. People know about this kind of abuse but sometimes cannot relate to it. By sharing your experiences in the documentary, you have helped countless others to be aware. Gloria __________

Greetings, Donald

I watched your episode of Family Secrets last evening and I stand up and applaud you for having the courage to do what you did.

It is not easy to face ones past, especially when it involves family members. It is time that people realize that boys can also be victimized.

__________

Hi Donald, I just watched the show. Very good. I think it really showed how SA affects us in so many
ways, and for so many years.....This is a side of it that the general public doesn't want to see.
I'm really glad to see what you've done as far as growing.

S.

_________________ hi donald i watched the documentary, it was good. I liked seeing most of your family and the old photographs really drew me in creatively. Was Erik anywhere in the piece, during your reading? mary ___________ Hi Donald. The show worked out really well. ...most important of all - you were excellent on the show - so open and engaging and and truthful. I think your story is so important.

13

Donald's Family Secret documentary!!!!

by mouthy in

i have just finished watching it.

so glad donald mentioned it was the jehovah's witnesses- who knew about the abuse & said nothing..... good work donald.....

i was so sorry to hear what you went through as a youngster...... p.s.

morrisamb

Hi everyone..just home for lunch..yes tremendous response to the show...emails all the way from New Brunswick

all positive...can't wait till you all can see it when Z. transfers the tape and makes it available

reganashe, I am morrisamb here...my web site is http://www.fatherstouch.com that will explain who I am

Thanks everyone!