ABOUT
THE STORY
Restore. Develop. Empower. These three words summarize the work that Lemuel Ministries is doing in a small Haitian community known as "The Plateau."
The City of God is a feature-length documentary that explores the story of Lemuel and how they seek to develop their community in rural northwest Haiti. Spend a day with this incredible organization and its founder, Manis Dilus, as you discover their unusual approach to poverty alleviation and community development.
This film is designed to give you a glimpse into the life and mentality of the leadership of this organization, how they prioritize the dignity of the local people, and how they are led by Haitians and for Haitians. Follow Manis on his journey out of poverty and back to his people to work for the restoration, hope and dignity of this unique community.
With this documentary, experience for yourself how Lemuel and the people of The Plateau work together to develop their area into a place where people are proud to live and are empowered to help not only themselves but others as well.
THE FILMMAKER
Nate Sheppard - Director, Composer, Cinematographer
Nate Sheppard is a multimedia creative with a focus on video and music production. Based in Rhinelander, Wisconsin, Nate was the 2019 recipient of the Northern Arts Council’s Individual Artist Grant and has worked on a wide range of projects including creating an online arts festival, producing cinematic poems and dance films, designing escape rooms and multimedia installations, and performing music on stage and online.
He is passionate about innovation, education and collaboration, so if you are interested in connecting, please reach out.
THE PRODUCERS
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS
Jane Frost
Ben & Bethany Hartzell
Bob & Jan Needham
Steve & Sarah Nelson
Madolyn Smith Osborne
Margaret Raths
Will & Julie White
Grace Foursquare Church
ASSOCIATE PRODUCERS
Rick & Melodie Bajema
Dianne & Josiah Enns
Reg & Pam Morris
David & Ginger Muchmore
Edgar "Skip" & Ann Neely
Joshua & Megan Parsons
Levi Sheppard
Steve & Dawn Sheppard
Jess & Jon Touchette
THE CREW
SECOND CAMERA
Michael Sheppard
PRODUCTION ASSISTANT
Levi Sheppard
PRODUCTION COORDINATOR
Brad Brunsch
POST-PRODUCTION SUPPORT
Judy Dilus
Krischelle Frost
Brad Brunsch
Taylor Conley
HAITIAN CREOLE
TRANSLATION CONSULTANT
Judy Dilus
ORIGINAL SCORE BY
Nate Sheppard and Steve Sheppard with Manis Dilus
FLUTE PERFORMED BY
Andrea Sheppard
CELLO PERFORMED BY
Charles Asche
ARCHIVAL PHOTOS COURTESY OF
Lemuel Ministries
ADDITIONAL FOOTAGE COURTESY OF
Judy Dilus
Shayne Brunsch
Geffard Billy
KICKSTARTER BACKERS
Alexis M. Ortiz Perez
Allen & Vivian Muchmore
Amanda Anderson
Andrew Ironside
Andrew & Eunkyoung Sheppard
Andrew & Jessica Voigt
Arash Hamidi
Benjamin Sheppard
Bert Maes
Bill & Judy Nowag
Brett Winters
Brian & Anne-Marie den Hertog
Brittany & Stefan Lindahl
Calvin Smith Jr.
Carl Boley
Charles Meyer
Charles Parker
Chris & Jodie Hansen
Chris Jackson
Christopher Wachal
Chuck Guerber
Chuck Willer
Cross Fellowship Church
Dan Hagen
Daniel Sheppard
Danielle Anderson
Brad Brunsch
Darcy Dickerson
Dave & Heather Visser
David & Madison Ong
David Van Auken
Debbie Beerley
Debby Wagler
Derek & Taylor Conley
Diane Diehl
Dustin & Joanna Black
Erin Dix
Flip & Sarah Sward
Garrett Clancy
Harold Chattaway
Harriet Turney
Heidi Roedel
Ian & Andrea Nelson
Issa Kabeer: The Great Dream Hero
James Guenther
Jay & Christi Beerley
Jeremy & Annie VanCamp
John A. Beerley
John Kerecz
Jorge Hernández
Jose Tijam
Joseph & Christy Fehlen
Joyce & William Ducote
Julie Phillips
Justin & Kelly Olson
Katy Klassen
Karren Mills
Keith White
Kenny Gamblin
Kerry Birmingham
Kirstin Morken
Krischelle Frost
Kristen Gunn
Kristina Kallman
Kyle & Becky Johnson
Leonard Corbucci
Linda Shanahan
Liz Basle
Loren & Teresa Murray
Mark & BriAnn Beck
Mary Duff
Mary Langlois
Matt & Michelle Wallmow
Matt & Jodi Jewell
Matthew & Olabisi Sheppard
Mike & Cheri Johnson
Mindie Simmons
Miriam Cox
Mr. & Mrs. D. Schoenwald
Munish Bhup
Lynn & Nancy Larsen
Mary Fraune
Natasha Chisdes
Nicki Henderson
Preston Watts
Rand & Beverly Rohrer
Rebecca Walters
Rex Garland
Rick & Rebecca Anderson
Robert Dallas
Roy & Cindy Kelling
Ryan & Shelby Anderson
Sam & Kristin Hansen
Sandy Robertson
Shaynn & Nichol Davey
Slartibartfast
Steven & Olivia Jopek
The Childs Family
The Creative Fund by BackerKit
Tobias Jade Steenbeeke
Tom Thoe
Traci Stinebrink
Troy & Lisa Boley
Victoria Klomps
Winnie WY Cheng
Zack & Heidi Schlottman
(as well as several others who preferred to remain anonymous)