To support us, click on one of the PERKS on the right to make a contribution. Thank you very much!
We are still accepting contributions although we have hit our goal! Why? This goal is the bare minimum needed to move the project forward. The more we receive through crowdfunding, the more confidence it gives potential investors (TV broadcasters, foundations and grants) to partner with us to make the film!
1. What is this documentary about?
In the summer of 2004, I volunteering at an orphanage in Tanzania. Last year, I finally returned to find out how the orphans were doing. Unfortunately, my fears came true... While some of them found their footing in life, 2 of them have passed away and the others were struggling. They turned to me for help and I wanted to find a way to give them a decent shot in life.
So this is my plan. As a former volunteer, I'm crowdfunding to raise money in hopes of turning their lives around. As a filmmaker, I’m documenting the entire process to find out how the contributions impact their lives in the long run.
Do they make full use of the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and achieve their individual goals? Or do they fail in the face of setbacks and trying circumstances. This film provides a unique insight into the lives of individuals struggling with poverty as they attempt to rewrite their futures.
2. How are the contributions used?
I. For the Orphans
Your contributions will first fund specific projects proposed by the orphans with the potential of providing a sustainable future. The amounts range from under $500 (capital to start a baking business from home) to over $5000 (tuition fees and living expenses to attend college). These are their stories:
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1. John struggled on the streets for years and ran into trouble with the law. One of the top students in primary school, he asked for money to attend tourism college for 2 years.
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2. Jackie is in an abusive marriage and dreams of finding financial independence. The mother of a 2-year-old asked for capital to start a modest baking business from home.
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3. Bahati was taken from his mentally unstable mother as a child. The A-level student asked for travel expenses to return to his hometown and find his birth parents.
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4. Happiness had a miscarriage recently and struggled to find work since. The former child servant asked for capital to make and sell embroidered pillowcases.
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5. Amani dropped out of secondary school and barely gets by as a porter at the bus station. He asked for money to attend driving school to secure stable employment as a bus driver.
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6. Upendo couldn’t find stable employment and her peers have resorted to prostitution while she returned to the orphanage. The beauty diploma holder asked for capital to open a modest salon.
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7. Rama walked 3 hours every morning to work and made about $2 a day, skipping meals regularly. The freelance mechanic asked for a 2nd-hand motorcycle to work as a motor taxi driver.
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8. Daniel lost his wife to a vicious robbery and struggles to raise his toddler alone. The university graduate asked for capital to start a business wholesaling beans.
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9. Salima couldn’t feed her 2 children when her husband lost his job. The cooking school diploma holder asked for capital to open a food store in the village.
II. For the Documentary
Besides the projects of the orphans, your contributions will also help fund the making of the film. All costs are kept to a minimum and nothing more. This goal is the bare minimum needed to move the project forward. The more we receive through crowdfunding, the more confidence it gives potential investors (TV broadcasters, foundations and grants) to partner with us to make the film!
3. Who is the filmmaker?
Having filmed in 25 countries over the past decade, Mak CK is an award-winning director-producer from Singapore with a portfolio of international TV productions for channels including National Geographic, Discovery and History. His multiple wins at New York Festivals Television and Film Awards include a Best Direction Silver World Medal for CHINA CLOSE-UP (2014). Having started his feature film career five years ago, his first two documentaries have since screened in over 35 film festivals – including the biggest in North America (Hot Docs), UK (Sheffield Doc/Fest) and Scandinavia (CPH:DOX).
THE WORLD'S MOST FASHIONABLE PRISON (2012)
- Gold Kahuna Award - Honolulu Film Awards
- Audience Award - Lighthouse International Film Festival (USA)
- Official Selection - Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival
LITTLE PEOPLE BIG DREAMS (2014)
- Grand Jury Award - Lighthouse International Film Festival (USA)
- Documentaries World Gold Medal - New York Festivals Television and Film Awards
- Best Social Awareness Programme - Asian Television Awards
- In Competition - Sheffield Doc/Fest
- World Premiere - CPH:DOX Copenhagen International Documentary Film Festival
- Best Pitch Award - CNEX Chinese Doc Forum
- Participant - Sundance Institute Documentary Film Program | CNEX Workshop and Documentary Summit
4. Why must this film be made?
Sadly, the world has become indifferent to the 'cliché' of poverty in Africa as the continent struggles. With donors and volunteers questioning the real impact of their contributions, the global issue of aid is more timely now than ever.
Each year, wealthy states collectively offer US$150 billion in development aid – paying for cows, seeds, tools, textbooks, microloans and more. Some believe that this has trapped many African nations in a cycle of corruption, slower economic growth and poverty. Many feel that aid is often conducted in an extremely expensive and inefficient way. Now, new evidence suggests that giving cash grants to the poor are as helpful, or even more effective, when it comes to reducing poverty.
We can't solve world hunger through this film (as much as we wish to). The documentary questions the principles and practices of governments and aid organisations. And if you're provoked to reflect upon your action, or inaction, when it comes to helping the poor – our job is done!
5. How can you help?
If you believe in this project, please support our cause by contributing to our campaign. Share about it online and offline because your word makes a greater impact in your network!
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www.buyinghappinessfilm.com
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facebook.com/buyinghappinessfilm
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twitter.com/bhdocumentary
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instagram.com/buyinghappinessfilm
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FAQ
When can you expect the perks?
Perks will start rolling out early 2017 as we continue our journey for 3 years. In exchange for your patience, we will be able to document the real long-term impact of your contributions on the lives of our documentary subjects. And tell their stories with depth and integrity. Till then, we will keep you updated about the exciting developments of our project!
More info on $10,000 Perk – Be an Executive Producer
You and your date would be put up for 2 nights in a premium hotel, join the director for a private dinner, attend the world premiere and enjoy a screening party. This perk does not include travel expenses for you and your travel mate.
What if I have other questions?
Write to us here and we promise to reply as quickly as we can!
