Respectful Productions

07/11/2024

Watch Now!!!

15/08/2024

"Why this film? ...I once told Jamie, I'm a fictional story teller, not a documentary filmmaker-- But Jamie dragged me along anyways down a journey towards making 'Steel Soldier' (be on the look out for more details on that soon!) and for draggin me along, I'm grateful to him. It's changed my perspective as a filmmaker and as an individual finding my own way through this crazy thing called life.
We started out by making a feature film, (The King of Bloody Fookin' Britain, on VUDU) and shortly after moved into Sketch Comedy as a way to keep telling stories. But as we've grown as filmmakers, it is stories of activism and stories of self-empowerment and growth that have been really pulling at our guts. Comedy holds such a dear place in our hearts (and I don't think that we'll find ourselves moving away from Narrative Fiction as a means to tell stories), but in a world where there is much to be done to make that world a better place, simply telling fictional tales can be a luxury. Knowing this, and feeling that there is more that we can do, Jamie and myself have been focusing Respectful Productions on telling beautiful stories that matter. We're film makers, and in a world that needs help, this is how we can be a hand. Thanks you to Quench Ministers, Far and away Missions, and Rivers are life. It takes an village to make a movie and we are so grateful to Grant Reynolds at Moonshine Post for the beautiful color and Amanda PH Bennett for our amazing sound mix! Their work is impeccable! We highly suggest working with them on your next project. We know we are.” - Derek Evans, Director

13/08/2024

Do you want to go see the elephants?" the smiling pastor in Kariba asked. Was it that easy? A short 5-minute car ride later, we were sprinting away from a charging bull elephant that thought we were too close to his lady. We never thought we would ever get that close to an elephant again... but were we wrong. While on the Zambezi, we got within 10 feet of an entire herd while in our boat. Wow, we couldn't do much better than that, right? Wrong. The morning of the last day on the Zambezi River, Jamie was loading the car when a stranger walked into the front yard. He smiled and pointed past his back to the massive elephant calmly following him into the yard. Jamie picked up his camera and started filming. "Derek... get your camera, man." Derek saw the elephant from the other side of the house and was already after his camera. The elephant went around the entire house, staring at us through the windows and door, while it munched on the potted plants and tamarind trees outside. What a gift.


River Heroes: Brother Bill with and
Leonard Maronda with Far and Away Missions
Director:
Producer:
Color by:
Assistant Editing:
Sound by:
Produced by:

11/08/2024

We'll eat almost anything at least once. We'll eat almost anything at least once...


River Heroes: Brother Bill with and
Leonard Maronda with Far and Away Missions
Director:
Producer:

11/08/2024

Good food, good times. Zimbabwe has so many different culinary treats that we couldn't try them all. Some of our favorite foods were a thick corn mash called sudza, pan fried fresh fish from Lake Kariba, and succulent stewed cape bufflow. The weirdest thing we ate? ...Madoras: Fried black caterpillars called mopane worms...see our reel for more context.


River Heroes: Brother Bill with and
Leonard Maronda with Far and Away Missions
Director:
Producer:
Color by:
Assistant Editing:
Sound by:
Produced by:

07/08/2024

In our latest film, "Under the African Sun," we're drawn into the inspiring story of Brother Bill and the positive impact he has on countless lives. But, there's a behind-the-scenes detail that most people don't know: Derek Evans, Brother Bill's son, was part of the film’s production crew Respectful Productions. You might even recognize his voice in the film's narration! Derek reflected on the experience of working alongside his father:

"Working on this film with Dad was nothing short of special. For years my father has been going to Africa and I couldn't possibly recount the endless tales I've heard about it. He's asked me to come with him every single time. I finally had the time to say yes, and Jamie and I jumped at the opportunity to film the trip. We were there for 19 days, a trip that changed our lives and our outlook on life. I thank my dad for that opportunity. My dad has dedicated his life to helping others and we hope that this film might inspire others to do the same." - Derek Evans

If you haven't had the chance to watch "Under the African Sun," now is the perfect time. Head over to our website https://riversarelife.com/under-the-african-sun to learn more about the film, it's impactful message, and the incredible stories it shares.

03/08/2024

On filming my father... As some may know, Bill Evans, who is featured here in "Under the African Sun," is my father. (Derek Evans, here, btw) Working on this film with Dad was nothing short of special. For years my father has been going to Africa and I couldn't possibly recount the endless tales I've heard about it. From dad being nibbled in the leg by a lion (he had a chocolate bar in his pants, and he's OK lol) to witch doctors jumping out at him with machetes (he scared them off by shouting, "JESUS LOVES YOU" 🤣) He's asked me to come with him every single time. I finally had the time to say yes, and Jamie and I jumped at the opportunity to film the trip. We were there for 19 days, a trip that changed our lives and our outlook on life. I thank my dad for that opportunity. My dad has dedicated his life to helping others and we hope that this film might inspire others to do the same. - Derek Evans


River Heroes: Brother Bill with and
Leonard Maronda with Far and Away Missions
Director:
Producer:
Color by:
Assistant Editing:
Sound by:
Produced by:

01/08/2024

Brother Bill is a humble man from Northern Kentucky. A small business owner, pastor, race car driver, and family man. He spends his time off from work and his hard-earned money taking trips worldwide to bring clean water to underserved communities. As a devout man, Brother Bill is full of joy, laughter, and love and is rarely seen without a smile on his face.


River Heroes: Brother Bill with and
Leonard Maronda with Far and Away Missions
Director:
Producer:
Color by:
Assistant Editing:
Sound by:
Produced by:

31/07/2024

30/07/2024

Leonard means "lion of a man", and he lives up to his name. Leonard Maronda is a pastor and father, speaks multiple languages, and has a great sense of humor. His work with Far and Away Missions has fed and clothed countless people in Zimbabwe, both physically and spiritually. The third photo is of Leonard holding up the Tiger Fish he caught on the Zambezi River. He was the only one to catch a fish that day!

Thank you Leonard Maronda and everyone at Far and Away Missions Inc.
Rivers are Life
River Heroes: Brother Bill with Quench Ministriesquenchministries and
Leonard Maronda with Far and Away Missions
Director:
Producer: Jamie Flanagan
Color by:
Assistant Editing:
Sound by:
Produced by:

28/07/2024

🚰 Did you know that 1 in 3 people lack access to clean drinking water? Thanks to “Under the African Sun,” Respectful Productions has funded a new borehole in Chipapa, Zimbabwe through Quench Ministries. This borehole will provide clean, safe drinking water to hundreds of people. Your support truly makes a difference. 100% of donations go directly towards the construction of wells, covering every stage of the building process, and humanitarian aid. Click the link in our bio to watch the film and consider supporting vital initiatives like Quench Ministries!


River Heroes: Brother Bill with and
Leonard Maronda with Far and Away Missions
Director:
Producer:
Color by:
Assistant Editing:
Sound by:
Produced by:

26/07/2024

Thank you to everyone who tuned in on our YouTube channel for the live premiere including the Respectful Productions crew who produced this heartwarming film. We are thrilled to share that the premiere of "Under the African Sun" was a tremendous success! Over 6.2k viewers watched this film on premiere day and were touched by the story of the River Heroes! If you haven't watched this brand new film, you can catch it on our Rivers are Life YouTube channel for free; https://youtu.be/uFbiySSiifo?si=BS8uQSi8mF90xzI3!

Also, stay tuned for more updates and behind-the-scenes content of this wonderful film! 🌞🎬