Update 3: Trailer and Phase 2
It is finally here. Our first trailer is complete! We also have big news on the second phase below too!
Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this so far! It has been amazing and we are so excited to celebrate our collective work with another major checkpoint in the journey completed.
There is so much to share about what’s next, but first, here’s the trailer you have been waiting for:
We hope you loved it! Jay and his community are real treasures. It was beautiful to see Jay’s strong foundation of belonging among his family, caregivers, friends, employers, and church body. We cannot wait for the final film to be completed.
The exciting thing is, this is just a checkpoint. There is so much more to come!
What’s Next? A Theologian.
As explained in previous posts, the overall film is going to be driven by two main components:
1. Interview with an academic theologian explaining the broad reality of intellectual and developmental disability in the Western world
2. The story of Jay and his surrounding community as a down-to-earth example of this reality
This initial trailer is entirely focused on the second component of the film, as we have yet to film our interview with a theologian. But here is where the update comes in!
A few weeks ago we had the exciting opportunity to discuss the film with one theologian who has done some of the most outstanding work in the field of disability theology. We shared all we have been working on and invited him to give shape to the project as the theological voice of the film--and he accepted the invitation!
The theologian we will be interviewing is Dr. John Swinton from the University of Aberdeen in Scotland!
Dr. Swinton is an expert in theology of disability and it is an honor to have him join the project. He has done so much to shape this field and communities with his work, and he truly cares about people. He is down-to-earth, kind, and incredibly humble.
Before entering academics, he spent years as a practitioner, helping folks with various mental health disorders and learning disabilities as a registered mental health nurse and mental health chaplain. He then moved into his writing and research where he has written about dementia, discipleship, pastoral care, mental health, spirituality, and more. He also founded the Centre for Spirituality, Health, and Disability at the University of Aberdeen.
Dr. Swinton’s full bio:
Some of his writings:
Dr. Swinton is well-acquainted with the practical and theological realities of disability and has extensive experience integrating them together in his work, so he will bring exceptional contributions to this project!
Now, with Dr. Swinton on board, it is time to gear up for the second phase of this project.
Join Us For Phase 2
As we prepare for our interview with Dr. Swinton, we would love for you to join us. There are four different ways you can support this project and join us on the journey.
1. FOLLOW our pages: Subscribing to our YouTube page and signing up for our email newsletter will make sure you get all of the project updates and be a big help to us as we move forward! Click on the links below to follow us through each of those avenues.
2. SHARE the trailer: If you know someone who would be excited about this documentary, please share the trailer with them! We would love for others to see it. Feel free to send it over text/email, post about it on social media, or anything else you’d like! We would be so grateful.
3. PRAY: Pray that this project would be constructive for individuals, families and churches and be a blessing to them. Pray that it would truly convey God’s heart for those with cognitive disabilities and their surrounding communities.
4. DONATE: Your donations were immensely helpful in making our filming in Lexington, Kentucky possible! As we look to our trip to Scotland in December, we are entering another round of fundraising and would be so grateful for your continued support as we look to complete this final section of the film.
Four of us (Harrison, Will, Renzo, and Jonathan) will be going to Aberdeen, Scotland for a week to film Dr. Swinton. To cover our flights, car, lodging, and gear we are looking to raise $10.000.00, and will be grateful for any donation that helps us get there.
We have set up another GoFundMe for this second phase you can access below if you would like to donate. Thank you so much.
Thank You!
Projects like this take a community of people and it has been amazing to see everyone come together to make this happen.
A big shout out to the Tyner-Wilson family, Megan Russell, and the town of Lexington, Kentucky for the way you embody God's vision of belonging every day, and for your courage in your willingness to share your story.
Thank you to everyone jumping in and we hope you will continue with us as we enter phase two!
Grace and peace,
The Set Apart Team
