Category: The A Team

Wrestling With Thanksgiving

I’m wrestling with Thanksgiving.

I’m not wearing a Lucha Libre mask, leaping high off the ropes to grapple a turkey—although that would be epic. I’m actually talking about being honest with myself regarding what I’m thankful for.

Typically, I express gratitude for the good things in my life: God, family, food, shelter, health, education, friends, travel—things that warm my heart and bring a smile to my face.

But what about the other stuff? What about the things that have angered me, saddened me, or hurt me? Am I thankful for those experiences? Depending on my perspective (and sometimes my lack of one), I can find lessons in anything.

I’ve been immersed in the “Becoming Fools” project for the last three years. It’s been a stressful journey, and I’ve found myself growing increasingly exhausted and less thankful for the opportunity to be involved. I used to feel similarly about “Reparando,” but that changed over time after we released the film.

Like most people, I forget too easily.

During my scouting trip for “Becoming Fools” in 2011, Tita personally invited me to attend a screening of “Reparando.” I was honored by the invitation, but I was also exhausted from two weeks of 16-hour days spent interviewing people and capturing footage in Guatemala City. Part of me wanted to just return to my room and sleep. I couldn’t understand why my presence mattered. I thought, “I am just a silly Gringo; they won’t care. Besides, I’m here for ‘Becoming Fools,’ not ‘Reparando.'”

But Tita was persistent. She genuinely wanted me to come. So, we drove straight from our production site across the city to a church near La Limonada. Tita met us outside the church with hugs, and we watched the film from the back of the room.

After the film ended, Tita called Shorty and me to come up to the front. She hugged me, and while everyone was clapping, they presented a gift from the people of La Limonada: a T-shirt covered with signatures from the residents of La Limonada. These were people who were very thankful for the film we made. I realized I could not have been more wrong about many things.

My perspective was renewed.

“Reparando” brought me closer to many important aspects of life—God, family, friends, education, and travel. On a personal level, it helped me understand my sons’ stories in a way I could never grasp otherwise. On a broader scale, “Reparando” has inspired countless resources that have supported missions, blessing people who struggle far more than I can imagine—people who are genuinely grateful.

I believe “Becoming Fools” will eventually have a similar impact. So why am I wrestling with feelings of gratitude over “Becoming Fools”? I’m human, and I forget. That’s why we are called to be transformed by the renewing of our minds—continuously refocusing our perspectives on the truth. We often forget, which is one of the reasons we celebrate Thanksgiving: to remember. I find myself personally challenged to recall things that might not easily fit into a warm and fuzzy Thanksgiving narrative. Most of the time, I just try to fit these experiences into the wrong perspective.

Here’s the essential message:

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.“ (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

Everything fits within the Thanksgiving framework when viewed from the right perspective. It’s not easy, but I hope that if I keep working at it, gratitude will ultimately prevail.

What aspects of Thanksgiving do you struggle with?

Encouragement

Encouragement is a blessing. In this age of Twitter and Facebook, a handwritten letter is a treasure chest full of gold that fills the emotional bank of our hearts.

Yesterday, I opened a letter addressed to Athentikos from Pennsylvania. We typically don’t receive much mail from people, so this was already a unique experience. Inside the envelope was a check and a handwritten letter that read:

“Dear Mr. and Mrs. Moore,

I viewed your documentary, Reparando, last evening on Hulu Plus and was moved by the conditions depicted in it and the work being done to address them. Praise God! Enclosed is a gift of $25, which I will send each month for the next year…”

I was unprepared for this encouragement, and my eyes filled with tears. The emotional bank of my heart has long been overdrawn after investing myself in Becoming Fools—a worthy but underfunded project that has required a personal investment from me for the last three years. To be honest, at this point in production, it’s easy to get discouraged and feel as though the last three years have been a waste of time. It feels like we’ve put something on layaway, making payments every month, but we’ll never get to bring it home.

Three years is a long time, especially in an age when we receive instant feedback. We can drive to a fast-food window and get food in seconds. We can instantly watch any one of thousands of movies or TV shows, and if we don’t like one, we can quickly switch to another. It’s easy to forget why we do what we do when we focus solely on finishing tasks, particularly when we become insulated and isolated from our original motivations.

We produced Becoming Fools to share it with an audience—not for the sake of receiving praise, but to inspire others to make a difference in the lives of at-risk youth.

I am grateful for this letter of encouragement. It highlights the power of storytelling, underscores the importance of our mission, and reminds me that our efforts are not in vain. This individual has fueled our spirits with encouraging words and financial support, helping us amplify authenticity and extend the mission of other organizations serving those in need worldwide. The irony is that this person felt moved to encourage us after watching Reparando on Hulu—a film we released three years ago, the same duration we have invested in Becoming Fools. Perhaps three years isn’t such a long investment when we consider that stories can be passed down through generations, yielding a return greater than we can ever fully comprehend. It is worth it.

This handwritten letter of encouragement is a treasure chest full of gold.

Why Athentikos? Authenticity.

We wanted to help people in need around the world, but we realized that we aren’t doctors, lawyers, or engineers. We are creatives—artists, musicians, photographers, filmmakers, storytellers, and more. So, we decided to embrace our authentic selves on our mission. By using our creativity, we aim to inspire a diverse audience, including doctors, lawyers, and engineers, to come together and make the world a better place.

We believe that storytelling has the power to highlight important issues, connect people with opportunities to contribute to meaningful efforts, and amplify resources for our mission. To channel our talents and passion effectively, we established a non-profit organization that leverages the power of narrative to positively impact the lives of those in need around the world.

It’s all about Authenticity.

In examining the problem and honestly assessing our capabilities, we identified our limitations. However, this is not a negative thing. Understanding what we cannot do allows us to concentrate on what we can do and to do it with excellence. Embracing our limitations also encourages us to collaborate with others who offer different strengths, as we recognize that we can’t achieve everything on our own. We can excel in our areas of expertise while partnering with those who excel in theirs. Ultimately, we’re just a small part of something much larger.

It’s not only about what we do; it’s also about being true to our identity and finding peace in that truth. We are not merely cogs in a wheel. Our strengths and weaknesses, passions and sorrows, faith and doubts, history and dreams—these characteristics shape our identity, and our identity is important.

I really like this definition of authentic: having a verified origin supported by undeniable evidence. Undeniable—that is a strong word. An example that comes to mind is a one-cent coin—a penny.

You can’t do much with a single Penny … that’s why we usually spend them with other Pennies.

There is no doubt who created the penny and to whom it belongs: the United States of America. Furthermore, ignoring the recent economic situation, their value is clear—they are worth one cent. If they appear in Spain or Sudan, they still point back to their country of origin.

Athentikos was born from our identity. We believe that the desires of our hearts are gifts from a God who loves us and wants us to generously share our identity to serve the least, the last, and the lost.

When we’re authentic to our identity, our origin is unquestionable.

When we are authentic within a community, our lives complement each other in a sum greater than the individual parts—a diversity in unity that can only be explained by the overwhelming grace of God crafting a larger narrative.

Father’s Day and a Becoming Fools Related Anniversary

Coincidentally, June 16, 2013 was Father’s Day and a Becoming Fools related anniversary.

As I celebrate being a dad, I also reflect on the purpose of our film. A year ago, street youth performed alongside professional entertainers on a Broadway stage as part of the project “Becoming Fools.” Here is an excerpt from the opening narration:

“When I was a kid, it felt great when my parents came to watch me in a sport or play. Think back … Chances are, someone was there for you too, rooting you on with a smile. Someone was your number one fan, encouraging you to never give up.

But what if things were different?

What if … instead of rooting you on, your parents abused you … or what if they weren’t even there at all? How would that have changed your life? What opportunities would you have missed? For some, this “different reality”, really isn’t different. It’s all they’ve ever known …”

I am thankful for my dad and proud to be a father to my sons from Guatemala.

When I tuck my kids into bed at night, I’m reminded that many children in Guatemala—and around the world—do not have a bed to sleep in and may not have celebrated Father’s Day with their dads. That’s why we created “Becoming Fools,” to help make a difference.

Here’s a bonus feature, a scene from the Voz de las Calles Show.

Prodigal Clown – Scene – 03 from Athentikos on Vimeo.

Fathers

The Implosion of Becoming Fools

A year ago today, we were in Guatemala documenting the implosion of Becoming Fools.

We were three days away from a big theatrical event called “Voz de las Calles”, which was the culmination of five months of rehearsals with street youth and professional entertainers. The road had not been entirely smooth. In fact, there were some major hurdles along the way. But, with the help of gracious volunteers, it looked like they were going to pull it off.

And then … three days before the show, the bottom dropped out …

One of the street youth with a leading role in the play had been in drug rehabilitation for a year. Three days before the show, he left his rehab and went back to the streets to consume drugs. My heart was broken. This guy wasn’t a “street youth” to me – he was a friend. I was rooting for him and his peers as they wrestled towards their goal of performing on a Guatemalan Broadway Stage.

A year ago today, we didn’t know if they would be able to pull it off. It seemed impossible:

Most of the cast were youth who still lived in the streets
The original director wrecked his motorcycle and couldn’t continue with the project
Funds had not been raised to pay for the theater rental
The cast had never finished the entire play in rehearsal
One of the lead characters left the show 3 days before the event

05.31.13_02 — The cast rehearses a symbolic scene where the hero is attacked by shadows.

05.31.13_03 — This is probably how Roberto, the theatrical director felt, as he tried to pull the show together in three days.

05.31.13_04 — Scott Moore documents the implosion of Becoming Fools, on his knees.

05.31.13_05 — A tired cast receives notes after rehearsal.

05.31.13_06 — The night ended with conflict as one of the cast members quit the show.

We didn’t know what would happen a year ago, but we all walked forward in faith .. Becoming Fools.

We captured a beautiful story that walks a tightrope between tragedy and comedy.

Fast forward to today …

We feel much like we did a year ago. It seems impossible.

We never raised the money needed to finish the film. But we believed in the project, so we subsidized it with our blood, sweat, tears, and personal savings.

The good news is that the film is finished.

The bad news is that so is our funding.

We need your help to share the story.

Will you join us in Becoming Fools and give a tax-deductible donation to help us release the film?

Faith Perseverance

Tamagochy

Tamagochy is a Guatemalan icon renowned for performing on the historic streets of Antigua, Guatemala. During our scouting trip in 2011, we saw him perform and were amazed by his creative talent. At first, we noticed the crowd gathered around him and wondered what was happening. As we approached to investigate, we quickly realized we were witnessing a master at work. Before we knew it, the crowd had drawn us in as more people joined behind us.

As a filmmaker, I pulled out my camera to capture his antics. Naturally, Tamagochy immediately engaged with me and invited me to join his performance. I remember thinking, “It would be fantastic if someone like him could be part of Becoming Fools.” However, at that time, we didn’t have a clear vision for the film. I didn’t want to extend an invitation in case it fell through. So, I chose to remain silent. Walking away without saying anything was difficult because I recognized Tamagochy’s potential. I regretted that decision for the rest of the scouting trip.

After getting home, I reviewed Tamagochy’s footage and once more felt a pang of regret for not reaching out to him. I couldn’t believe I had met him in person and failed to mention anything about the film. I didn’t get his contact information, nor did I ask him to sign a release form. As a result, this footage would never see the light of day. And then…

About a month after returning home, I received an email from Tamagochy …

He heard about the Becoming Fools project and wanted to help. I sat there in awe of what had just happened. I hadn’t said a word and had no idea how to contact him. But that didn’t matter; Tamagochi reached out to us!

Tamagochy is an outstanding talent. However, he did not approach his role with arrogance. Instead, he joined the team as a humble servant, volunteering his time because he recognized the challenges the youth were facing. He has proven to be an invaluable asset to both the street youth and the Becoming Fools story.

If you are ever in Antigua, Guatemala, make sure you take some time to enjoy his street performance … When he passes the hat, tip him well, knowing that you are helping an incredible artist continue to make the world a better place.

Here’s a scene from the Becoming Fools Theatrical event with Tamagochy and Toñito – both are featured in the documentary, Becoming Fools.

Prodigal Clown – Scene 2

Antigua Becoming Fools Mime Tamagochy

Prodigal Clown – A Symbolic Story of Their Lives

On June 16, 2012, street youth joined professional entertainers to present a symbolic story of their lives and honor a fallen hero. Professional clown Italo Castro dedicated himself to mentoring street youth and became a father figure to many, even opening his home to them. Tragically, he drowned in 2011. In light of his death, a group of Italo’s friends vowed to continue his dream and began meeting weekly to train and prepare for a theatrical event.

After five months of rehearsals and many setbacks, the cast presented their story on the grand stage of Teatro Abril in Guatemala City to an audience of several hundred people. Athentikos documented the rehearsals and the theatrical event for the upcoming documentary, *Becoming Fools*, which will be released later this year.

Here is a short scene from the theatrical event, featuring professional clown, Alfonso Ralda performing alongside José “Toñito” Tumax, a youth rescued from the streets. Stay tuned for more scenes from the theatrical event and the premiere of the documentary, “Becoming Fools”.

He Said We Were Hypocrites—And I Had No Answer

I walked into a prison expecting to witness broken lives. Instead, a prisoner exposed the cracks in my own. Although I wasn’t incarcerated for a crime, I realized I had been living in the safety of untested beliefs. It took the wisdom of a gang member to make me question everything.

In 2008, my wife, Amelia, and I traveled to Guatemala to receive our second adopted son, Elliot. We had visited Guatemala multiple times during the adoption process and were fortunate to have a friend, Joel, a missionary deeply connected to the country. We wanted to document the culture for our children, so we asked him to show us the real Guatemala—the places beyond tourist attractions. This time, he took us deeper than I had anticipated: into a maximum-security prison to meet gang members.

Visiting gang members in prison wasn’t on my bucket list, but I agreed, albeit reluctantly.

The discomfort started immediately. At the entrance, I was required to leave my passport with a guard—my only proof of identity and, more importantly, my only proof that I was a U.S. citizen and not a permanent resident of the facility. But that unease paled in comparison to what came next.

A guard escorted us through a series of locked double gates, each checkpoint requiring a stamp on our arms. With each barrier, the weight of where I was going settled deeper into my chest. Finally, after passing through the last security point, we turned a corner, and I froze. Through the heavy steel bars, I saw a long, dimly lit corridor that resembled an anarchist’s nightclub—thick with smoke, pulsing with blaring reggaeton music, and filled with tattooed men pressed against the bars.

The gate behind us locked with a final, decisive clang. The guard did not enter with us. Joel explained that if he had, he might have been killed.

That wasn’t reassuring.

Just as I registered the gravity of the situation, I turned to find myself surrounded by over a hundred men, covered in tattoos like war paint. I suddenly remembered why this wasn’t on my bucket list.

Most of the inmates, however, were distracted by something else: a dentist we had brought along. With tools but no anesthetics, he set up his makeshift practice at the back of the cell block, and gang members sat through procedures one by one, their faces tense as they fought to maintain a tough exterior.

As I stood there, clinging to Joel’s familiar presence, I forced myself to look beyond the tattoos. That’s when I realized that many of these “warriors” were just kids. One of them, intrigued by my presence, approached me. He shared a glimpse of his life, but then he turned the conversation on me.

“You Christians are in a gang just like us,” he said. “You follow a leader. You have symbols, language, customs, and code—just like us. The difference is that you have the luxury of being a hypocrite. If we aren’t true to our gang, we’re killed.”

I had no response—only questions.

Who am I? What leader do I follow? Am I a hypocrite?

His words exposed a contradiction I had never fully examined. Faith had been a part of my identity, but was it something I truly lived out, or had I been comfortable in a faith that required little risk? I quickly realized that had we not adopted our sons, they could have ended up in a place like this. And if I had grown up in the same circumstances as these young men, who’s to say I wouldn’t have made the same choices?

That thought haunted me, but it also compelled me. I couldn’t just adopt my two sons and move on with my life; I had to do something.

I wasn’t a lawyer, a doctor, or an engineer—I couldn’t build a legal case, perform surgeries, or design infrastructure to change their future. But I was a storyteller. Storytelling had the power to expose realities, challenge perspectives, and inspire action. That’s why I founded Athentikos (Greek for “authentic”)—to reveal and inspire through the power of story.

What Does It Mean to Be Authentic?

The word “authentic” is often thrown around, but what does it truly mean? Here are two common definitions:

Not false or copied; genuine; real.
Having origins supported by unquestionable evidence.

But authenticity isn’t just a dictionary definition—it’s a practice, a discipline, and a risk. Being authentic means embracing both strength and weakness, fully owning one’s identity while acknowledging the need for others. It means refusing to wear a mask, even when doing so would be easier.

The gang member’s words challenged me in unexpected ways. Was I living out my faith with the same unshakable commitment to my brotherhood that these young men had? Or was I merely comfortable with a belief system that allowed for inconsistency?

For me, authenticity means humbly identifying with Christ as my leader—not just in word but in action. It means using my creative gifts for a purpose beyond myself, telling stories that illuminate injustice and inspire solutions. It also means recognizing my limitations and depending on others because I cannot do this alone.

Authenticity is not a solo journey. It is lived out in community, faith, hope, and love.

So I leave you with the same questions I wrestled with that day:

Who are you? What leader do you follow? And is your true identity fully integrated into a life that creates real change?

Diving Into Documentary Production

Diving into documentary production is much like diving into the ocean: it’s breathtakingly beautiful, but it can also be overwhelming.

A year ago today, I said goodbye to my family to spend two and a half months in Guatemala working on my film, “Becoming Fools”. I was eager to get to Guatemala and start capturing the story. Prior to my trip, I had been directing the production from the U.S. for a couple of months, which proved to be quite frustrating. Every day brought new conflicts and obstacles that seemed to hinder our progress. It certainly felt that way, especially since bad news travels fast, particularly when you’re trying to achieve something positive. So, I boarded a plane to immerse myself in this film and pursue what I felt called to do.

I thought that being in Guatemala would somehow bring continuity to our production. I believed that things would become easier with my physical presence in the country. But I was mistaken. Proximity to conflict does not provide an advantage in controlling it. It wasn’t any easier; it was just a different kind of difficulty—one that was, in many ways, even more challenging. I found myself closer to the waves that constantly crashed down on everything, quickly getting swept out to sea just like everyone else.

However, I know two essential things about waves that also apply to documentary film production:

1. Don’t fight the current.

2. Never swim alone.

Charles Dickens captured this irony perfectly when he wrote, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness…” This prophetic description certainly applied to the Becoming Fools production. It was grueling, stressful, and at times absolutely heart-wrenching. Yet, it was also one of the most joyful periods of my life. I joined hands with close friends and intentionally dove into the crushing breakers because we believed in something greater than ourselves. We were all swept away by the crashing waves and pushed beyond our comfort zones. But somehow, being together made it better because we weren’t swimming alone. This sense of community—mutual trust and interdependence—gave us the confidence to persevere in the face of enormous adversity. We all dove in together.

Ironically, none of us knew how to swim in the first place. None of us had the capacity to achieve our goal. We had all failed at some point. We weren’t the dream team, and at times it felt like a real nightmare. Yet, our group of seemingly incapable individuals became capable because we were called together by the One who makes all things possible. In this calling, my incapacity provided strength for someone else, and vice versa, when we committed to each other in the collaborative process.

However, working together isn’t easy. It can be chaotic and filled with dysfunction. We all make mistakes and may hurt each other in ways that seem to hinder any progress. A group of frightened people climbing on each other while gasping for air in a surging tide will almost certainly drown one another. But we have a life raft if we choose the right perspective. Over time, the ugliness can cancel itself out in a beautiful equation of grace, provided that it is built on a foundation of God’s love. That love compensates for our mistakes and transforms our self-ambition into a sacrifice for others. Thankfully, that love is a life raft big enough for all of us.

I dove into the ocean of documentary production hoping to make a difference in the lives of youth living on the streets. For the past year, I have been tossed around by a current I cannot control, and I still don’t know where it will take me. Yet, with the support of my fellow fools, I will continue to hold on to this life raft of love that transforms an ocean filled with broken people into an ark of redeeming grace, capable of bringing hope to distant shores.

The Official Becoming Fools Movie Trailer

Drum roll, please …. After much anticipation, we are thrilled to release the official Becoming Fools Movie Trailer.

We’re not yet finished with the film, but we’re close. It’s in the final phase of post-production: coloring, music, mixing, animation, art, and credits.

After a year of pre-production and research, 6 months of production and 6 months of editing and post-production, we are rounding the turn towards the finish line. My heart has swung through all emotions imaginable over the course of this journey – from loving the story, to absolutely hating it, to loving it again.

The production phase is my favorite. It is a time when we are out in the world together, collaborating, capturing a story and experiencing the richness of community. It’s hard work, but somehow we don’t notice because we are together. You should hear the laughter at 2 AM when we’re logging footage, after a 12 hour shoot in a dirty environment … and the water is off, so you can’t take a shower before bed. It is a true joy!

Then there is the flip side. If production is a joy because of community, then editing is the Alcatraz prison of loneliness. To be honest, I often wrestle with depression while editing a film. It is a long period of isolation in the “editing cave” with only small spurts of community when we evaluate the film. And because those small doses of community are focused on critically evaluating the film, it usually results in me having to spend more time editing in isolation. Don’t get me wrong. I greatly value constructive criticism during the process and want our films to be the best they can be! It just begins to take its toll after 6 months of 16 hour work days. Needless to say, I am very glad that I can see the light at the end of the editing tunnel!

After all this work, the film is slightly different than we originally imagined. But, this is normal because you never have control over all the production elements in a documentary. In this case, we were thrown some pretty big wild cards during production. I compared it to riding a wild bull. We just held on tight, kept the cameras rolling, and prayed we were capturing what we needed to tell a great story. Thankfully, we captured some great stuff!

During a recent Athentikos meeting, we engaged in a deep and honest discussion about the film. We asked some tough questions ….

Is this a compelling story?

Does this film achieve what we set out to do?

Is the story depicted in the final edit the same story we passionately felt called to produce in the beginning?

It was unanimous. Even though the story is different than we initially imagined, it compellingly accomplishes the goal we set out to achieve. This is the story God called us to tell.

It’s full of warm characters, beautiful tension and redemption that we couldn’t have written better if we wrote it as a narrative. It still makes me cry … and I have seen it thousands of times over the course of editing! So, either I am completely off my rocker, or this story truly connects to the heart.

As we work diligently to wrap up the final details in this project, I have mixed emotions. I’ve committed 2 years of my life to developing, filming and editing this story. I’ve grown to love these street youth as dear friends. Their delicate charm has captured my heart! I would love for this film to raise awareness and bring needed resources to this issue! But, I have no idea what will become of it all.

We raised enough funding to get through production. But we still lack the financial resources to release the film. Unfortunately, we can’t subsidize this next phase with our sweat equity. Unless we receive additional funding, we will be forced to put the film on hold. We truly believe this story has the potential to make a difference in the lives of street youth around the world. But we need your help … will you consider giving a donation?

As of right now, we only have one official film screening planned. Let’s make it count!

Becoming Fools will screen at the Omaha Film Festival on Sunday March 10 at 12:15 PM.

Gather your friends and meet us there! If you are too far away to attend, please help us make noise so we can try to fill the theater. Use every means necessary to tell people about this opportunity to see the film: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, phone calls, post cards, smoke signal … and especially talking face to face!

Please watch the trailer and share it. Give a donation if you can. Work with us to help bring the film to your city. Let’s become fools together and make a difference!

Give a tax-deductible donation to help us release the film.

Becoming Fools Clowns documentary Film Guatemala street children street youth