Freethought Film Project in the Philippines

I have been to the Philippines four times, but the last two times I went back have been a combination of enjoyment and occasional sadness. Enjoyment from the people and locale, but sadness at the poverty and circumstances that have resulted from superstition and misinformation.

Just to give you an example. On my third visit, the local news reported the following:

A young girl found herself pregnant, and the family took her to a witch doctor instead of an actual medical doctor. This was primarily due to poverty and tradition, but the witch doctor said she was suffering from a tumor. It was later revealed that she was pregnant. The girl eventually gave birth and says she wants to be a medical doctor so she can better serve her people.

This is just one example of how a combination of superstition and poverty can ruin countless lives. I will be working with a variety of freethinker and humanist groups in the Philippines to help educate people in the sciences, health, and other rational methods to bring healing and success to their lives.

The documentary is tentatively titled 'An American Backslider in the Philippines'. The title is inspired by a think tank which labeled America as a 'backslidden democracy'. It's also a play on the titles of Mark Twain books like 'A Vagabond Abroad' or 'The Innocents Abroad'.

It concerns freethought movements in a predominantly Roman Catholic country that has separation of church and state written into their constitution. I would like for it to showcase a variety of humanist and freethought groups, and the few celebrities that have come out as non-believers.

I want to work hand in hand with Filipino freethought groups and need to raise money for this endeavor. Ultimately, I want to see this documentary streaming on mainstream channels, like my previous documentary 'Wrestling Then and Now', which is currently on Tubi, Plex, and a variety of channels I haven't even heard of! I take pride in that.

This will be a unique documentary and a moment of action. When I was there the last time, I realized I would have to do some island hopping if I wanted to get interviews. That will cost money. I would like to hire local crew and talent because I plan on dramatic recreations of myths, legends, and history. I also plan on working with local Humanist and Freethought groups to capture their stories, and also to support their educational efforts in their communities.

If I were religious, there would be many churches and missionary groups willing to partner with me—people are always ready to fund efforts to spread the gospel. However, providing something the community truly needs, like essential medical care and education without religious strings attached, can be a much harder sell. That’s why I’m launching this GoFundMe.

The money will compensate those being interviewed, as well as the crew and transportation, equipment rentals and anything else that might come up during the production. If you have a desire to help people, as I do, please consider giving. I will be sending regular updates to keep you informed of my activities and the fruit of your generosity.

Feel free to send me any questions.

UPDATE: This gofundme may not be the best medium to discuss the meeting I once had with Christian comic book tract artist, Jack Chick. If you're curious, just google "Dwayne Walker" "Jack Chick" and you should have no problem finding those articles. Most of them mention that Chick was producing a missionary movie that would showcase his tracts and, ultimately, he wanted to project the gospel on the side of a building in Brazil.

Today, I was thinking about that and realizing that the vision that motivated Jack Chick is very similar to what's motivating me. Of course, I want to champion the scientific method and showcase the good works that Humanist and Freethinkers are doing in the Philippines.

Chick, on the other hand, wanted to showcase a violent interpretation of Christianity to show to the world. He wanted to showcase graphic, and disturbing images on a building. I would prefer to showcase my work in a theater in the Philippines, with free admission, to introduce Humanism and Freethought to a crowd that might not even be aware of the existence of Humanist groups (let alone the good work they do, providing aid and support to their communities).

Chick's movie was budgeted close to a half million dollars. I did a breakdown of my budget and found that $100,000, even including theater rental for a premiere, is quite modest. I want to hire local talent: videographers, actors, and other crew members. Not to mention honorariums for those that are interviewed for this documentary.

Jack Chick interviewed me as a prospective director who would put this movie together. I showed him two samples of my work. He certainly acted impressed, but ultimately decided to go with an established Christian film company. Still, in 'auditioning' myself for Chick, I showed him samples of my work. So, in auditioning for prospective donors on this site, I've decided I should show you the exact same examples I showed Jack Chick. One sample is a music video of the Southern California band, Babylonian Tiles. The other is a scene from Bible Madness.

First, the music video:

Babylonian Tiles "Basking in the Sun at Midnight"

I don't have the exact scene from BIBLE MADNESS that I showed Jack Chick, but this preview contains the scene that I showed him. It's the scene where the main character reveals he's going to run for city council.

At the top of this gofundme, you can see an excerpt from 'An American Backslider in the Philippines', the documentary I'm raising money for. I already explained, in the article below this one, that the title is a play on Mark Twain's travel books. I should mention there's a possibility I might change the title if a more appropriate one presents itself during production.

Earlier today, it occurred to me that my video of the creation myth looks suspiciously like Jack Chick's gospel movie! Okay, I kinda chuckle at that, but I do like the Filipino myth of creation better than the Adam and Eve story because, in this case, Man and Woman are created equally. No one is subservient to the other. And because each couple comes from a bamboo stalk, there's no reason to ask the pesky question, "Where did Cain get his wife?"

Myths are not reality, of course. Evolutionary science has replaced the myths and the Philippines has scientists and engineers and an ever evolving space program. My movie will highlight the myths and history, but will ultimately end with the Philippines reaching for the stars!