“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. The true neighbor will risk his position, his prestige, and even his life for the welfare of others.”
- Martin Luther King, Jr.
JIM'S STORY
Eleven years ago one of my dearest friends, Jim Ryter, was walking to his car after a late-night movie at the Magnolia in Dallas when 2 guys jumped him and savagely beat him. Jim went into a coma for several days. He finally recovered, but much of his life was taken from him. He lived in assisted-care facilities for the next 9 years as he was unable to perform basic daily tasks such as cooking meals, driving a car or running errands.
Jim had been picked on when he was a kid because he was effeminate. As a gay man, people often ignored or sneered at him.
The assault was determined to be a hate crime as neither Jim's wallet nor his car were stolen.
In 2020, Jim passed away. I miss my dear friend.
I'm committed to making a difference in the world by identifying the impact of hate, and inspiring people to be kind and loving to all, not just those who are similar and like-minded.
MISSION
Our mission is to develop a poignant and impactful documentary film that generates critical thinking, curiosity and self-awareness in order to promote inclusion for all people.
To inspire all people to be the best version of themselves, to develop allies, and to generate joyfulness at the level of self, community and country.
This website is to serve as a brainstorming and communication hub for our team.
WHAT WE ARE NOT
Human beings tend to resist or shut down when coerced or preached to be or do something.
True change occurs in our perspectives within an inspirational environment such as "I want to be like him or her."
This film does not seek to convince, force or make wrong any persons.
Most of the world conflicts and unhappiness are the result of fear and scapegoating.
Instead, this film is intended to inspire all people to be their very best.
This film is not a political or religious piece although there are references to both.
INCLUSION
LOVE THY NEIGHBOR
Many of us grew up with Church mantras such as Love thy Neighbor and Don’t Judge. As we move through life new distorted narratives often emerge in order to "protect us." These new stories are fear-based and often promote greed, hate and anger.
How do good people who are caring and loving align themselves with cultures and institutions that are diametrically opposed to these values?
Can't See The Forest For The Trees is an expose documentary that explores these questions and whose goal is to inspire people to come together, mend relationships and authentically love thy neighbor.
TARGET AUDIENCE
Our target audience are those individuals who are open, flexible and willing to consider new outlooks and new ways of being.
The main distinguishing trait that makes a bigot a bigot is that regardless of the information they are presented with, their hate is unwavering. They refuse to consider a new perspective even if it were beneficial to them and their community.
Our viewer is not a bigot but rather those people who are willing and able to consider and possibly take on a new perspective.