As most of you know, some of us at Rule29 have been working on taking daily pictures to help us to create space and take the time to see things differently. A daily picture is a purposeful act to notice the stories and scenery that surrounds us – details that in the daily rush of life may go unnoticed. To see what we’ve been seeing, check out #SeeDiff on Twitter  (see more details in my column on Rock Paper Ink Blog).

During some lazy flipboard reading I came across three videos that are simple and brilliant. These videos are incredibly well done and create a version of seeing differently that seems adventurous and inspiring (wish I was on the crew). I wanted to share since we all look for quick injections of awesomeness, and these will do it in just a few minutes. So sit back, watch, and share. And as the video description reads:

“3 guys, 44 days, 11 countries, 18 flights, 38 thousand miles, an exploding volcano, 2 cameras and almost a terabyte of footage… all to turn 3 ambitious linear concepts based on movement, learning and food ….into 3 beautiful and hopefully compelling short films….. = a trip of a lifetime.”

What do you think?

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

—

It’s not an “official” tradition, but more than not, our family sits down together to watch a movie (most) Friday evenings. And having a 10 year-old, 8 year-old, and a 4 year-old, each Friday is proving somewhat challenging to decide upon a movie that everyone enjoys… okay, let’s be honest, one that I enjoy and/or willing to watch. This Friday I finally talked the crew into watching the Japanese animated, and Oscar winning, film “Sen to Chihiro no kamikakushi” (Spirited Away, 2001) directed by the legendary Hayao Miyazaki.

Honestly, it is one of the imaginative, meaningful, and spiritually rich (animated) films I have ever seen and arguably the best animated film of the last 10-15 years. (Before you Pixar fans scream foul, know that Miyazaki’s work, including this film, has served as creative inspiration for John Lasseter’s team at Pixar.) But let me table my own opinion on the matter in favor for what has truly intrigued me about the film – my 10 year-old daughter’s (Grace) utter captivation of the story. Of course, this response made a little more sense to me after I read the following interview with Miyazaki soon after the film’s release:

“The most important thing for me in making this movie was to persuade the 10-year-olds that this movie was for them. I wanted them to be able to recognize themselves in the characters. I think I would like them to leave the movie theater with a sense of humility about the complexity and difficulties of the world we live in.”

So, rather than waste time with my own thoughts on the film, I find it more appropriate to hear from a 10 year-old’s perspective. Here is what my daughter Grace wrote on her blog about the film (unedited):

—-

Spirited Away

Summary

Chihiro’s family is moving to a new house and a new town, on the way, they explore a little and find themselves at a abandoned amusement park. Suddenly strange things happen to Chihiro like some boy on a bridge who tells her, “you shouldn’t be here! It’s almost night! Go!” Chihiro runs back to find her parents but finds them as pigs. She tries to run back and away from the park instead there’s water blocking her. Soon,the boy, Haku, comforts her and tells her to go to the bathhouse and get a job, he also warned her about the witch, Yubaba, who turned her parents into pigs. When she gets her job, Yubaba takes her name and changes it to Sen. Through out her new life in the bathhouse, Sen makes new friends and meets more creatures who help her get back her parents and remember they’re names. But will she help Haku as well?

Opinion

Really good story!!!!!!!!! So deep and imaginative and it makes you explore the world in you’re mind and…. (I’m starting to sound like one of those American Idol Judges who ramble on, aren’t I)

Genre
Fantasy/Adventure

Questions and answers for people who’s seen this movie:

What do you think the writer/director was trying to to say?

I think he’s trying to say that these days so many people are really selfish and it could take one selfish person who’s not being friendly to others to turn lots of people selfish – as well, but it can also take one loving and friendly person, anybody, to turn things around and to change peoples life’s. Also, the rest of my answer is also my answer for the below questions.

What does the movie/Chihiro’s character say about being 10 years old?

That it’s hard being a 10 year old and it’s hard getting more privileges, like Sen getting a job. And sometimes people just don’t pay any attention or listen to you when you know something fishy’s going on, like the tunnel. They think everything’s under control and they have more experience so what’s a 10 year old gonna do to change their minds? But you don’t know if your next experience is going to be exactly like you’re others. Also, 10 year olds can focus on loving others a lot. And younger people, (no offense seniors), can love easier than others because they can relate to how they feel. And trying a new thing that you have no idea about, like Sen’s new life at the bath house, or some 9-10 year old going to a new school.You just have to collect yourself, be strong, try to do the work that everybody else is doing. But still remember who you really are.

What do you think the director is saying about adults or parents?

Adults think their so perfect, but they’re not as pure as they think. Swearing, yelling, stealing, (I mean, do you ever see a first grader running around with a black mask around their head and a bag full of money? No. Probably not.) People like Yubaba could make you forget all the good things you learned, and who you really are right smack dab in the middle of your heart. And you’ll try anything to have a chance to become you again, be happy, and forget all of the bad stuff ever really happened. Adults can be really selfish. You might think not,”Hey, I gave 5 cents to that one guy over there, right? I need to take care of myself and that dude should be able to as well.”

Believe it or not, sometimes adults need children instead of children needing adults – for comfort, joy, and having someone to love. (This doesn’t have anything to do with the topic, but it’s like in the book The Lost Hero where the gods loved being needed by the demigods, but hated needing the demigods.)  Without children, adults would forget how to love. These days, adults would do anything for some gold. I mean, isn’t the great depression over? I’m glad the writer had the guts to admit that grown-ups can’t give that well.

—-

So, what are you thoughts on the film? The most insightful and imaginative animated film of all time? According to IMDB’s Top 250 list, only Toy Story 3 (#31) and Wall-E (#47) have nudged their way past Spirited Away (#49). Weigh in on your own thoughts here…

And for more “perspectives” of a 5th grader, I invite you to check out Grace’s various opinions on books and film at: gracedavidson.wordpress.com (she love’s comments!)

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…

—-

“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

—

So, what did you think?

For the most part, we tend to answer this question in one of two ways… “liked” or “disliked.” And unfortunately, the conversation often ends there.  With the over abundance of review sites such as Pitchfork, Rotten Tomatoes, IMDB, or Meta-Critic, these type of responses (or lack thereof) is of no real surprise… for in many ways, the four star rating system of critics has killed the participant’s experience.  We have forced films, music, food, art, whatever into “good” and “bad” categories (largely) on the basis of entertainment value.  Will I receive my money’s worth of leisure?

While nobody wants to negate opportunities for mindless entertainment, (in my opinion) this sense of entitlement that is encouraged has slowly dismantled the relationship between the viewer and the art – no matter the medium.  Unfortunately, this negates the simple reality that (most) art was created with the intentions of it being experienced with someone.  Sure, Sufjan certainly creates music nobody gets to hear; however, his overall hope is that it is a participatory event.

Two questions emerge.  Should we maintain this relationship (between art and viewer)?  And if so, how?

First off, it’s intriguing to me that the entire point of the numerous review sites mentioned above is to tell you “what” to experience. See/listen to the “good” and avoid the “bad.” While there is nothing inherently wrong with this, it is interesting to me that nobody is talking about “HOW?” to experience such art.

Back to Sufjan. Let me be honest. It was random. It was unknown. It was (as suggested) a little bit odd. And it was obvious – the thousands of devoted fans didn’t know what to do with the artist they had grown to love.  This was not what they expected. This was something Meta-Critic had left out.  And then it hit me…

About three-quarters of the way through the set, someone stood up in the ever-so-formal Chicago Theater, made their way down through the aisle – and started spinning. And a few moments after he started dancing, hundreds began to flow down to the front and do the same. (Somewhat similar to the Sasquatch viral video.) Here’s the point.

Posture matters.

The audience had encountered an environment of “wonder” and didn’t even realize it. When you think about it, wonder is a two-side coin. Art itself posseses it – we encounter its “wondrous” qualities. At the same time, it does matter how we “show up” to art.  Do we approach it with a sense of wonder? Is this our responsibility?

In his essay An Experiment on Criticism, the author (and renown children’s writer) C.S. Lewis suggested this:

The first demand any work of any art makes upon us is surrender.  Look. Listen. Receive.  Get yourself out of the way.  (There is no good asking first whether the work before you deserves such a surrender, for until you have surrendered you cannot possibly find out.)

In the case of Sufjan, he had made one of the boldest moves he could make as an artist… stop caring. Create for the sake of it. At the same time, it was not until the audience (truly) decided to participate and forgo the question “Do I like/dislike this music?” that the experience shifted.  In the end, Sufjan received a five-minute standing ovation – the room realized this was one of the most wondrous and mysterious musical experiences they will ever encounter. And, it was not until the audience surrendered – opened up – that such an encounter occurred.

Albert Einstein of all people put it this way:

The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and all science. He to whom this emotion is a stranger, who can no longer pause to wonder and stand rapt in awe, is as good as dead: his eyes are closed.

In other words, it’s all about posture. How do we show up to a concert?  An album?  Design? While it’s not everything, the ability to pause, to wonder, to be willing to see and experience differently seems to shift the experience.  And after all, we are participants aren’t we?

As Einstein (never quite) said… “open up.”

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

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.