We just heard from social innovator Mike Lin of Fenix International that the micro-documentary we produced with them has been selected as a finalist in the McKinsey Social Innovation Video Contest.

We're thrilled that McKinsey has recognized the important work that Fenix International is doing by bringing electricity to the 1.6 billion people who today struggle to live without it.  We are impressed by Mike and the San Francisco team and have been honored to collaborate with them in moving their mission forward.  

McKinsey gave them 1-minute to make their case and we are proud that their microdoc raised to the occasion.  Check out the finalists and vote for your favorite social innovator.  

Dear Friends,
 
We just got back from the energizing experience of attending the Clinton Global Initiative in New York City.  We were invited to film on Tuesday and Wednesday, we edited overnight and the resulting micro-documentary was shown on the huge screens of the closing plenary on Thursday afternoon.
 
As you will see in the microdoc, the meeting was impressive on many levels (distinguished attendees, engaging conversations, optimistic energy), but perhaps most exciting of all was how this inspiration was channeled into action.  In order to participate, members must present their CGI Commitment - a concrete plan to address a major global challenge.  For example one of the many commitments made was to teach 200 million people who cannot read in India to be able to read the newspaper over the course of the next 3-5 years.  Partnerships between governments, corporations and nonprofits fuel the execution of the more than 2,100 commitments made over the last 7 years.
 
The most memorable moment for me was a conversation between Archbishop Desmond Tutu (in New York, at the meeting) and Aung San Suu Kyi (in Myanmar, via satellite).  After declaring his love for her, "I'm like a smitten young man," he explained how he has been inspired by her because "you continue to believe in the humanity even of those who have sought to dehumanize you over these many years."  If that exchange does not give us insight into the great potential of our humanity, I don't know what does.
 
yours,
 
natasha deganello giraudie
CEO, Micro-Documentaries

People sometimes are surprised to learn that Micro-Documentaries operates without an "office".  Rochelle Durst, our Director of Productions, gives us her perspective on working from an avocado grove.  

Personally I’ve been able to avoid the constraints of trying to live in a location dictated by a job market.  Instead I’ve been able to maximize my quality of life, choosing to live in a setting surrounded by nature, and in close proximity to the ocean where I pursue my love of surfing.  I am also able to make time to focus on other interests during my work day breaks, like art and gardening or simply spending time with my husband, dog and cats, decompressing on a walk through the orchard. Another überperk is having eliminated my work commute. In the spirit of Earth Day, with the help of terrapass, I figured I am eliminating 7,673 lbs CO2/year, while saving about $1500 in fuel charges!