Young Boy Angel's Story of Hope in Guatemala's Paradise Slum

Like all artists, Eileen and I are inspired by beauty. But “beauty” comes in many forms.⠀ .⠀ When we aren’t at our “day job” (photographing models, couples getting married, newborns), boys like Angel are our focus. We teamed up in 2011 with @engadiministries to shed light on the extreme poverty and unbearable violence in Guatemala’s “Paradise” slum. It’s one of the most dangerous environments we’ve worked in, and it’s where we feel most alive!⠀ .⠀ The average family in Paradise consists of a young single mother with 5 to 6 children (usually representing several fathers, with births often the result of sexual abuse), living in a 10x10’ tin shack. Unschooled, fatherless boys are recruited by rival gangs at young ages. After that, the cycle of death continues — the average boy responsible for slews of murders and rapes, before he dies at approximately 24 years old.⠀ .⠀ That’s the cycle Engadi seeks to end, reaching boys before the gangs and giving them a home and education. We are honored to lend our lens to their cause. Do you realize how powerful visual media are? Your art can change the world!⠀ .⠀ Our 2012 documentary film “Lost Boys of Paradise” was just our first attempt at video. But the boys’ compelling story inspired people all over the USA who got involved and helped! What stories do you know that are worth telling?!⠀ .⠀ Early next year (2018), a new scripted feature film is coming to theaters near you. It features more of our footage, the story of Engadi, and even my face (I was honored the director invited me on set for my first speaking cameo in a movie!). But most importantly, the movie (which I’ve recently pre-screened — it’s AMAZING!) will also benefit families in Paradise through its ticket sales.⠀ .⠀ You may NEVER know the full impact you have on people’s lives. But do what you can, and you’ll change the world! Use your talents! Do good, and let the chips fall where they may. Most importantly, do it now; tomorrow may be too late.⠀ .⠀ You’re invited to come alongside us and thousands of our fellow @come_unity “Unifiers,” where we’re learning to balance work, art, and life. See ya inside! :)