About this project
OUR AIM : A DOCUMENTARY
We traveled over 16 countries in 11 weeks,
living with and learning from 22 NGOs,
and recorded 65 hours of High Definition Video Tape.
THE WAY
We went on buses, trucks, lorries, canoes, boats, bush taxis, motorcycles, carts, and trains.
The people sitting next to us were locals
we shared bread with, sang songs with
and drank from the same water container.
THE COMMUNITY
We arrived at a new place almost every 3 days,
welcomed by a community eager to learn what we were doing
and to share what they were doing.
THE EXCHANGE
We listened and talked
sitting in interviews and walking the streets.
From projects that have worked and why or how
to cultural practices and present and past issues.
EDITING
We reached our goal in South Africa
and stayed there for one month to edit.
But we had so much good stuff
we couldn’t get it done.
We need more time.
WITH KICKSTARTER WE WILL
- finish editing the feature length documentary using the facilities
at Mirror Productions http://www.mirrorproductions.com/ in Hong Kong.
-distribute the video to the people who were featured in Africa and who are supporting us
-enter into festivals, market to TV, present at development symposiums, human rights and advocacy conferences, and get it into the hands of donors and decisions makers
WHAT TOOK YOU SO LONG FOUNDATION
Creates publicity for grassroot projects and a movement for young people
to get involved and do something.
By raising the voice of youth activism
we are shining a light on these unsung heroes.
The future is coming.
FEATURING
Andrew in Mauritania www.douloscommunity.org, http://www.youtube.com/watch...
Working at Doulos, a small NGO doing community development work in the slums of Nouakchott. They live, dress, and speak the language with and of the people.
Caitlin in Mali www.malihealth.org, http://www.youtube.com/watch...
An inspirational young woman working with slums on the outskirts of Bamako, and developing innovative new ways of helping the communities including a radio programme and compacting trash to create bricks.
"Uncle" Barnaby in Burkina Faso www.arbredenface.org, http://www.youtube.com/watch...
A charismatic Frenchman who founded and runs an orphanage in Bobo-Dioulasso providing young children with a safe, stimulating home environment, including handmade life-size puppets.
Travels through thick mud in Cameroon,
from Mamfe to Ekok http://www.youtube.com/watch...
Father Teh in Belo, Cameroon www.gmmafrica.org, http://www.youtube.com/watch...
A completely grassroot and Community Collective started by Teh, the resident village pastor, who saw a need and brought neighbors together, pooling resources from bananas to carpentry skills to create a Vulnerable Children School and Women's group.
Ryan in Yaounde, Cameroon www.greeneyesinafrica.org, http://www.youtube.com/watch...
An enthusiastic American who created his ideal environment for children in need. Struggling to maintain his house and equilibrium he helps families and individuals sustain households and learn dance.
Pastor Allen in South Africa
A unique individual who provides moral and spiritual support in Black and Coloured townships. Despite being unaccepted by the religious sector, he preaches with style and spirit.
The What Took You So Long Team
http://www.WhatTookYouSoLong.org
FAQ
Have a question? If the info above doesn't help, you can ask the project creator directly.
88
Backers
$6,136
pledged of $6,000 goal
0
seconds to go
Funding Successful
This project successfully raised its funding goal on January 15, 2010.
Pledge $1 or more
You will receive a virtual high five.
Pledge $5 or more
No amount is too small. We'll enter you into a raffle to win a beautiful hand made straw bag from Cameroon that we picked up along the way.
Pledge $10 or more
We will send a belated HOLIDAY POSTCARD (Jan 15th) to anyone you want.
Pledge $20 or more
The WhatTookYouSoLong AFRICA video: First Cut on DVD. Watch it, and tell us what you think. If we take your advice we'll credit you in the film.
Pledge $25 or more
First Cut on DVD plus the Movies SOUNDTRACK!
Pledge $50 or more
An African Continent WhatTookYouSoLong Poster Map. An actual rendition of the map we used to communicate with locals along the journey. Illustrates our route, border information and special travel notes. Plus the Finished DVD.
Pledge $100 or more
A travel & photo information guide that goes with the African Continent WhatTookYouSoLong Poster Map. In addition to the Finished DVD.
Pledge $150 or more
A SINGING E-MAIL-A-GRAM : We will tailor make a song for your loved one with the assistance of a Ghanaian singer! Plus we will send them the finished DVD.
Pledge $500 or more
A set of 5 high quality photographic prints of the journey signed by the travelers, plus the Special Edition DVD.
Pledge $1,500 or more
5 high quality photographic prints, the Special edition DVD and a full credit as a private sponsor of the trip to be listed in the video, on the website and in other promotional material.
Project By
Has not connected their Facebook account.
I am a co-founder of the What Took You So Long Foundation. I've been shooting and editing in over 20 African countries, crossed Asia, shooting at the Emirati camel beauty contests and sleeping on too many floors to count, even some beds and one pool table.
Before this nomadic lifestyle I was living as a Peace Corps Volunteer in a village in Ghana without electricity or running water for 2 years working with wonderful and largely illiterate people.
I studied cinematography in the Czech Republic and filmmaking at SUNY Purchase where I am also the founder of "The Cheese Club" which I miss fondly.
