WE WOULD LIKE TO MAKE YOU AWARE OF AN UPCOMING TELEVISION DOCUMENTARY AND HOPE TO GET YOUR COMMENTS PRO OR CON AFTER IT AIRS. Worldwide online screenings will be held on Christmas Day, accompanied by social media-facilitated discussions (#hereliesthetruth).
“TRUTH BE TOLD is a new feature-length documentary film about growing up in the Jehovah’s Witnesses religion. The title refers to the Jehovah’s Witnesses’ perception that their beliefs are ‘the truth’. In this film, former Jehovah’s Witnesses candidly discuss the spiritual, emotional and psychological harm inflicted by the religion. They reveal experiences including the effects of proselytizing door-to-door, shunning non-observant family and friends, suspension of critical thinking, suffering the discouragement of pursuing dreams like gaining a higher education, and missing other societal holidays and customs. The abuses explored in TRUTH BE TOLD are part of a wider examination into the culture of undue influence within the Jehovah’s Witnesses religion that continues to violate the basic human rights of members and their families worldwide.”
“Truth Be Told” is an examination of the clear and present dangers of undue influence in the hands of fanatical religions and other high-control groups. And it is important for our viewers to understand that the indoctrination, spiritual intimidation, ostracism and other human rights abuses discussed in the film did not just occur in the past. They are happening right now to millions of Jehovah’s Witnesses and their families worldwide.”
“Truth Be Told is also an effective educational tool that will allow the non-Jehovah’s Witness world to see this religion in an entirely new light. Academics, medical and mental health professionals, and legal experts have expressed surprise and fascination upon viewing Truth Be Told and regard the film as a “valuable contribution” for its historical and immersive insider’s view into Jehovah’s Witness culture. ”
“More information on the film is available at this website. Worldwide online screenings will be held on Christmas Day”
CLICK HERE FOR FOR MORE INFORMATION:
A MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR
Greetings all.
My name is Gregorio Smith, director of TRUTH BE TOLD. I read the comments here with great interest and would like to respond to this particular post about the cost of the documentary.
Truth Be Told is a true independent film production. The film was conceived, produced and completed without the benefit of fiscal sponsorship, grants or other significant funding arrangements. To date the documentary and all attendant web presence management has been financed entirely by my company Smithkraft Productions.
To clarify, the film is now available for digital download and online streaming at http://www.hereliesthetruth.com. Viewers may select from a variety of packages ranging from the Standard Edition for $9.99 (the Theatrical Cut of TRUTH BE TOLD) up to the Deluxe Edition for $39.99. The Deluxe Edition includes the Theatrical Cut, Directors Cut, all 6 full uncut interviews and other downloads exclusives. Purchased piecemeal, the 700+ minutes of content included in this bundle would cost approximately $70.00.
We believe the film gives an honest portrayal of life growing up as a Jehovah’s Witness. We also believe that Truth Be Told is helping thousands worldwide and is poised to reach thousands more.
One viewer of TRUTH BE TOLD wrote:
“This documentary, without scandal or embellishments, accurately depicts what life as a Jehovah’s Witness is like, particularly for those born and raised in the org. I am grateful for [this] work, for giving us all voices, and helping us heal.”
Another wrote:
“Thirty years ago I was disfellowshipped and have not had a relationship with my family since. Watching this documentary did open some old wounds, but I can’t count the number of times I felt as if people were quoting my own words. It took years for me to come to terms with these issues and now I hope that for those still struggling with their leaving the “truth” and those considering their own future in the organization, this film gives a window into that there is more, far more than what JWs present.
Thank you for this, my wife told me after viewing the interview with Nathan Quarry she finally understands my frustration and sometimes deep-seated anger and how I can drop friends at a moments notice for minor slights. It was something that is very difficult to explain unless you’ve lived it.
Again, thank you for this and you have my full support.”
See more organic feedback on our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/hereliesthetruth
Thank you for taking the time to read this.
All the best,
Gregorio
As a former JW, I always had questions such as; why did Jehovah just start the new system when he flooded the earth and Noah and his sons & wifes were faithful? ohhh, because Jesus had not come, such utter BS. If thats the kind of God he is, I want nothing to do with him. Then, were told 1914 was the year of Christ rule of enthronement and that generation would not pass, my ass, thier all dead dead dead, then they came up with some crap oh, it’s their kids, REALLY!!!! noway jose, it’s all a Hustle for the jw to keep sendin the Watctower green, they use scare tactics to keep their small orginazation going, telling them they won’t get to the new system/ but hey, if you make it to the 1,0000 year reign your going to be expected to pick up all the dead bodies because only JW’S WILL make it so thats the entire world basicly, then after the 1,0000 yr. Jehovah will let Satan out of the abyss to mislead us, how loving is that? They are CRAZY & brainwashed me 4 years but this gal is over it. Question everything!
Re: “…I thought this “Truth be told” documentary was to give the world an “inside view of Jehovah’s Witnesses” and maybe even to help other JW’s who might be going through a tough time; so why are they selling it for as high as $40? That’s expensive?”
—
Greetings all.
My name is Gregorio Smith, director of TRUTH BE TOLD. I read the comments here with great interest and would like to respond to this particular post about the cost of the documentary.
Truth Be Told is a true independent film production. The film was conceived, produced and completed without the benefit of fiscal sponsorship, grants or other significant funding arrangements. To date the documentary and all attendant web presence management has been financed entirely by my company Smithkraft Productions.
To clarify, the film is now available for digital download and online streaming at http://www.hereliesthetruth.com. Viewers may select from a variety of packages ranging from the Standard Edition for $9.99 (the Theatrical Cut of TRUTH BE TOLD) up to the Deluxe Edition for $39.99. The Deluxe Edition includes the Theatrical Cut, Directors Cut, all 6 full uncut interviews and other downloads exclusives. Purchased piecemeal, the 700+ minutes of content included in this bundle would cost approximately $70.00.
We believe the film gives an honest portrayal of life growing up as a Jehovah’s Witness. We also believe that Truth Be Told is helping thousands worldwide and is poised to reach thousands more.
One viewer of TRUTH BE TOLD wrote:
“This documentary, without scandal or embellishments, accurately depicts what life as a Jehovah’s Witness is like, particularly for those born and raised in the org. I am grateful for [this] work, for giving us all voices, and helping us heal.”
Another wrote:
“Thirty years ago I was disfellowshipped and have not had a relationship with my family since. Watching this documentary did open some old wounds, but I can’t count the number of times I felt as if people were quoting my own words. It took years for me to come to terms with these issues and now I hope that for those still struggling with their leaving the “truth” and those considering their own future in the organization, this film gives a window into that there is more, far more than what JWs present.
Thank you for this, my wife told me after viewing the interview with Nathan Quarry she finally understands my frustration and sometimes deep-seated anger and how I can drop friends at a moments notice for minor slights. It was something that is very difficult to explain unless you’ve lived it.
Again, thank you for this and you have my full support.”
See more organic feedback on our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/hereliesthetruth
Thank you for taking the time to read this.
All the best,
Gregorio
Gregorio, thank you for coming over to the site and giving info to the over 6,000 visitors per month and there are 200 or more visiting each day.
I will discuss something with Admin Br. Peter about getting this and then let him get in touch with you. He will get back to you .
We were closely in touch with Eric from http://www.jwstruggle.com as he exited. I also saw your interview that he conducted. Thank you
This came in my email as an update to the progress of this documentary.
New Year…New Truths
by SMITHKRAFT from TRUTH BE TOLD
Greetings all.
In keeping with the spirit of renewal and personal growth that is attendant to a New Year, we thought it fitting to start 2015 with this bit of viewer feedback:
“Thirty years ago I was disfellowshipped and have not had a relationship with my family since. Watching this documentary did open some old wounds, but I can’t count the number of times I felt as if people were quoting my own words. It took years for me to come to terms with these issues and now I hope that for those still struggling with their leaving the “truth” and those considering their own future in the organization, this film gives a window into that there is more, far more than what Jehovah’s Witnesses present.
Thank you for this, my wife told me after viewing the interview with Nathan Quarry she finally understands my frustration and sometimes deep-seated anger and how I can drop friends at a moments notice for minor slights. It was something that is very difficult to explain unless you’ve lived it.
Again, thank you for this and you have my full support.”
—
Remember, you are ALL part of this Truth Be Told initiative so please keep the viewer feedback coming. Per J.S. Mill, we don’t arrive to greater truths through experience alone, “there must be discussion…to show how experience is to be interpreted.”
A social-media facilitated live Q&A session with Nathan Quarry will be announced soon! As a reminder “The Fighter” featuring Nathan Quarry and other full uncut interviews are included with the Deluxe Edition of Truth Be Told. These items are also available for separate download.
Use code FACEBOOK5 for instant discount on Deluxe Edition of Truth Be Told.
Special thanks to Australian writer/artist CHRISTINE WESTWOOD for her piece about Truth Be Told. Read the article here: http://www.christinewestwood.net/blog.html
Please continue to spread the word about Truth Be Told by sharing our web address http://www.hereliesthetruth.com with family, friends, coworkers, colleagues etc..
Very good things are happening. More to come.
Thank you for taking the time to read this and for your ongoing support in advance.
All the best,
Gregorio
Director – Truth BeTold
Jacqueline,
I tied in & heard both days of the convention. I absolutely loved it!!! Amazing how there are others outside the circle…who truly love Jehovah. Elder’s having feelings when they give their discourses, getting choked up in front of us friends…that gets to me every time…
Thanks for that clarification. I should also correct something, or at least make sure that I didn’t give the wrong impression. Again, I know that there are wrong doing in all denominations and it’s difficult to deal with when it is being done in secret. Very sad. If every individual choosing the wrong path would be exposed in some way there would be more people in harmony with the way Jesus taught us to us to be, but I guess that will only come in Jehovah’s time! I do want to clarify that I am still very much involved in my studies with Jehovah Witnesses. I just went to a one day assembly where persuing the peace Jesus spoke about was the entire theme for the day. It was very uplifting. I’m sure that this weekend will be very uplifting for you as well…. 🙂 Yes, even if you will be missing out on the delicious family dinner. lol
I am curious about the video but it’s probably nothing that hasn’t been posted by people like Cora and Marc, except I’ve seen depictions on one of their facebook sites and they obviously put Br Russell in a bad light as well.
Anyway, as I said, enjoy your convention and association.
Take care
QNA, Cora and Marc? Are they the married couple on Utube? If so they are better than Lucy and Desi Arnaz on I love Lucy. Everyone has their own way of healing and I just love them.
I am so glad you enjoyed your one day convention, I always looked forward to the conventions and my children loved them. They all still do. I never have had a problem with the friends. My problems are specific.
My sister will take my place now as I took my mother’s place when she passed, to get the family together when one visits from afar. It is Southern hospitality. Labor day when I visited they boycotted.
It is in fulfillment of prophecy by Jesus. I know if I follow HIM the organization insists they disown that family member. For me to tell them what I know would destroy their faith in their leadership, the governingbody. So, I believe God has to call persons out of that organization. He has provided a provision for the whole world, all we have to do is follow with him and his time table.
I would have had company if I didn’t send everyone away on paid vacations so I could enjoy my convention also. I even paid for babysitting of a grandchild that was to stay here for 2 weeks so I could enjoy my convention. So all will be in Alabama and my sister is learning her new role in our family. Take Care
QNA – I hope you are having a wonderful day today. I am with extended family. We are having a wonderful day of food and fellowship. It all began last night and we had a big sleepover at the my home. My wife and I really enjoys having family over.
You said, “I know that there are wrong doing in all denominations and it’s difficult to deal with when it is being done in secret.”
Luke 8:17 (NASV) “For nothing is hidden that will not become evident, nor anything secret that will not be known and come to light.”
I think we see the beginnings of this in our Internet age. The US American Revelution and Constitution created a major setback for Satan.
First Amendment: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
Ephesians 6:12 “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.”
Satan depends on darkness, deception and ignorance to control people.
Over time the major news media have come under the control of big money interests and for a very long time have been reporting mostly propaganda. Even so, they have not been able to control the Internet and people who look can find the news the mainstream media is hiding. Wiki leaks and the like are on the increase an more and more people are looking behind the curtain and have lost all faith in earthly institutions (political, religious, educatuonal, business, etc.)
I agree with you there Peter, exciting times are ahead, we are surely so close to the end now when all things will be revealed. And I am not being funny, I mean that sincerely, as whatever the outcome is, whether the faithful slave is found to be loyal or disloyal, what follows after; the promised new earth, is right around the corner.
I think i’m definetly going to appreciate watching some of this documentary.It saddens my heart to see what the Org. has done to many.Never an excuse to live life to the fullest doing things that hurt our creator when making a personal choice to leave the org though.But i will definitely appreciate seeing that my experience isnt perceived as my old friends from jw would tell me,kinda hinting its ALL in my head,perhaps thinking my head aint screwed on rite. That i lack Faith or Spirituality or sumtin.Yet i saw very clearly what was going on ALL over.Every hidden thing becomes revealed in time.Those days have arrived..
Darn. It looks like the Christmas screening is only for those who purchase the film and want to join in a Question and Answer session after watching it streaming online.
The film is already available for purchase and download.
I am going to check with one of the film makers. I am sure it will be on download after it airs. Let me get more info.
Hello Jacqueline,I don’t want to sound cheap, lol, but I thought this “Truth be told” documentary was to give the world an “inside view of Jehovah’s Witnesses” and maybe even to help other JW’s who might be going through a tough time; so why are they selling it for as high as $40? That’s expensive. Is this documentary part of an outside company not affiliated with the bible students?
Peter,
I would like to see the video about Jesus. I hit the link you included but my tablet won’t allow me to see it. I am hoping to set up my new computer sometime this week. How long is that video available for viewing?
Thanks!
QNA, this video is not made by Bible Students but a man that was a witness. I thought it would be released on the internet free also. Maybe it will be posted after it is released. I understand about the fee, that ‘s not being cheap. LOL We will wait for the internet guys to post it. Have a great time with your family. I will be at the Chicago convention this weekend all of my family have come and gone home or to visit Mouse land (Disney)and my fleshly brothers and sisters in Alabama. I told my sister to call 30 or so family and tell them I am not coming so they will all have a smashing dinner.
Talk to you later
A “smashing Dinner” LOL! Enjoy the convention Jacqueline, I wish I could be there in person, let me know if there are any new publications.
ExJw yep, my sister is going to bar be que also,even if it snows lol. I told her what my little 5 grandkids eat and won’t eat so she is stepping up. I just love her so much.
Sometimes a thing looks like a blessing but really it can cause a little discomfort. Having family here would have kept me from going to my 2 day convention, with all the grands but look how the father provided a way out by giving them gifts that as young parents they enjoyed, Mouseland (Disney) for seven days. I Know they wanted to see all their witness cousins, I reminded them if I was with them no one would come near. So see how it all worked out, everybody is happy! I call that a helping hand from Holy Spirit, I didn’t have to leave them for 3 days while I attended. They had a family reunion here in Chicago at a Aunt’s house when normally it would be at my home. There were elder relatives and all there.
I know they scare my children telling them that I am going to die at armageddon but to me I see now how a New Creature has unique trials. What parent wants to see the concern of her sons as they try to save her. It breaks my heart but I must endure and learn to work thru this as a training to be in the service of our GOD and reign with Christ to help bring many, many more to a righteous state to stand before Jehovah.
Then after HIS will is done, my family will understand, I have been called to do his will. It will all work out and I pray my elder brothers in Alabama will think of their own children and not guilt my family and make my grandchildren feel bad by saying I will die. My sons started off that way but I sat my grands down and told them that Jehovah witnesses are not the only ones that love Jehovah. So they stopped sending them to me as I will tell them the truth.
My brothers are in their 50,60 and seventies and I am really ashamed of them as elders. My father and mother taught us better than to follow 7 men out of New York. I don’t know how they are drinking the Kool Aid. Strange. Well I am going outside to watch the kids visiting their grandparents ride their skateboards and fly droids.
I live on hill and the whole community is composed of grandparents. I will enjoy their joy. Take Care.
BTW Shannon is enjoying some dinner today he said and the people are giving all of them gifts. Wow it is working out for him, too.
Im sori u hear these expressions that your gonna die at Armageddon.i know how that feels.i’ve had my dad say that to me & elders say it&rank&file.It seems etched in their vocabulary.What gets me is they say Jehovah wants to kill…that they say we deserve it.That they want2see it.i dont understand how they can judge a fellow human wen only Jehovah&Jesus read the heart.Certain ones use demoralization to try & knock us down..
Dundee, that was why I pioneered, to save as many possible because I believed theses people. But I began praying and just reading the bible asking Jehovah to spare the children. My eyes began to open and I saw him differently than they said. I focus now on Jesus and am learning the truth about the Ranson And the Free gift. Just reading vol 1 of Studies in the Scriptures I saw the ring of truth. It was humbling.
We were told the Bible Students died out because they were the evil slavE class.They lie to control. The governing body are business men running a scam. The Gift is free and we are free. I am loving it and the knowledge about Jesus.
Well I have to say, in the past i wasn’t much for reading excessively. Always had a huge amount of family responsibilities.Or had sooo many parts on the program & had to read/study for those assignments. But this reading the Studies in the Scriptures Publications this year in addition to my Bible Reading is something amazing! I’m almost done with Volume II,my goal is by Dec31st,2014 dun with those 2books.Then on to Vol III.But there are so many publications in B.S. that i’m addicted to reading cause its soooo encouraging!! But back to the Volumes.. so many things make sense.Has the ring of TRUTH. Things I’ve always wondered about are answered about certain scriptures & what it must mean according to other scriptures cross referenced. I always had soul searching questions. I had to accept the food given to me by the WT. If i didn’t my dad would tell me Jehovah would hate me & desire destroying me forever.But something was not right. Even my aged grandma(his mother) that was in it had deep questions about some of their teachings that needed to be corrected.But she only voiced it to me for fear of not being obedient to those taking the lead among us,even if it didn’t make sense. One teaching was about the 70 to special mightiness 80 years generation from 1914, when the end will come by 1994.She sed something duzn’t sound right. That she remembers it being announced at the meetings & all over the end was to arrive in 1975 but that it didn’t happen.That she was very upset when the WT made a rule that all JW need to BOYCOTT Proctor & Gamble company when out grocery shopping, or else would be disciplined severely, or even the fact that when whe was in dire need of a blood transfusion, that if the Bible says we should abstain from blood, then why is she allowed based on her conscience to take EPO Erithopoitin that had blood fractions?That we weren’t allowed at one point to take fractions then now its ok. She took it but kept questioning that she is sooo confused. Why can’t we take blood but then can take blood fractions now,but couldn’t before, & weren’t allowed organ transplants at one point & so many deaths happened as a result.That this is a serious decision to make about injections or transfusions of alternate medications.These are just a few questions I’d hear her speak softly about.Then when she passed away the generation teaching was altered drastically.Wishing she were around to see that she had the insight that a few things were wrong the understanding we’re forced to accept.Its a good thing they didn’t say the mark of the wild beast was Social Security #’s when they were being assigned, imagine everyone being obedient with that.Everyone would starve to death.We wouldn’t be able to buy or sell or work or breathe. I personally don’t understand, when i write an innocent letter asking a question, there is either a reply & then the elders attack, or there is no reply & the elders would get even somehow.Or they tell me “we do not question, if you do, you are Korah.” Yet I tactfully question & they turn up the heat on me until my body shuts down from illness. Searching for my weakness.Sincere questions, genuine love in my heart, & attacked from within.That I cannot comprehend!I can understand the world outside, but from within the hate emails or text messages sent from worshipers of Jehovah.Telling me I worship the Devil.Well their hate cannot come from our loving Jehovah, it must come from another god, referred to in the NWT as the Bird Catcher. You will recognize my true disciples by the LOVE they show….I am looking forward to the Kingdom…a time when our Tears & mourning & outcry will not come up into our hearts or minds, the former things will have past away. No unkind remark, genuine peace & fulfilling labors in connection with the Lord. Amen!!
Dundee, It pains me to hear you experienced the same treatment of being hounded until They break you. I was attacked or questioned almost every time I went to the KH. I fired one witness pioneer who would go tell the elders what went on in my business. This got their attention that I would not take their picking at me. She was a spy so they could DF me because I had records on pedophile cases. They made another attack and I took them to court and got a restraining order. I attended meetings 9 years after winning the order. They didn’t like but couldn’t retaliate.I have to admit they plummeted me but I kept it in the open in the middle of the kingdom hall floor.
I finally just walked out because they would make me like them if I hit back legally and fired all witnesses working for me.
That is how I got peace, to totally not hear their voice. The healing and holy spirit could get thru only away from them.
Many like your grandmother knew, could see these men are not about God but themselves.
They are out front on their Mormons like TV set up. They display themselves now more than the Pope. In
fact he is outshining them as they are the same setup.
We waver back and forth as we heal and lately the witnesses apologists can’t stand to see us with a support system.
I have always found it strange that witnesses have to beg for members and go after owners that leave.
Most religions are much larger and people go to them without being recruited. Like hare Krishna there would be very few witnesses without the recruiting tactics.
We are enjoying fellowship today at the Chicago convention. You take care my brother. Jacqueline