From the Press Release
Filmmakers from the Midwest survive an African plane crash and are now taking their film What Matters? across the country this spring to bring their message to the masses. This award-winning documentary focuses attention on an issue of global significance – extreme poverty. The film is continuing its 80+ theatrical, community and campus screening run nationwide to educate and motivate communities in order to build awareness for their upcoming iTunes/VOD release in April. Filmmakers and doc subjects Dan Parris, David Peterka and Rob Lehr are available for Q&As after the screenings to help lead discussions on the issues the film raises, such as what breaks your heart and what makes you come alive?
This feature length documentary focuses on 3 friends (two idealistic activists and one skeptic) who attempt to live on $1.25 a day, the world’s standard for extreme poverty, as they journey across 3 continents. Their adventure takes an unexpected turn when two of them survive a deadly plane crash in Africa and all three must fight to finish what they started. The film chronicles the lives of many poverty-stricken families and offers insight as to how this problem can be addressed. The filmmakers’ core goal is to connect people who need something to live for with people who just need something to live. Parris feels that “What makes the film truly special is that it takes an honest, straightforward approach to extreme poverty that appeals to both the activist and the apathetic. Our overall goal is accomplished every time we show the film. I don’t think a director could ask for much more than that.”
The film features a number of well-known activists including New York Times best-selling author Katie Davis - a 22 year old adoptive mother of 14 Ugandan orphans and founder of Amazima Ministries and Paul Rusesabagina - the man on whom the film Hotel Rwanda is based and the founders of Invisible Children.
After 10 festival runs and 2 major awards (Best Doc and Visionary Award), What Matters? is now partnered with independent film distributor Cinedigm along with marketing and promotions firm Movie to Movement to help spread their message.
The team has high hopes that film fans as a whole will rally around a great story so that the film will continue to spread its call to action to audiences across the country. To find out where you can see this moving documentary, a full list of current screenings can be found on their website. Visit their Tugg site for details on setting up a theatrical screening. To host a school, church or community screening or to use a screening as a fundraising event, contact the filmmakers at whatmattersfilm@gmail.com.