2009 has already proven to be a pivotal year in the creation/evolution debate. It’s the 200^th anniversary of Charles Darwin’s birth, and the 150^th anniversary¹ of the publication of his book The Origin of Species. Evolutionists have been busy with special events, including feature films, TV documentaries, world-travelling exhibitions, tall-ship re-enactments of the HMS Beagle voyage, and much, much more. Even the free distribution of 200,000 ‘commissioned’ comic strip books featuring Darwin as a super-hero!

A unique opportunity

In response, Creation Ministries International, through our subsidiary Fathom Media and using a team of world-class professionals, has produced a major international documentary film costing over $1m.² Structured around Darwin’s famous HMS Beagle voyage³ , it features stunning wildlife photography, period re-enactments and interviews with leading authorities from around the world. We made this 52min. documentary to the highest production standards utilizing media professionals so that it could be broadcast on general TV.

It is intended to be a thoughtful exploration, a crossover product to seek to influence the “mainstream” to ”think again” about Darwin. It is also a powerful tool that can “break down the barriers” of evolutionary prejudice, overcoming preconceived ideas about biblical creationists by its approach of being gentle and fair without compromising truth.⁴

Comments from a film critic

Renowned Christian and film critic Dr. Ted Baehr, whose Movieguide.org website is consulted by millions, saw the almost-ready documentary in late February. Here are some samples from his enthusiastic written reaction to us:

“Fascinating and insightful … ”

“ … this extremely well-crafted exploration of who Charles Darwin was and what he believed is one of the best-produced documentaries ever made.”

“Not a hatchet job or propaganda piece, it presents Darwin’s story through the eyes of professors and others who admire the man. … presents his humanist, anti-Christian views with dignity and respect, but in the process reveals the flaws, confusion and falsehoods of his theories.”

“This is a beautifully produced program … because of its fairness and clarity … if people watch it with an open mind, it may turn their hearts and minds away from the confusion that is Darwinism toward asking the right questions that can lead them to the truth.”

Comments from Christian teachers⁵

“This is great—just what we need to really get the conversation on all these topics going in the right direction in the classroom.”

“I can see us opening up all these issues in detail with the kids … let’s work on a study guide.”⁶

“I can see its power … the quality, the way it can’t be written off as ignorant Bible-thumpers … ”

Other languages

Due to restrictions in distribution and broadcast negotiations, it is likely that the DVD will only be fully available worldwide sometime in September 2009. It will have the option of English and foreign subtitles for the hearing-impaired with as many as 30 languages as possible additional options.⁷

Thank you to all those praying for and supporting this amazing project. Make sure you don’t miss the news about when the film is released or broadcast in your country, by signing up for CMI’s Infobytes (free email newsletter) now!

You can also visit the events page of your local CMI office for public screenings and Deconstructing Darwin events near you.

References

1. The anniversary months are February and November, respectively. Return to text.
2. Around ¾ of it raised by earmarked donations to CMI ministries around the world, the rest from CMI-Australia’s reserve funds. Estimate is in USD$. The cost would have been greater if not for the sacrificial rates offered by so many of these professionals. More is being spent right now on promotion. We would be very grateful for your donation now—every little bit helps! Return to text.
3. Based on an original concept by CMI-Canada’s Dr Emil Silvestru Return to text.
4. Significantly different from ID’s wedge concept, it does not hesitate to challenge the millions of years as well as evolution. Return to text.
5. At a special prescreening of the draft documentary in late February. Return to text.
6. A study guide has been completed. See printable pdf or online topics for thought and links to further reading. Return to text.
7. As at mid-March 2009, translation work is underway on 30 languages, hoping we can get as many as possible of these onto the first pressing. Return to text.