Our Premiere Is Evolving — and the Wait will be Worth It

Hello friends,

“Red Door Project: Evolving Through Film” was originally slated to premiere at The Patricia Reser Center for the Performing Arts on February 27th-28th, 2026.

I’m writing to share that we won’t be ready by February. Plain and simple. We are deep into the work, and several production elements require the kind of care that can’t be rushed.

Here’s a glimpse of what we are working on...
Our film brings four people into a studio to watch the same police incident from multiple perspectives, including body-cam and bystander footage. What unfolds isn’t what’s on the screen; it’s the collision of each character’s histories, assumptions, and truths. The film asks a vital question: “What if the real story isn’t who’s right, but what frame am I holding?”

We’d love to share more with you. In November, we’re hosting an exclusive online event that offers an insider’s perspective on the film and a chance to meet our Co-Founders. Sign up here to attend.

To everyone who purchased tickets to the premiere - thank you. Your support means everything to us. While we’re sorry for the delay, we promise the wait will be worth it.

With gratitude,

Kevin Jones

Creative Director and Co-Founder, The Red Door Project

Meet Director Ime Etuk

We’re thrilled to partner with filmmaker Ime N. Etuk, whose vision and approach to storytelling deeply align with The Red Door Project’s mission. His work reflects a blend of artistic excellence, cultural insight, and social impact—qualities that make him the perfect creative collaborator as we bring our work to film.

Based in Portland, Ime’s filmmaking begins with listening. Drawing on his background in journalism, theater, and film, he creates documentaries, narratives, and hybrid works that center lived experience and shine a light on overlooked stories.

As a first-generation Nigerian raised in Portland, Ime moves between cultural worlds, shaping stories grounded in resilience, identity, and transformation. His practice is informed by oral traditions, community histories, and collective memory, giving his work both depth and authenticity

Beyond directing, Ime founded Lion Speaks, a nonprofit that mentors historically excluded Black and BIPOC creatives in media. He is also exploring how technology and interactive media can create more inclusive storytelling spaces.

His latest feature film, “Outdoor School,” premiered at the 2025 American Black Film Festival. Based on Vin Shambry’s true story– first shared on The Moth and featured in the New York Times bestselling book “How to Tell a Story” –the film explores resilience, homelessness, and transformation in 1990s Portland.

Founder & Executive Director, Lion Speaks | Director & Producer, Laugh Cry Love Entertainment

Ime is an award-winning director and producer with a distinguished career in film, television, and commercial production. A graduate of Clark Atlanta University and alumnus of the Directors Guild of America’s training program, he began his career as a journalist and field producer for ABC News (World News Tonight, 20/20). Ime has collaborated with leading filmmakers, including Paul Haggis (Crash), the Coen Brothers (The Man Who Wasn’t There), Antoine Fuqua (Training Day), and David Lynch (Twin Peaks). As founder of Lion Speaks, Ime channels his passion for storytelling and mentorship into projects that amplify diverse voices and inspire dialogue through film.

Join Us for: 'Reel Talk' with RDP Co-Founders Kevin & Lesli

You’re Invited!: Exclusive Online Event – November 5 at Noon (PST)

Join us for a special lunchtime conversation with Red Door Project Co-Founders Kevin Jones and Lesli Mones. Get an insider’s perspective on the creation of our upcoming film, hear directly from the screenwriter, and learn how this project is expanding the impact of The Evolve Mindset™.

It’s a chance to connect with Kevin, Lesli, and fellow community members who believe in the power of storytelling to open minds and bridge divides.

RSVP TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT!

Help Us with Our December Mailer!

Volunteer with the Red Door Project

Change happens in community—and you can be part of it! Volunteers are the heart of The Red Door Project, helping us reach more people and spark meaningful conversations through storytelling.

We need help next month preparing our December mailer. It’s a quick, hands-on way to make a big impact!

Interested? Email elena@reddoorproject.org to sign up today.

Celebrating 14 Years of the Red Door Project

The Red Door Project has spent the past 14 years exploring the complexities of social issues and fostering dialogue, curiosity, and self-reflection that lead to meaningful change. Rooted in The Evolve Mindset™—a way of engaging the world that embraces complexity, seeks contact over agreement, and welcomes discomfort as a gateway to transformation—our work has always centered on the power of storytelling to open minds to new perspectives.

From Hands Up: 7 Playwrights, 7 Testaments to Cop Out: Beyond Black, White & Blue, and most recently The Evolve Experience, our journey has been guided by a commitment to creating spaces where people can stay present inside tension and discover new ways of seeing one another.

Now, as we take what we’ve learned to the big screen through our upcoming film, we’re reflecting on all that’s brought us here—every story shared, every conversation sparked, and every person who has walked through the Red Door.

If you’re interested in sponsoring this exciting film project, we’d love to connect! Email elena@reddoorproject.org to learn more.

Thank you for being part of this evolving community. Here’s to the next chapter.