Client: Future City Now + illumiNations

The 12 verse challenge

In 2024, we worked with illumiNations to create two mini-documentaries aimed at fundraising for global Biblical translation efforts. Along the way, we captured interviews and soundbites that were re-purposed across digital/social platforms into 50+ total deliverables. The results speak for themselves:

“We shared this video with thousands of women, and in response, we raised $1.7 million.”

- Lauren Singley, Future City Now

GUATEMALA

After nearly 40 years of effort from local translators, the full Bible was translated into the Achi language. To mark the completion of this monumental effort, the Cloudfire Film team traveled with author/speaker Sadie Robertson to ceremonially deliver the first copy of this translation to the Achi people. This doc-style video tells two stories: connecting the micro-narrative of Sadie’s Bible delivery journey to the macro-narrative of global Bible translation efforts.

After developing the concept/script with Future City Now and Jason Dyba, the Cloudfire team spent 72 hours shooting in Guatemala, with a two-person production crew and several VIP guests. The trip itself required two balancing acts:

  • Capturing interviews, talking heads, and b-roll for the “main” video (above) vs. capturing ancillary content to be used on social media throughout the year

  • Maximizing content capture vs. ensuring that the VIPs on the trip had an authentic, compelling experience that would strengthen them as brand ambassadors

Following a meticulous schedule allowed the Cloudfire team to accomplish all these goals - prioritizing efficiency over volume and excellence over variety.

“The First Achi Bible” premiered at IF> Gathering in 2024. Within 15 minutes of the video being shown, more than $1.7 million was raised for illumiNations.

NIGERIA

Bible translators in rural Nigeria face a unique challenge: though a written version of the Bible exists in their local language, the majority of the population is illiterate. In response, they create and distribute audio bibles, allowing people to listen to the biblical narrative in their mother tongue.

This video was designed to accomplish two purposes: education and inspiration. It needed to:

  • Inform general audiences about the challenges of biblical translation within mostly illiterate people groups

  • Inspire these audience to donate towards fundraising efforts

The final piece weaves together high-level education with two narratives of transformation, providing audiences with a both an introduction to the problem and an invitation to be part of the solution.

  • Kevin is absolutely wonderful to work with—he brings thoughtfulness, creativity, and excellence to every single project. When shooting this video in Guatemala, Kevin came prepared and organized, capturing content that went above and beyond what was asked of him. Our whole team was moved to tears after seeing the final video—it captured the emotions and gravity of the moments we experienced and beautifully told the story of the Achi people receiving Scripture.

    We shared this video with thousands of women, and in response, 1.7 million dollars was given to fund projects like the Achi.

    - LAUREN SINGLEY, FUTURE CITY NOW

FULL CREDITS

Client: Future City Now + illumiNations
Director/DP/Editor: Kevin Collins
Producers: Emily Vogletanz, Lauren Singley
B-Camera Operator: Hamilton McAfee
Main Talent: Sadie Robertson Huff, Christian Huff