Stop the Pity Unlock the Potential
Our latest video in Mama Hope’s “Stop the Pity, Unlock the Potential”
Campaign sets out to break the stereotype of African men.
After viewing our first STP video, “Alex Presents Commando,” the Kenyan men in this video told us they wanted to make one that pokes fun at the way African men are portrayed in Hollywood films and the media. They said, “If people believed only what they saw in movies, they would think we are all warlords who love violence.” They, like Mama Hope, are tired of the over-sensationalized, one-dimensional depictions of African men and the white savior messaging that permeates our media. They wanted to tell their own stories instead, so we handed them the mic and they made this video.
We started this series so you could begin to reimagine Africa. It is only when people are no longer seen through the stereotypes of poverty that we can begin to see we are not so different from each other. We wanted our supporters to see that Africa is full of progress, potential, and hope. The “Stop the Pity. Unlock the Potential” video campaign is our first step towards building a global society based on hope and connection. If you agree with us, join our movement and raise awareness! Join us in unlocking potential for a better future for all.
Created by Joe Sabia and Bryce Yukio Adolphson
Written by Benard, Brian, Derrick, Gabriel and the Mama Hope Team
Call Me Hope sets out to show the energy and potential of Africa and the interconnectedness we share. It is only when people are no longer seen through the stereotypes of poverty that we can begin to see we are not so different from each other. Call Me Hope is a family album. It’s a cross-section of our projects and personal experiences. Not just of this year, but of the relationships reaching back to 2006 when Nyla first met our oldest partners. We feel this video is the truest representation of these relationships we have. From the schools to the gardens to the shops, everyone involved is an equal partner.
Directed by Joe Sabia and Bryce Yukio Adolphson
Shot and edited by Bryce Yukio Adolphson
In the first video of our series, meet Alex. He is a happy, healthy, 9 year-old boy at St. Timothy’s School in Moshi, Tanzania. In Alex, we see intelligence, a great memory and a sparkling personality. He doesn’t want your hand-me-down t-shirts but if you will listen, he will tell you he wants to become president of Tanzania… and, of course, how much he loves action movies!
When he learned we were from California, he immediately started talking about our former Governor and action movie star, Arnold Schwarzenegger. Then he launched into a 15 minute play-by-play recap of the entire plot of the classic “Commando”. How could we not share this amazing footage with you?
After that exceptional moment, we started thinking about the 9 year olds we know and it was all too clear that even continents apart they had the same essential qualities we love: imagination, creativity, and hilarity. These are the messages we want to share.
Created by Joe Sabia
Shot by Bryce Yukio Adolphson