Lamb of God is written for Jonny.

Jonny was the full-time music director at a church I attended while living in Louisville, KY. His music was fun and expressive and gave space for church members to express themselves too. He was warm, welcoming, and second to Jesus, the cornerstone of the church.

One night at a Waffle House (the Christian brother's hideaway), I confessed to Jonny that I was attracted to men. I was deeply troubled as finding pride in this would contradict my deeply rooted view of the Bible. Jonny's response surprised me, "No way! I'm gay too!!" He didn't believe he could celebrate it either, but it created a quick bond between us, as did the waffles. Jonny and I stayed close as I moved to New York and developed a new perspective on biblical truth. He showed undying support as I came out as gay, stopped identifying as Christian, and found a new way to live like Jesus.

About a year ago, Jonny called me with a life update. He had become close with a guy in his church and, when the relationship became physical, the head pastor found out. Jonny was immediately fired. Even though half the congregation left with him, he suffered through the grief of losing a job he loved and much of the community he had spent years investing in.

Last year, Jonny moved to Nashville and is now thriving in his work for a music distribution company. He his happily taking a break from church as he continues seeking truth about God and himself.

THE FILM

Jonny is not my only queer friend who has a story like this. I, myself worked in ministry settings that forced me to remain silent about my identity. This film is for people like us, who have been pushed out of communities for celebrating who we are. More importantly, it's for those who are still hiding. Afraid to explore themselves at risk of falling in love with the person they find.

This film may take place in a church, but it's hardly about religion. It's about a universal human experience; being forced to ask questions about your identity and struggling to find the courage to do so. Releasing old beliefs and finding deeper understanding of self is essential to growth. My hope is that people find themselves through witnessing our hero's journey.

Brett as a church youth leader back in 2014.

THE ASK

I have everything I need to make this film. A great script that I really believe in. An incredibly talented cast and crew that have committed to filming in August. Dates, locations, budgets, and a three-month-old lamb. All I need now is the money to fund it.

I'm asking for $12k. That pays for crew, gear, actors, locations, food, and distribution. We have a team who knows how to make a lot out of a little, so even a little support goes a long way. But if you have a lot, we'll take that too :) . Any money we raise beyond our goal will go towards film festival submissions.

If you don't have financial means to support, sharing my goal with others is another great way to help. Our Instagram and Facebook pages can be shared in order to gain exposure and influence people to give who I don't have personal access to. And the next time that drunk guy at a bar tells you his short film idea, you can tell him about mine too. Word of mouth is an amazing way to get people excited about our mission.

Brett directing a film for Kick the Ladder.

A FINAL NOTE

I have something I'm desperate to say, and film is the language I'm using to say it. I have the tools, but your support is what will carry my message. If you've ever believed in my work and have wanted to invest, I'm asking you to do that now. I feel confident in saying you'll be glad you did.

Love you.



-Brett