PORTLAND, Ore., January 10, 2008—Inside a Jantzen Beach coffee shop, two women bent over their notebooks, scribbling furiously and exchanging notes. Their meeting lasted three hours but it wasn’t the usual gossip fest that most women their age are known for indulging in. Instead, the women were planning the launch of their Christian artistic media firm, Rescue the Beauty.
The group is made up of a small handful of photographers, videographers and journalists scattered across North America. They call themselves Revolutionary Media—not because they want to overthrow governments but because they want to radically change the way people think about their lives. They are putting names and faces to needs and showing how everyone can make a difference. Instead of painting the picture dark, they want to show the rays of light and show the viewer what is being done to change the plights of endangered people all over the world. Through the media projects of Rescue the Beauty, the members of Revolutionary Media want to challenge you to reach out to your neighbors and transform the world that you live in.
Christina Dickson, a photographer from Battle Ground, is the visionary founder of Rescue the Beauty and director of Revolutionary Media. “Our mission isn’t to simply go to Kenya to make a cool and unconventional documentary. Our vision involves both those things, but our ultimate goal is to change the world through artistic media by bringing hope and encouragement abroad, and imparting vision at home,” she said.
Rescue the Beauty is an ambitious project designed to last. They have projects in Africa, Asia and the United States lined up over the next year. Their first endeavor will take place this spring. They are scheduled to film three documentaries in orphanages surrounding Nairobi, Africa. These documentaries will show what life is like for children orphaned by AIDS and tribal killings. Depending on what unfolds in Kenya’s current situation of political unrest, the team might have to postpone the trip until things calm down and start with one of their other projects instead.
“The destination really isn’t the key to this project,” said Caitlin Muir, the team journalist. “We’re about showing the hearts and souls of people all over the world. We want to show God-things happening, not just in Africa but in every country. It’s lives, radically changed and filled with hope that drives us on.”
Once their films are out of post production, they will be entered in independent film festivals throughout North America. Some of the photographers work will be entered in art contests and they are planning on selling gallery quality prints of some of their work.
The artistic media group is just getting started.

Written by Caitlin Muir

I've been watching the political unrest in Kenya very closely. The concern for the situation goes beyond the fact that our media team will be heading out there soon. No, it goes deeper than that.

You see, the violence in Kenya has become tribal. Of all the countries of Africa, tribal warfare is least existent in Kenya. Now, the two factioning government parties of Kenya are at conflict, and with them, the tribes who support them. Rioters have come after those who follow the current president with bloody intentions. Members of the Kikuyu tribe - the party currently in power - are fleeing their homes to escape the bloodshed. This scene took place this past weekend in Kisumu, when the new vice President - a local from Kisumu - took office.

Kisumu. Not just a place anymore. This is the city where one of our partnering orphanages is located. This is the city where hundreds of orphans are living to escape exploitation. This is the city where hundreds of it's villagers have been fleeing. Suddenly, Kisumu became very personal to me as I realize that I have been talking to people who live there; who are being Jesus hands and feet there.

You know, there's always going to be unrest in the heart of the world. Because there is unrest in the hearts of all of us. And, though it may sound cliche'd, it's gonna be that way until Jesus completes His Rescue.

- Christina N Dickson
Director and Coordinator
Revolutionary Media
(Photo courtesy Kimmer B)

Ten dollars. It's really not that much. For many of us it's pocket change that will neither make nor break our bank accounts.

We spend it on small things that don't stand out or make us proud we spent our money. Treating a friend to coffee, a book or CD. One movie ticket, songs from I-Tunes, three lattes, a t-shirt and a picture frame.

Do you believe you can change the world with $10?

We do.

Instead of spending the money to watch a movie, why not spend it on MAKING one?

For $10, you can help support a team of young adults who are bent on changing perspectives on life and what it means to love your neighbor. These are writers, photographers and videographers from all over the United States (and Canada), who are passionate about using media to show what is going on in God’s world.

Revolutionary Media is going to Kenya this spring to make a trilogy of documentaries. They won’t be about superheroes, pirates or elves, but the stories are epic just the same. They tell of children, compassion and people sharing Christ in ways that go beyond what we are used to seeing. You will see people hurting, orphans forgotten and ordinary Kenyans coming to their rescue—even when they might not be much better off.

Not only do you get the change to help make a movie that will aid others, you will also get members only access with exclusive downloads and updates regarding the documentaries.

It'll be the best $10 you've ever spent.

Visit our website to give $10 by credit card and paypal. www.therevmediaproject.com