MOVIES: JAMES LINGWOOD’S FILM
by Editorial Desk June 22 2024, 12:00 am Estimated Reading Time: 2 mins, 22 secsDiscover the extraordinary journey of Father Joe Maier in 'A Light in the Slaughterhouse,' a powerful documentary by James Lingwood. Witness 50 years of unwavering dedication in Bangkok's slums, where hope prevails against corruption, violence, and exploitation. A report from the #Newsdesk.
James Lingwood, an esteemed Australian Producer and Director, has garnered international recognition for his contributions to film and television. With over sixty international film and television awards, Lingwood is a member of the International Quorum of Motion Picture Producers, USA, and holds memberships in the Australian Directors Guild, the Australian Writers Guild, and the National Chinese Documentary Film Academy. His recent acclaim includes winning the prestigious Walter Klein Trophy for "Most Inspirational Film" at the International Quorum Conference in Dublin.
Lingwood has devoted over 15 years to creating the documentary "A Light in the Slaughterhouse," chronicling the life and work of Father Joe Maier. Father Joe, an Irish American Catholic priest, established a preschool in the slums of Bangkok, Thailand, fifty years ago. His mission has since expanded to include educating over 90,000 slum children and constructing or rebuilding more than 10,000 homes in the area.
The documentary offers an intimate look into the struggles and triumphs within Bangkok's slums, highlighting Father Joe's efforts against corruption, violence, drugs, child sex trafficking, HIV/AIDS, and the impacts of climate change. Despite numerous challenges, including threats from powerful corporations aiming to displace the slum community, Father Joe remains a revered figure. His work has been acknowledged by notable humanitarian figures such as Reverend Desmond Tutu and Mother Teresa, and he has been featured in the New York Times.
Having completed filming with over 60 hours of footage, the project is now in the editing phase. However, additional funding is required to cover post-production costs, including editing, music scoring, narration, animation, colour grading, and sound mixing. Lingwood is actively seeking financial support to finalize the documentary, emphasizing the importance of raising awareness about the global mistreatment and exploitation of children.
"A Light in the Slaughterhouse" is a testament to Father Joe's unwavering dedication to improving the lives of Bangkok's slum children and his relentless fight against systemic injustices. Lingwood's documentary not only tells a compelling story of hope and resilience but also serves as a powerful call to action to protect vulnerable children worldwide. Contributions towards the completion of this film will help shine a light on these critical issues and inspire change.
For more information and to view the latest trailer, please visit Vimeo and the recent New York Times article.
Support for this project is crucial. Donations are needed to ensure the completion and dissemination of this vital documentary. Any assistance provided will be greatly appreciated and will contribute to making a significant difference in the fight against child exploitation globally.
You can get in touch with James Lingwood directly on this email ID:
jrlingwood@bigpond.com