NOT ABOUT ME
A Film for Social Change
Documentaries have the power to engage minds and hearts on an empathetic, human level. Unlike most news and academic information, they connect real lives and places to issues and ideas that might otherwise seem abstract. Paired with resources that help audiences reflect and reframe the issues, documentaries can also inspire real change.
Not About Me shares personal stories about vulnerable children and the people who are learning from helping them within a global context of humanitarian aid, child rights and social justice.
>> Learn more about the documentary
THE ISSUES
Ending Support for International Orphanages & Orphanage Volunteering
It’s time to rethink — and reform — our support for orphanages. Despite our good intentions, research shows that orphanage donations and volunteering usually do more harm than good. Children belong with their families (not in institutions) and we can redirect our support away from orphanages towards more sustainable, locally-led programs that help keep families together.
*Click on an image to scroll through the gallery
Our Impact Goals
CREATE AWARENESS & UNDERSTANDING
Educate about the reality of orphanages and how supporting them financially or as a volunteer can negatively affect children, their families and communities.
PROMOTE #InformedGenerosity
Encourage respectful and sustainable advocacy and philanthropy that is rewarding for children, families, communities, volunteers and donors.
MOTIVATE BEHAVIOUR & POLICY CHANGE
Redirect funding for orphanages to family and community-based initiatives led by locals that address the root causes of family separation.
SCREENING KITS
Tools for Engagement & Understanding
Watch. Talk. Take Action.
Most of us are generous, well-meaning people. But sometimes our good intentions can have unintended consequences if they are misinformed or dismissive of the people we want to help.
Our companion screening guides provide a framework to start a dialogue that can create awareness, challenge assumptions, shift personal behaviours and reform institutional policies.
What’s a screening kit?
We’ve worked with educators, child rights advocates, community activists and policy-makers to develop thought-provoking companion kits for the documentary.
Each kit includes:
>> A screening license and link to watch the documentary
>> A discussion guide with additional engagement tools and learning resources
EDUCATIONAL SCREENING KIT
Designed for secondary schools, higher learning institutions and libraries
>> Learn more
COMMUNITY SCREENING KIT
Anyone can host a community screening event: non-profits, inter-faith groups, volunteers, governments, businesses >> Learn more
KELLY MILNER
A Message from the Director of Not About Me
Question your perceptions. Check your privilege. Know your history. These are some of the things I learned making this film. I’m grateful to Morgan and the Haitians I have met during this project for challenging me to see beyond their own personal journeys and tell the broader story that we all play a part in.
As a filmmaker, I want to tell stories that matter because I believe they can make a difference. Not About Me is one of those stories.
SURVEY SAYS…
Measuring Impact
*Pre and post-viewing surveys indicate a shift in how audiences think about orphanages
INSIGHTS ON IMPACT
Audience Takeaways
*A sample of open-ended survey responses from classroom and community screenings
What key messages did you take away from the film?
Empower vs rescue. Help the families. Let the local people take ownership.
Check your ego at the door.
Local people know what is best for the welfare of their communities. International collaboration and aid must support this work and let locals guide the process.
The best way to help people isn't to just give them things, it's to work with them to build systems towards recovery and development.
There are so many people that need help, and it is so important to offer help when we can, but in a thoughtful, well researched way.
Share a quote or moment that stands out for you
“In 12 years I did not smile once or have one good day." (orphanage survivor)
“When families are united the country can be united.”
When their Prime Minister said “We don’t want to be known as an NGO nation.”
The ending where the little girl shared her hopes and dreams.
The orphanage survivor who said that when volunteers leave the orphanage they take all the hope and joy with them.
I’m shocked at the magnitude of the orphanage “business” and exploitation.
LICENSE A SCREENING KIT
Ignite Change with Students & Communities
TAKE ACTION
Initiatives to Champion Children’s Rights
If you’re passionate about protecting vulnerable children from exploitation, abuse and the long-term negative effects of institutional care, you can be a force for positive social change. We have worked with global policy-makers, child rights advocates and community activists to develop initiatives that can make a real difference.
>> View all initiatives
Acknowledgements
Not About Me impact initiative supported by:
Yukon Economic Development Fund
Not About Me documentary supported by:
Produced By: Giv’er Media
Produced For: NorthwesTel Community TV
With Support From: Canada Media Fund, Yukon Media Development
Additional Support From: Shot in the Dark Productions, GBP Creative, Midnight Light Media, Air North, Ketza Group, Kobayashi + Zedda, PJ Productions