Cultural Event #2: "Give A Damn?"

Last night, I attended my second Cultural Event for Capstone. I went to the Shepherdstown Opera House on German Street where Program Board showed a documentary film entitled "Give A Damn?" The film featured three guys who take on the challenge of living in poverty across three continents, on only $1.25 per day. The journey takes a traumatic turn when two survive a deadly plane crash in Africa. Following the plane crash, the guys fight to complete what they began. 

Dan began the idea in 2005 when he travelled to one of the largest slums in Africa. He came back inspired to make the film and in 2007; invited David and Rob. In Kibera, Kenya; the average person lives on $1.25 a day; there are no paved roads, no indoor plumbing or sewage control, and the houses are made out of mud, sticks, and scrap metal. Each of these men got to experience this first hand as they travelled across the continents. After the crash in Africa, Dan and Rob were in too serious of condition to return which left David and his brother to continue the journey. The film continues all three of the guys' journeys as Dan struggles with his health and Rob struggles through post traumatic depression. 



The film was beautiful. It was funny to watch activists Dan and David stay positive while Rob, the skeptic kind of just went along for the ride. I recall having to catch myself crying during the devastating plane crash scenes. There were also some pretty stomach turning scenes when the guys would basically live off of food from trash cans and, even eat dirt when they were in Africa. They interviewed various Dan, Rob, and David risked their lives trying to make a difference in the world and learned that even though people in Africa are in poverty; they can still live happily. It really got me thinking. Maybe it doesn't take much to make one happy. I have always been inspired to go to Africa for myself and experience life there. In a way, this film did exactly that. I was able to see what it would be like to live in that culture through the beauty of documentary film.

"Give A Damn?" event poster

The goal was to make an adventurous, yet funny and compelling film that would focus on the ability of young people to make a difference in the extreme poverty and unfairness of the world we live in. The documentary film takes sincere, candid approach to  indigence that reveals itself to both the activist and the unconcerned. Their overall aim is “to connect those who need something to live for with those who just need something to live.” The great thing about this film is that it challenges the viewer to ask themselves two questions, 'What Breaks your Heart?' and 'What Makes you come alive' and brainstorm ideas to conjoin the two. At the end of the film, there was a sequence that interacted with the audience when it projected both of these questions onto the screen. 

Me with the Give A Damn guys: Dan, David, Me, and Rob

Following the film, the three came to the front of the Operahouse and were loudly applauded by myself and the rest of the audience. We were all able to talk to them and ask them questions about their journey and the miracle that they stayed alive after the plane crash, but each continued on in their own way. I found myself inspired by their bravery and compassion for those in need. I gave each a hug and even got my picture taken with them after the event. Documentary films such as these can really empower both youth and adults. Viewing this film allowed me to become a part of their journey and think about what really matters.