Courtesy Max Lemus
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Regular readers are familiar with the documentary "Not without a fight," a project completely carried out by Max Lemus, a man who got the idea to travel the country asking Second Amendment activists why they are involved in the struggle to restore recognition of the right to keep and bear arms. Per Max:
I am new out of the box. My film-making experience consists of short films that I have worked on; meaning that I was not the director and my role was a supportive one. This would include working with the lights on of some the shorts, working with the sound on others and so on. Basically it was a learning experience for when I would branch out on my own.
This is my first project, I am funding it myself and it is a one man operation. I am jumping in my car with my camera and driving to different parts of the nation and telling the story of Second Amendment "movers and shakers" as some would say.
When I first decided to make a documentary about the men and women who fight for our right to keep and bear arms I had the option of taking a year or so to raise money and possibly get some sponsors for the film. I knew that because I was inexperienced it would be a difficult task to accomplish, though possible, very time consuming.
There was also the option of making the documentary “Guerrilla filmmaking” style with a shut-up and shoot NOW mentality when it is most needed. As you can probably tell I chose the Guerrilla style. I suppose it suits my personality to just act boldly and make it happen.
But enough. If you want to learn more about Max and his project, let's learn it together. What follows is my Q&A with him. When we're done, you'll get a chance to find out what's on your mind.
Here's the interview.
DC: Who is Max Lemus? Tell us about yourself.
ML: I was born in Honduras and immigrated to Minnesota at the age eight with my mother, brother and sister. I grew up with a dream to someday become a filmmaker. I originally went to a tech school after high school and had a pretty good career going for myself, but the desire to follow my filmmaking dreams was simply over bearing. I then caught the Second Amendment bug, did some research and knew what my first film project would be.
I’m conservative in my views and lifestyle but that doesn’t mean that I always choose the conservative side of the argument.
DC: Why the Second Amendment? What is it about gun rights that made you consider this to be an important topic?
ML: It started with an overall frustration with the perception in the public media to gun owners. There is a false perception that if you’re a gun owner then:
1. You are putting your children in danger.
2. You are stocking up for Armageddon.
3. You are mentally unbalanced, since you exercise the OUTDATED right to keep and bear arms.
Never is the gun owner or hero in a TV show an educated American who understands and values American/world history, and so exercises his/her right to, dare I say, open carry. Think about it, law-abiding MacGyver was basically allergic to guns. When a hero does readily use firearms, that particular character is perceived as a little-off and reckless. Think about Bruce Willis and the Die Hard movies, or Mel Gibson and the Lethal Weapon movies.
You, I and the Gun Rights Examiner readers understand that TV and movies are nothing more than entertainment. Unfortunately the majority of people around the world take their social cues from the entertainment industry. If someone doubts this then I suggest you read up on marketing and psychology. Two books that come to mind are “The Psychology of Persuasion” by Robert Cialdini and “Covert Persuasion” by Kevin Hogan. I’ve kind of veered of track but these are some of the reasons that ignited the spark in me to research the history of gun control.
As I researched I realized that popular thought on the Second Amendment was false, and sometimes people were blatantly lied to. Now being equipped with the truth and history of gun control I decided that “I’m not going to take it.” Gun control has simply to ugly a history to be ignorant about, but I also think that you explained it very well in our interview. Before we met I thought those same thoughts you expressed in the clip but I was not nearly as articulate to explain it in that manner to others.
DC: Do you think the fact that your family immigrated to this country has given you a special appreciation for U.S.-recognized rights that may be lost on native-born citizens who might take things for granted?
ML: Yes. Most Americans believe that “it can’t happen here” but do nothing to make certain that it doesn’t. Simply voting and then trusting the government officials, who prove to be untrustworthy year after year, is not enough. I grew up with a Cuban stepfather, so I was informed from an early age of what governments have a tendency of doing. Another aspect is that I know how special a place America has in the history of the world, I want to do my part in keeping it the light of freedom that it is to the world. I honestly feel a debt to the people that dreamt of America and went out against all odds and created it. If Americans would just take a moment and contemplate the history of the world up until America was created, I think that they will have a renewed appreciation for the nation. It might even ignite a fire inside of them to go out and do something about the current state of corruption in government. Whatever mountains we face now are small in comparison to the founding fathers telling the king to shove-it!
DC: Did you have any prior film-making experience?
ML: Virtually no prior filmmaking experience, but I had a vision and that proved to be enough. I had worked on some short films, but nothing to this magnitude.
DC: What do you hope to accomplish with your documentary? And how would you like to see it used by people who purchase it?
ML: First, I hope to dispel some simple but widely held inaccuracies. I would like people to begin by asking themselves those same questions that were discussed in the movie, then to do the research. Read the books, don’t just take what you see in the film for granted. Finally I would like viewers to stay tuned to the people in the film by following their work, this will keep them informed of what is truly going on. It should now be common knowledge to all Americans that you can’t trust in mainstream media, you have to do your own research.
DC: How did you pick your subjects? How did you discover these people, and why did you approach them in particular?
ML: I found out about Jeff Knox through a local gunsmith. I researched his father’s work (Neal Knox) and then contacted Jeff and his brother. I asked them to give me a list of people who work to preserve the right to keep and bear arms. They gave me a list of people whom I then looked into. I contacted the subjects and expressed to them my vision, most accepted and some did not trust me. I think now that the film is out those that had their doubts know that I’m for real!
DC: Why should a non-gun owner care about this? Do you think what you've taped will appeal to any of them, and if so, why?
ML: That depends on the type of non-gun owner. If it’s the typical close minded person who does not accept facts and makes all decisions based on emotions, then they won’t care and nothing works. If it’s a non-gun owner that is willing to look at the EVIDENCE then come to a decision, I believe that we can make some strides with them. Just the Elliot case should be enough to make people start asking questions and hopefully sticking their noses where the government doesn’t want us to be. Our tax dollars are being used by the BATF to destroy the lives of honest, innocent, hardworking Americans. That is not a gun issue, it has to do with the moral state of the nation. I don’t want to put a gun in the hands or in the homes of non-gun owners, I just want those false perceptions of gun owners to vanish.
DC: What's next in your plans to promote "Not Without a Fight"?
ML: I can reach the most people through the internet, so internet marketing will be the strategy from here on out.
DC: You obviously only used a fraction of the footage you shot. Is there any chance we'll get to see more of it, either via YouTube or even through a sequel documentary?
ML: Yes! There will be some You Tube videos with scenes that did not make into the movie.
DC: Anything else you'd like to say to the readers here?
ML: Please get involved! Remember that whatever obstacles we face now are nothing compared to the founding fathers telling the king to shove-it! Please do some research on the history of the world, you’ll find that in most cases there is a king, his minions and the peasants. Knowing this will give you a greater appreciation for the nation you live in, and courage to do your part for the next generation.
And now it's your turn. Mr. Lemus has agreed to take questions from you, the readers, over the course of the day. We don't want him to feel like he's chained to the computer, so don't expect an immediate reply, but he will be checking in every hour or so. And remember to check back in throughout the day for Q&A updates. I'll post an announcement when we're through and he leaves.
In the interest of making things go as smoothly as possible, here are a few simple and easy ground rules:
1. Read the interview and the reader questions that were posed already. Please don't ask something that's already been asked.
2. Don't make statements--ask clear (and brief) questions. Bluntly, it's his views we've gathered here to learn. Essays will be deleted.
3. One question per customer.
4. I reserve the right to delete any question I deem inappropriate, disrespectful, repetitive, incomprehensible, noncompliant with my simple ground rules, or for whatever reason I decide. If you think I'm being unfair, take it up with me at dcodreaAThotmailDOTcom.
5. We have an opportunity here, and a limited time in which to make the most of it. Let's have fun with it. And let the questioning begin.
We've been at this all day and have asked enough of Max--for now. I'd like to thank him for spending so much time with us, and of course, for his unique and thought-provoking project. I encourage all of you who have supportive words to do two things: Purchase a copy of "Not without a Fight" for yourself and help spread the word to encourage others to do so as well.
You can get your own copy by clicking here.
Thanks to all for participating in this interview and for your thoughtful questions. This will not be the final word--look to future Gun Rights Examiner columns to keep you up to date on Max's progress promoting his documentary as new developments occur.
Comments
Have you looked into getting copies of this in libraries?
No, but that brings up a good idea. I will look into it, definitely another way of getting the message out to more people.
Mr. Lemus, thank you for doing the superb documentary, and for taking the time to answer questions.
Do you see more gun rights documentaries in your future, and if so, have you identified a particular area of focus?
Mr. Lemus, you mentioned that you live in MN and also briefly mentioned open carry. Do you open carry in your home state, and if so, what has your experience with this been as far as reaction?
Thanks for your time and dedication to the cause of liberty; I look forward to viewing the film.
That's the title of a very-pro RKBA blog I found from Puerto Rico. How about a version with Spanish subtitles?
What, in your opinion, are some of the key "telltales" that a non-gun owner is open to "looking at the evidence"? And thank you sir for your efforts.
To M. Gallo
I currently live in New Mexico, I didn't really start researching and getting involved with the Second Amendment until I moved here. I live in a small town an hour south of Albuquerque where it is common to see people with their hunting rifles and gear openly displayed in their truck beds. It is also common for a guy to walk into the barber shop and show the rest of his buddies his new AR or shotgun purchase from the gun show. People in New Mexico are not shocked by the sight of a gun.
That is definitely different from Minnesota, outside of the twin cities it is common to see people with their hunting gear but inside I remember it being a bit taboo. I will be back in Minnesota soon and will be able to carry and see the reaction to people then, that might be a good documentary topic;-)
To Kurt Hoffmann,
Yes I do! There were things I wanted to do and people I wanted interview that I just was not able to make happen. I wanted to make out it to the west coast and speak to the men and women on the front lines there but I simply ran out of money, so I still feel that the job is only partially finished. I have a few topics that I'm currently tossing around and need to do more research on. One is the NRA question presented in the documentary, I would really like to dive deeper into that issue and explore all aspects. The other is the BATF, from what I understand there are people serving jail sentences because of these guys. It would be interesting to visit them and see our tax dollars in use.
To Prodefensa,
Hadn't thought about a spanish version until now, seems like a good idea I'll get to work on it! That brings up the topic of a RKBA documentary in spanish. Could you send me the link to that blog? director@notwithoutafight.net
To Dutch Shultis,
Telltales? Someone who is simply willing to listen to why you do what you do without immediately passing judgement. Its such a hard fight because we are dealing with people who are under decades of conditioning. You would think that a self described Liberal would be open minded to at least listen, but unfortunately in my experience that has not proven to be the case.
I'm not able to watch on-line video (dial-up), so don't know when I might get a chance to see your work, but I'm eager to do so. I wonder if you interviewed any women for your film.
Somewhere in the last few days (can't remember where) I read that more and more women are expressing acceptance of RKBA, as well as learning to shoot and even carrying. This is obviously a good thing, and something that needs to be better recognized by the gentlemen who, more or less, dominate the field.
I am a certified firearms instructor, and carry openly every day, everywhere. I'm also a great grandmother. :)
To Mamaliberty,
Yes I did interview women, though those scenes did not make the final film there are videos on the youtube account of the women interviewed. There are also more videos coming in youtube account of these interviews.
While I was in Michigan with Skip Coryell of the Second Amendment March I was informed that most of the new members or advocates of RKBA are women. I think that this is exciting, as more women become aware and accepting of RKBA the men who are currently against it will follow. Its kind of funny how that works!
Mr Max Lemus I have the same problem as Mamaliberty and can't download it. Any way we can buy this on DVD?
To me too,
Yes and no. Currently it is only being distributed through download, but shortly there will be DVDs created to distribute. If you email me at director@notwithoutafight.net with your email I will keep you posted.
I'll be posting your Youtube trailer on the main page of vaguninfo.com later tonight, looks like you made a great documentary with the available resources you had.
To Ian,
Thanks, I'll bookmark that website.
In discussions with those who supported the 2nd amendment and private gun ownership, what seemed to be the greatest reason why they were NOT active in politics and NOT supporting groups like the NRA, Gun Owners Action League, etc?
Of the commentaries that you gathered did you ask any of anti crowd? Perhaps a few comments by anti people could provide a backdrop to the pro comments provided.
To BobB,
The people that I met that were hesitant about becoming involved in politics was because politics is so "dirty" or simply because they have a general mistrust with anything that has to do with politics. All of the people in the film are very much involved but some people who are supportive of the Second Amendment think that they can't do anything that will matter. If you believe that your voice will not be heard, you are wrong. All of the people in the film started out without any experience in politics.
I suggest anyone with doubts in themselves to visit the grnc.org website and get in contact with their founders, ask them how they did it. Paul Valone did not have any experience in politics, but he had a vision and that proved to be enough. If you want to start a grass roots movement in your community I know that these people will teach what they know.
Everyone I met are members of the NRA and they advice people to become so. They simply question actions that go vs RKBA
To Richard,
Some of the questions presented to the people in the film come from the anti-gun crowd.
-Can't happen here.
-Thats what the police are for.
These are arguments that the anti-crowd continually presents, the answers then help pro-gun know how to answer to these statements when raised. Not everyone is as articulate as the men in the film are at presenting their thoughts to a group of anti-RKBA people. I hope that their answers will give you ammo!
I really appreciate your Leadership & Courage in this space. Excellent work and I hope it inspires more activism.
I am keenly aware that you do not seem to be asking for financial support for your efforts. Would you share if you have any new financial support and if you would consider setting up a donation channel so folks can 'vote with their dollars'?
Given that I live out West (Seattle, WA) it would be great to help buy a tank of gas or meal for you, for not only the work you've done, but maybe inspire you to go further.
Thanks again.
P.S. Paypal works, but is not preferred among many of us.
To Tap,
Thank you so much! No, I currently do not have a donate button, all I ask is that people please forward the films website to friends or maybe post it on forums and websites. By doing this you are greatly helping to increase the sales and the possibility of me making it out to the west and making another Second Amendment film.
To Tap,
I was just recently informed about pay-pals anti-gun stance and have contacted the web developer in getting a gun-pal button added to the website.
Thanks, Max. Your spirit is like that of our colonialists and founders who felt: "I know what's right and I'm going to stand up for it." Your gumption is similar to Andre Harper and his recent book: POLITICAL EMANCIPATION Observations of a Black Man Who Rejected Liberal Indoctrination.
Carry on, and I agree with TAP: there's got to be several like me who would like to buy your next breakfast or lunch, or chip in on a tank of gas.
To OlMike7,
Thank you for your support, I truly appreciate your kind words.
Did you interview the open carrier from Alamogordo who sued the local PD and got a federal ruling that legal carry is not probable cause to detain? He also was awarded $21,000. Not that far of a drive. There's also plenty of pro gun law enforcement in Las Cruces (I am one of them). Dustonegt at gmail.
To 348,
No, I didn't interview anyone in New Mexico. The focus of the film was to speak to people who have been making waves on a national/regional level for sometime now. This does not mean that I am not currently doing research on the people in New Mexico. I was just recently informed about the Alamogordo 2A task force which I am looking into and hope to get in contact with.
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