Last year we proudly launched the Do Something Reel™ Film Festival opens in a new tab, an online collection of provocative, character-driven films that focus on food, environmental issues and everyday people with a vision of making a world of difference. Simply put, it’s a celebration of people who understand that small steps can create big change. The Do Something Reel™ Film Festival continues this month with Bonsai People – The Vision of Muhammad Yunus opens in a new tab, an uplifting documentary about one man’s extraordinary humanitarian work and his influence around the globe.“Poor people are bonsai people, there is nothing wrong with their seed. Society simply has not given them the room to grow.” – Muhammad Yunus
What if you could harness the power of the free market to solve the problems of poverty, hunger, and inequality? To some, it sounds impossible, yet Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus is doing exactly that.
When Muhammad lent $27 out of his own pocket to 42 people, he did more than create microcredit opens in a new tab. He supported entrepreneurship in hopes of alleviating poverty, empowering individuals and uplifting entire communities. Although microcredit has grown to help 1 out of every 1,000 people on earth, Muhammad didn’t stop there.
He’s now created a social business movement – a mix between business and social work – to provide poor people with financial services, healthcare, alternative energy and more. By tackling some of the world’s most vexing problems, he’s demonstrating to the world that complex problems sometimes do have simple answers.
Bonsai People isn’t just a tribute to a passionate visionary but a story of hope. Watch the trailer and get inspired.
Holly Mosher is a socially-conscious award-winning filmmaker. She tackles tough issues including environmental, health and human rights issues. Her body of work includes Hummingbird, Side Effects, Money Talks: Profits Before Patient Safety, Vanishing of the Bees, Free For All, and Bonsai People – The Vision of Muhammad Yunus.
Visit the Do Something Reel’s web site opens in a new tab to rent Bonsai People through iTunes for $3.99 in standard definition and $4.99 in high definition. There is also an exclusive interview with the filmmaker. There is one viewing per purchase. Also check out additional videos and behind-the-scenes talks with filmmakers from previously featured films and other materials free of charge.
Feeling inspired to support microcredit? Us too! Get involved in Whole Planet Foundation’s 2013 Prosperity Campaign opens in a new tab. Through March 31, we’re working to raise $5.7 million to fund poverty alleviation projects worldwide where Whole Foods Market sources products like coffee, tea, cacao, spices, grains and tropical fruits and vegetables.
Muhammad believes that all humans are born as entrepreneurs, but many have not had the opportunity to develop that side of themselves. What do you think are the biggest challenges for people tapping into this potential? How can we continue to help others overcome these obstacles?
