In early March, 2009 I attended a weekly networking group called “BNI.” A friend of mine gave me a referral to a woman who volunteers with the Chicago Association of the Lost Boys of Sudan. Given the work I do with several non-profits in Chicago, he thought I might be able to help them out with their fundraising efforts by making a video.
The volunteer recommended I speak to the Chicago chapter president, Kuek Aleu Garang (Kuek had earlier been featured on Oprah on Election Day in 2008).
I researched the organization, was inspired by their stories and emailed Kuek on 10 March 2009. He responded, telling me he would love to get together and discuss how I could work with them, but we'd have to meet until he got back from his trip. In three weeks he was going back to Sudan for the first time in 22 years to be reunited with his family. He was only 6 years old when he had been separated from them during the Sudanese Civil War. After seeing his family, he was planning to find a location to build a school.
The moment I read his response, I picked up the phone and called him. I asked if anyone going with him to document his journey. He said he felt it was time for him to share his story, but he didn't know anyone who could do so. I asked if we could meet the next morning!
I began calling and emailing everyone I knew who I thought would have some ability to help. Eventually, through a contact within The Chicago Convergence, I was introduced to Chad Boettcher at the PR firm Weber Shandwick. Through him, I made a connection with the USA for UNHCR which provided us the $10,000 I need to accompany Kuek. (I was also able to get sponsorship from CVS, Kodak, Moosejaw, TapeStockOnline, Target and Trader Joe’s.)
We left Chicago on April 5 with Kuek and 5 cameras, and returned on May 6 with about 100 hours of footage.
22 Years From Home was completed in August, 2009 and had a 1-week premier at the Village East Cinema in NYC. Check the “News & Events” page or our facebook fan page for information on local and festival screenings.
- Malachi Leopold, Director
