‘One Day On Earth’ gets encouraging reactions

By Maddieu A. A. T. Kabbah

Exciting Viewers at the Screening of the 'One Day On Earth' Movie in Freetown

 ‘One Day On Earth’ is a global and collaborative filming event occurring in every country in the world put together by  documentary filmmakers, students, inspired citizens since  2008 with the focus of showcasing the amazing  diversity, conflict, tragedy, and triumphs that occur in one day in our planet. This globally unique mosaic film show is said to have been inspired by Ridley Scotts (Life In A Day). This event has been tagged 10.10.10 because its first snapshots and footages were taken on October 10, 2010 with footages from every country in the world with a keener look at pressing global issues of food, pure drinking water, time, life and death, war, crime, health, education, youths, climate change, etc. from a natural world of humanity with an omniscient global perspective. The one day on earth movie is a video presentation that is shown in more than 170 countries and this year’s celebration coincides with ‘Earth Day’ celebrations on Sunday, April 22.

Quoting the project’s Founder/Director, Kyle Ruddick, “We created this as a participatory film event and the only way for people to be recognized for their contributions is through this niche social network within the site.We’re a different kind of film.”

Executive Producer Brandon Litman told One Media that, “A lot of people have an emotional stake. We’re really excited to put it out via our online community. The balance of classy profession footage and grainy lower quality really humanizes it,” Litman added.

Here in Sierra Leone, on Sunday, 22^nd April, 2012, the ‘One Day on Earth’ movie made its debut screening in Freetown’s Cruzer Cinema at the prestigious Lagonda Complex, Aberdeen Western Freetown.

With a multi-social and fascinating audience that cuts across school pupils, university students, academic experts, youth groups, representatives of various organisations, the Government of Sierra Leones line agencies, the National Youth Commission,  international partners in development, the UNDP and over 60 non Governmental organisations, and the One Day On Earth organizers, the documentary was unveiled to the Sierra Leonean public just as in every other country (launched at the same time it was been launched at the UN Headquarters in New York, USA 4pm).

After a thrilling cinema time, AYV sought the views and opinions of some stakeholders and ordinary viewers to get their impression of this epic documentary about ‘the realities of life from an individual, national and global view,’ but in this case a Sierra Leonean mindset.

In short but delighting interviews with Mr. Anthony A. Koroma, the Commissioner of the National Youth Commission, Madam Mia Seppo, UNDP Country Director, some members from the Restless Organisation, students from YPB, IPAM, Fourah Bay College, they all agreed that the movie is touches a lot on some of the key issues of development around which the UNDP operates, namely, youths, distribution of wealth, religion, war, peace, life expectancy, sickness and disease, natural resources,  wealth distribution, drugs and crime, jail, diverse traditional celebrations and politics.

Madam Mia Seppo UNDP Country Director shaking hands with Mr. Anthony A. Koroma NYC Commissioner after the 10.10.10 Video Show

Madam Seppo further added that the movie has so far been screened in 80 countries including the United Nations (UN) headquarters in New York which she called the biggest and globally profound movie show presented on the same day all around the world, adding that it has received very healthy reactions from all over the world.

When asked why there was not much featuring about Sierra Leone in the documentary which only features a tiny part of the nation’s beautiful beach scenery, Madam Mia Seppo expressed the same view but nevertheless expressed optimism that if there is a similar initiative in the future like (12.12.12), it will feature the beautiful faces and stories, cultures, music and pride arts of the country.

She said she understands that it is not easy to be a youth in Sierra Leone, as “it is really challenging having access to opportunities, education is not at the easy reach of many youths.” She encouraged the young people to rise above the waters, especially to avoid drugs, crime, and gangs.

For the Executive Director of Young Peace Builders Sierra Leone, Mr. Herbert Bicool Bangura, the young people should have confidence in anything they are doing. He said showing the movie has impacted greatly on them, urging the UNDP and the National Youth Commission to take this film around the country to show young people as it will help them to focus in what they are doing.

Mr. Bangura also expressed optimism that there are a lot of youths with great potentials who only to be given the opportunity to realise their worth.