There are times in your life when things just feel like they all fall in place. And for that moment you feel like you are being smiled upon. Exactly a week ago today, Rule29 was able to premiere our second documentary, which we made with Wonderkind Studios and Life In Abundance. This film was about extreme poverty, its complexities, and its depth. Almost a year ago we flew to Nairobi to make a film about LIA’s microfinance initiative in some of Africa’s largest slums. All during the film and on our way home, we were grappling, – I would say struggling, in fact – with what our normal was compared to the beautiful people we just had an honor to meet and interact with for a week of our life. And, because of that struggle, we decided to change the film and focus on the complexity of poverty.

As the film was about to start, I was overwhelmed with thoughts of people not liking it, or the film not making sense, or whatever other ridiculous, anxiety-filled thoughts flooded my mind. As I walked up on stage, my butterflies went away and were replaced by a growing excitement. Here it was, this great piece of art that so many people put hundreds of hours into, and we were about to share it.

After introducing it, the lights dimmed, I sat down, and the movie started on that larger than life fifty-foot movie screen. And then it happened…. I was back. Back at the beautifully horrible place halfway across the world. My heart became heavy and tears started welling in my eyes. Could it be? Did this place actually exist? Could I do more? How can I help this “normal” for my brothers and sisters be different? How? As I let the film take me back, I reflected on all that went on during the time that we were there. I remembered the smell, the condition of the environment, the reality of it all, but also the hope that was around every corner.

The impact of film and story is an amazingly powerful medium. As I along with the rest of the team at Rule29 work hard at becoming better and better at it, I’m always thinking, How can we make this world a better place? Isn’t that something we should all strive to do? I think it is – do you?

As the movie closed and the credits rolled, I was relieved to walk back onstage greeted with applause, and as the rest of the crew came joined me onstage, again I was overcome with emotion. What we do, and what we can all do, can be so good. I’m honored to be a part of this work, but more than anything I’m honored to help people engage in conversation that can produce action. Action that can influence change, the kind of change that can help rid the world of extreme poverty. The kind of change that can bring justice and empowerment to those most marginalized in our world.

I want – no, I need – to be a part of that work. I’m so grateful to all of the people that came out to the premiere. If you missed it and would like to set up a screening, buy a copy of the movie or watch the trailer please visit: www.thisismynormal.com

I hope this is the year you become a catalyst for change in whatever way you can. We will be talking more about this over the coming months, so please come back. I also want to give a special thanks to Brian and Jose and Wonderkind for all that you do for us, and for Life In Abundance for allowing us the privilege of helping tell your story.

PS: Extra special thanks to FBCG, the film and R29 crew, our volunteers, Floodlight Design, The Prop and Arcada Theater for making the premiere happen and spreading the word.

If we’re social media friends, you’ve probably heard us talking about this for a few months now… Alongside partners Wonderkind Studios and Life in Abundance, we are (finally) premiering our second documentary, “This is My Normal.” It will be Thursday night, April 7th at the historical and prestigoius Arcada Theater in St. Charles, IL. The screening is open to the public with a suggested minimum donation of $15 for entry. In addition, there will be a Q & A immediately following the screening with the directors, producers, and crew.

So, what is the film about?

“This is My Normal” explores two primary questions: “What is poverty?” and “What is normal?” These questions are explored through the stories and imagery of the slums of Nairobi, Kenya. In particular, the film focuses on the people of the Mathare Valley – a section of the Mathare slums, often referred to as the “Forgotten Valley.”

The Mathare Valley is a place where the local water supply (the river) has become the slum’s waste system, trash system, and playground for the young. The Valley is dependent upon the water; however, it is the slum’s most dangerous asset – threatening both children and homes with its ability to rise with an untimely rain. While the homes, unemployment, and health concerns are an embodiment of the (global) poverty issues, it is the “mindset” that is the gravest of concerns.

Reality is… that unclean water, (incredibly) low wages, and poor health are simply “normal” to the slums. Unfortunately, this way of life has become acceptable, and “acceptable” is the greatest hurdle to overcome.

Ironically, the presence of countless NGOs and sporadic visits from the West are often a big piece of the problem. “This is My Normal” explores the abundance of “quick fixes” out there and how they simply contribute to what is acceptable and normal. A reality, when discovered, uncovers the utter complexity of poverty – how we ALL play a role in its perpetual nature.

Fortunately, there are many who understand this historical reality and its connection to the “great divide” between the rich and the poor. And their proposing something so simple, yet so drastic and complex: change the way people think – the way Kenyan’s see the world.

Although it’s harder work and a longer process, those that have participated in helping Africa rethink their “normal”, have experienced hope midst the despair. It s an idea. An idea with results. And an idea “worth spreading.”

Why?

In many ways, we have realized that poverty is a very complex issue and we are often left scratching our heads with what do. We simply want to start a conversation on these matters.

To join in the conversation, don’t forget to confirm your attendance via the “This is My Normal” event page and show up April 7th at 7pm at the Arcada Theater. The official film page can be found at: www.thisismynormal.com

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19 films in three and a half days. This was the experience both Justin Ahrens and I (alongside our friend Eric) had at the Sundance Film Festival this past week. And if you’re curious what it takes to get 19 films in within this amount of time, let me put it this way. At 2 a.m. Sunday evening/Monday morning we were still in the Q & A session with Pfife of A Tribe Called Quest (“Beats, Rhymes, and Life: The Travels of Tribe Called Quest”) and at 6:20 a.m. the same morning, we are in standing in line for “My Idiot Brother.”

This was my fourth trip to the festival in the last five years and continue to return home with the same reflection/realization… Ironically, the festival is not about seeing movies. It’s about the conversation, about what is being “said.” There is no doubt that the festival’s leadership team views their role as somewhat of a cultural guide – point viewers to “stories worth discussing.” In fact, this was the sentiment after (almost) every film. Someone in the audience would ask the director something like, “So, what’s your position on environmental terrorism?” And the director would respond… “Well, we simply want to have a conversation regarding. This is why we made the film.”

So, what’s in store for this year’s cultural conversation? Here are a few films we saw worth discussing…

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“If a Tree Falls: The Story of the Earth Liberation Front”

Documentary filmmaker Marshal Curry set out to ask the question of… Whether or not (environmental) change can take place “within the system” or if revolutionary type action is necessary to effect systemic realities? And if the latter is necessary, is it worth breaking the law?

“Connected: An Autoblography about Love, Death, and Technology”

Webby Awards founder Tiffany Shlain set out to explore the “connectedness” of not so much technology, but humanity. Why do we “link” together through various mediums? What was technologies intended purpose? Are we utilizing for these purposes?

“My Idiot Brother”

Even the dysfunctional comedies such as Jesse Peretz’s “My Idiot Brother” explored the questions of human interaction. In a society that operates with the assumption that everyone is simply out for themselves and/or most people are innately “corrupt”, Peretz suggests otherwise. What would happen if we simply trusted each other and assumed humanity was innately good?

“The Greatest Movie Ever Sold”

In what is (in my opinion) Morgan Spurlock’s best documentary since “Super Size Me,” the realities of product placement midst the entertainment industry is explored brilliantly through product placement in his own documentary. What is the branding/advertising process within movies? What are the narrative/artistic compromises being made today through advertising? Is product placement worth it? What does it mean to sell out? These were all questions being asked in “POM Wonderful Presents: The Greatest Movie Ever Sold.”

“Higher Ground”

Spirituality was a common topic at Sundance this year with roughly half of our films dealing with on some level, but maybe none more than Vera Farmiga’s “Higher Ground,” which ultimately asked the question of whether or not God is real and active. Both faith and doubt were explored midst both the absurdities and beauty of the Christian faith.

“The Details”

Jacob Aaron Estes’ dark comedy(ish) film “The Details” very well may have been my favorite dramatic film at Sundance this year. Dealing with an uncomfortable blend of (dis)honesty, marriage, love, and generosity, Estes’ ultimately asks the question… “Is it worth it?” And when it is (or is not)… “Are we worth it?”

“Homework”

In the adolescent “coming of age” story of Sundance this year, Gavin Wiesen explores the reality each of us have dealt with at some time or another… “Who am I?” And “What will it take to… well, be me?” Wonderfully done.

“Beats, Rhymes and Life: The Travels of a Tribe Called Quest”

Tribe Called Quest is arguably one of the most influential hip-hop groups of our time. But this film is not about music. It’s about the complexities of (working) relationships. By investigating the “on again off again” friendship of Q-Tip and Phife Dawg, director Michael Rapaport explores both the history and progress of not only hip-hop, but the group as a whole. Interestingly enough, Phife was at the premiere while Q-Tip decided not to support the film. The film and reality seemed to be playing out right in front of our eyes.

“The Redemption of General Butt Naked”

Yes, this was the actual nickname of Joshua Milton Blahyi, one of the most notorious warlord’s of Liberia’s 14-year civil war. Directors Eric Strauss and Daniele Anastasion set out to ask the question(s), “Is it possible for a murderer of thousands to change?” And if so… “Is it possible for his victims to forgive?” A conflicting story of evil, forgiveness, and faith.

“Resurrect Dead: The Mystery of the Toynbee Tiles”

A fascinating story of the mysterious “Toynbee Tiles” that have been appearing around both North and South American since the early 80s… What do they mean? Is it street art? How were the placed on the street? Why? While these questions are certainly interesting, this story is not so much about the Toynbee tiles, but the investigating trio that set out to discover its creator.

“Cedar Rapids”

What might have been the funniest movie we saw this year, director Miguel Arteta set out to explore the awkward realities of industry conferences – in this case, an insurance conference in “Cedar Rapids.” With an all star cast of Ed Helms, John C. Reilly, Anne Heche, and Isiah Whitlock Jr. (The Wire), friendship is explored midst both unpredictable circumstances and unlikely colleagues. But this film did not have to be “serious” to tackle a worthy set of questions… in this case, ones of authenticity, trust, and acceptance. Already set to be release mid-February.

Other (Short) Films Seen:

• The High Level Bridge
• Bike Race
• Small Change
• The Hunter and the Swan Discuss Their Meeting
• Andy and Zach
• Pioneer
• AWOL
• Diarchy

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This past April, both Justin Ahrens and myself, alongside our friends Brian MacDonald (Wonderkind Studios), Von Glitschka, Kelsey Timmerman, Bruce McEvoy and the Life in Abundance team, had a chance to shoot our second documentary project in Africa entitled “This is My Normal.” This film explores two primary questions: “What is poverty?” and “What is normal?” These questions are explored through the stories and imagery of the slums of Nairobi, Kenya.  In particular, the film focuses on the people of the Mathare Valley – a section of the Mathare slums, often referred to as the “Forgotten Valley.”

The Mathare Valley is a place where the local water supply (the river) has become the slum’s waste system, trash system, and playground for the young.  The Valley is dependent upon the water; however, it is the slum’s most dangerous asset – threatening both children and homes with its ability to rise with an untimely rain.  And while the homes, unemployment, and health concerns are an embodiment of the (global) poverty issues, it is the “mindset” that is the gravest of concerns.

Reality is… that unclean water, (incredibly) low wages, and poor health are simply “normal” to the slums.  Unfortunately, this way of life has become acceptable.  And “acceptable” is the greatest hurdle to overcome.

Ironically, the presence of countless NGOs and sporadic visits from the West are often a big piece of the problem.  “This is My Normal” explores the abundance of “quick fixes” out there and how they simply contribute to what is acceptable and normal.  A reality, when discovered, uncovers the utter complexity of poverty – how we ALL play a role in its perpetual nature.

Fortunately, there are many who understand this historical reality and its connection to the “great  divide” between the rich and the poor.  And their proposing something so simple, yet so drastic and complex:  change the way people think – the way they see the world.

Although it’s harder work and a longer process, those that have participated in helping Africa rethink their “normal”, have experienced hope midst the despair.   It’s an idea.  An idea with results.  And an idea “worth spreading.”

—

The following is a look “behind the scenes” of the production of the film. Special Thanks to Sleeping at Last and Jimmy Eat World for contributing music for the film. For more information on Life in Abundance, who is currently helping fellow Kenyans rethink their “normal,” please visit their website at: www.liaint.org. The documentary will be screening in the upcoming months and available for purchase in March.

I’m on my way home from the slums of Nairobi, Kenya after working on our second documentary film. I’m exhausted, and my head is continually spinning. To put it simply, as with every Africa trip so far, I will not be the same. I was hoping to post every day while there, but with limited web access and two great writers, Bob Davidson and author Kelsey Timmerman on the trip, I decided to simply photo blog (via Facebook) and spend the majority of my time trying to run the crew as best as possible and fully soak in the experience.

It’s hard to explain or express what an experience this trip to Africa has been. Filming a documentary in the slums is bound to change you, but I was not expecting this. I had been to Kibera (Africa’s 2nd largest slum) and Mathare (Nairobi’s oldest) before, but not up close and personal.

We spent seven straight days trying to get to know the slum residents, seeing what they see, walking, touching and smelling their environment. The location was different than our last documentary project (This is My Home), but sadly many of the same issues exist, all of which are simply not right. Dangerous living structures, no roads, unhealthy water, no sanitation, no waste removal, lack of education, no health care, crime, fear, HIV/AIDS, loss of hope, and the vulnerability of children to simply name a few. It was a rare day when you didn’t turn your face to cry for a few minutes.

The issues of the slums are so complex – government corruption, health concerns, religious culture, commerce, structural issues, etc… And the fact of the matter is that us Westerners tend to think we actually live in an Extreme Home Makeover world. If we build this, or fund that project, all things get fixed and fall in place. But that way of thinking is simply not accurate, and it inevitably continues to add to the issues. The reality is that we need to help battle the biggest monster of all: generations of slum residents with mindset that slum life and its living conditions are acceptable. But, hopelessness cannot be an option.

However, it was a feeling that continued to surface wherever we went. Mathare Valley (a section of the Mathare slum) is without question the worst place I have ever been. With a contaminated river, treacherous pathways, raw sewage, horrible living conditions, and water not safe to drink – it’s simply an awful place to try to survive.

I will be sharing more stories and details related to the slums leading up to our documentary premiere (this Fall); however, I will leave you with a few facts, thoughts, and stories from this week:

- Approx 80% of the citizens of Nairobi live in some sort of slum dwelling.

+ Everyone likes to be called by name, no matter where you live.

- A local health worker visited a house to check in on a sick child. When entering the house she found the 6 year old making a meal for his siblings, because their mother was dead in the next room.

+ A child’s smile and joyous laugh is a beautiful thing.

- Many African families in the slums try to have more than one child due to the likelihood of one dying.

+ Taking time to hold, hug or touch a child’s hand can change their day…and yours.

- 1 meal a day is a good day, but the meal is typically the same thing over and over and over and over…

+ A life without dreams is not a life but an existence.

- During the rainy season people, mainly children, run the risk of being swept away due to inadequate infrastructure between the river and homes.

+ The poor are worth our time, prayers, and resources, and we need to SEE them.

- Without money for health care, parents often give their children local or herbal painkillers in order to help their child cope with the pain instead of getting adequate care. Usually the kids just get used to or live with whatever health issue they have, which in turn can be something that kills them.

I do not write these things for any other reason than that they are real in our world right now. And even for the most marginalized communities there is hope. NGO’s like Life In Abundance are working to help change the mindset of the poor communities they work with so they feel they are worth breathing the same air we do. They are worth joy. They are worth living a life as abundantly as possible. They believe, as do I, that a changed mind is key – a changed mind gives you the hope to dream again.

I hope you consider supporting the film, or simply watching when it’s ready to premiere this Fall. Even better yet, is there something you can do to help the poor in your neighborhood?

PS: I would like to thank the efforts of the entire team, especially those you may want to follow or read their blogs:

Brian MacDonald – Web, Twitter
Kelsey Timmerman – Blog, Twitter
Von Glitshka – Web, Twitter
Bob Davidson – Blog, Twitter
Life In Abundance – Blog, Twitter
Tony Narducci – Web

You might be, without even knowing it…

Can apathy toward injustice hold a person as a captive, unable to make a difference? Or maybe it’s not the apathy, but the lack of information of how to truly help those facing harsh realities of poverty-stricken lands. Well, we’re about to find out.

Our good pal, author Kelsey Timmerman, has been taken hostage by his publisher, because of his indifference to injustice in Kenya. Since being “detained” to raise money to go serve in Africa, Kelsey has learned about Kibera, the largest slum south of the Sahara. Over 1 million people live on the outskirts of Nairobi in a slum where the average person lives without clean drinking water (read: mixed with sewage as there is only one latrine for every 100 people), without education (especially girls), and subject to gang tyranny, among other sad factors.

It’s time to do something.

Kelsey is hoping to raise enough money to partner with LIA, MacDonald Photography, and yours truly, to film a documentary about what can really change the situation: holistic community development through micro-enterprise. By giving people at the grass-roots level not only the dignity but also the practical necessity of having a stable, respected occupation, communities can change tremendously for the good of all. Together, we are hoping that this documentary will make the everyday American not only aware of the situation in African slums, but also of how to realistically help that situation change.

Want to escape apathy and help now? You can donate to the cause, learn more, help decide Kelsey’s fate by voting, or tweet this:
“Don’t be Held Hostage by Apathy! http://bit.ly/ae2XCA #apathyhostage”

Plus, all donors’ names will appear in the film credits. If you can’t wait for the release this fall, check out This is My Home, our first documentary about the street children of Ethiopia, and how LIA is working to bring hope into a desperate situation there.

Oh, and big props to our friends at Wiley and Relevant for helping us get the word out!

It’s finally here: the trailer from our first documentary film. We started this journey just about a year ago. This film, which was made for Life In Abundance and produced by Rule29 and MacDonald Productions, shares the stories and struggles of the street children of the Merkato Slums and shows what LIA is doing to bring hope to the approximately 50,000 children that live on the streets of Ethiopia’s capital. To purchase a copy of the film, go to the LIA store. All money that is raised goes to support the program and the continued work being done by Life In Abundance. For some of the behind the scene photos, check here.

Tell us what you think of the trailer, ask us any questions, or let us know if you want to host a screening.

Here is our Day 4 recap of some fun and interesting adventures!

Day 4: Waking up to our second day in the country town of Debre Berhan was exciting. We had a great long drive out the night before and shot late into the night at Dereje’s, but the team was ready for another day with him and his family. After grabbing a quick breakfast, we wanted to capture Dereje and his family during their normal Sunday activities, which were going to church and spending the day together as a family. We loaded our faithful bus with gear and began traveling the couple miles or so to Dereje’s house.

As we unloaded, we caught his family walking the dusty road to the paved road where they would rent a horse drawn carriage for the rest of the way. Although we drew lots of looks as we followed the family, I could tell they just loved being together. As we turned from the main road onto smaller neighborhood streets, we were amazed by the variety of materials used to construct the homes (or shelters) in which people lived…corrugated metal, sticks, mud, blocks, scrap pieces of wood, and the list goes on. Arriving at Dereje’s church, I soon realized it was the same church we had visited the year before to interview the men and women who were in LIA HIV programs.

The church service to revved up with the sounds of prayer and praise. As I sat among the parishioners and experienced the service, I felt a definite difference in energy versus my typical experience back home. Afterwards, we filmed the community and their interaction in fellowship. We had a quick interview with Dereje’s wife in her office (she is local social worker) and headed back to the hotel to give the family at least a few hours before we interrupted their life again with our cameras and questions.

After everyone caught a quick nap and had some food, we hauled our gear to a bus to catch a ride back to Dereje’s. But after 30-40 minutes of waiting, it became evident that we needed a Plan B. Justin Narducci, LIA director, decided to rent five horse drawn carts to haul us all to Dereje’s. Even though this may sound like a reasonable plan, it really wasn’t. The construction of these contraptions isn’t not overly rugged by design. Put on us westerners, who are probably 80-120 pounds heavier than the average Ethiopian, and we are in trouble from the word go. Throw on the gear and we are truly challenging the likelihood of getting to our destination safely.

As we all jump on and go I have to admit I was excited for this little adventure. We began clanking along but our driver struggled to steer, stop, and just to keep us going period. As the whole team went screaming through the rocky side roads, we were laughing nervously and hoping that the feeling of being out of control was just a feeling. For a sample video peek go here.

When we finally made it Dereje’s we had been lost, bottomed out several times, and nearly driven off a small cliff. To top off this little adventure, Justin, in all his haste to get us to the shoot site, forgot his money. So here are our drivers who barely got us there, and now we had no cash. After working out that little predicament we had a great night shooting the family being together and interviewing Dereje on his background and why he does this amazingly huge and daunting job. For that story, you will need to see the film coming out this fall – so stay tuned!

For a recap of our adventure up to this day check out: Day 1-2 | Day 3 | 2008 Trip | LIA website

As some of you may remember, Rule29 ventured to Africa last year to learn about the work that LIA is doing in Sub-Saharan Africa. (For a recap go here.)

Rule29 has since adopted Life in Abundance as one of the organizations we support through giving of our talents and advocate it as much as possible. To see an organization that trains and empowers Africans to become the catalyst of change in their communities is not only inspiring but, most importantly, sustainable. To highlight this great work we went to shoot a video documentary that focuses on one of their programs, showing the need and potential change that can develop through LIA.

Although we’d hoped to blog daily, sadly we had no internet connection and were only able to twitter once we figured out how to get our phones working in Ethiopia. So we have decided to dedicate one day a week for the next few weeks to tell the story of our trip. Stay tuned for bits on the progress of the documentary, some funny stories and a couple of heart-wrenching stories. We’ll take you on this adventure as much as we can, building up to the release of the documentary this fall. In the meantime, check out our initial Flickr set that we may be adding to over time.

OUR FIRST UPDATE:

Day 1-2 was pretty uneventful. Hooked up with the LIA team in Detroit, and after two more connections we finally arrived in Addis. No luggage or equipment lost; we were just excited as a team what the next day had in store for us. We had a quick production meeting and knew that tomorrow had us interviewing some trainers & the hardcore street kids, filming some of the programs and doing an interview with Dereje, our main character for this project. As jet lag started to creep in, we all applied some deet and went off to bed with the excitement of tomorrow in our minds.

For additional recaps check out J.J. Peterson’s or LIA’s blogs. J.J. always has kernels of wit and wisdom. And he also provided much comic relief as can be witnessed in the video embedded below. After a long day and three flats, eventually to be four, JJ lost it a bit.

We still have the credit cause on facebook. If you are interested in supporting this film and want to appear in the credits, please sign up and give here. Please let us know any questions you may have as we go through this, and please share your thoughts or any projects you’re working on for the greater good.

PS: Don’t forget to check out the coffee table book form last year, or the newly created limited edition letterpress poster.