OptimistSalam (Hello) Neighbor is an award-winning film and campaign to connect the world to refugees. The film has been called "Important" by U.S Ambassador Samantha Power and "Heart-wrenching" by Indiewire.
The film follows the journey of Chris and Zach as the first filmmakers ever allowed to be registered and given a tent inside of a refugee camp.
From meeting Um Ali, a woman struggling to overcome cultural barriers to the street smart, 10-year-old Raouf, whose trauma hides just beneath his ever present smile, Zach and Chris uncover inspiring stories of individuals rallying, against all odds, to rebuild their lives and those of their neighbors.
Please share this trailer and take action for a more peaceful world. Available globally, in 21 languages, on Netflix. Also available on Vimeo, Google Play, iTunes, & Amazon. Make a difference or bring a speaker to your event at www.SalamNeighbor.org.
Salam Neighbor Official TrailerOptimist2015-06-23 | Salam (Hello) Neighbor is an award-winning film and campaign to connect the world to refugees. The film has been called "Important" by U.S Ambassador Samantha Power and "Heart-wrenching" by Indiewire.
The film follows the journey of Chris and Zach as the first filmmakers ever allowed to be registered and given a tent inside of a refugee camp.
From meeting Um Ali, a woman struggling to overcome cultural barriers to the street smart, 10-year-old Raouf, whose trauma hides just beneath his ever present smile, Zach and Chris uncover inspiring stories of individuals rallying, against all odds, to rebuild their lives and those of their neighbors.
Please share this trailer and take action for a more peaceful world. Available globally, in 21 languages, on Netflix. Also available on Vimeo, Google Play, iTunes, & Amazon. Make a difference or bring a speaker to your event at www.SalamNeighbor.org.
Created by Living on One & 1001 MEDIAVitalik: An Ethereum Story // Official TrailerOptimist2024-07-23 | Vitalik: An Ethereum Story is a feature documentary chronicling tech visionary Vitalik Buterin and Ethereum’s community of builders as they fight for an open internet accessible to all.
Purchase an onchain streaming link to the full film at Ethereumfilm.xyz. Be a part of history to revolutionize how films are financed, distributed, and experienced.
——————— Directors: Zach Ingrasci & Chris Temple Producers: Carrie Weprin & Jenna Kelly Co-Producer: Linda Xie Executive Producers: Steve Jang, Loren Hammonds, Dave O’Connor, Michael Clark, Alex Turtletaub, & Tim Foley. Co-Executive Producers: Leorad.eth, PleasrDAO, & Kyle Hentschel Original Score: Dan Deacon Animation: Luca Tarantini & Gabe Masewich.
Produced by Optimist and Strange Design, in association with Lone Palm Productions, Big Beach, & TIME Studios.Be an OptimistOptimist2024-06-30 | It's not naive to be an optimist, it's necessary.
Become an optimist at Optimist.coChampions of the Golden Valley Documentary // Exclusive ClipOptimist2024-06-04 | "This film is the ultimate underdog story" - Variety
"Director Ben Sturgulewski captures an Afghanistan that few outsiders ever see in his exuberant debut feature film. A unique story that goes beyond skiing, Champions of the Golden Valley is about resilience, finding joy amidst difficult circumstances and what it means to be a champion." – Tribeca Film Festival
World Premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival (June 9, 2024)
Courtesy of Sturgefilm, Tideshift, The Taleem Project, Optimist, XTR, Happy Place, Adventure Not War.
Get Involved: www.ChampionsDoc.com
DIRECTED BY: Ben Sturgulewski PRODUCED BY: Katie Stjernholm & Baktash Ahadi
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Doug Blush, Chris Temple, Zach Ingrasci, Nadia Samadani, Little Lion Impact, Tiger Tales Media, Justin Lacob, Tara Razavi.
SYNOPSIS: In the remote mountain villages of Bamyan, Afghanistan, a newfound passion for skiing attracts young athletes from rival ethnic groups who showcase their resourcefulness and skill on the slopes. Equipped with minimal gear, makeshift skis, and no chairlift, the determined ski coach Alishah Farhang organizes a ski race like no other, uniting the community in a moment of joy and camaraderie. However, when their country falls to the Taliban, many of the skiers are displaced across the globe as refugees, confronted with an uncertain future.This Is Not Financial Advice // Official TrailerOptimist2023-12-01 | An award-winning documentary about Dogecoin and the get rich quick economy. Available on Apple TV, Prime Video, YouTube Movies and Fuse. www.Tinfafilm.com
Glauber Contessoto gambles his life savings on a joke cryptocurrency. Two months later, he becomes “The Dogecoin Millionaire” and an internet legend. While it might seem easy to get rich online, it’s even easier to lose it all.
"Hilarious, Insightful, & Brilliantly Executed. A Thought-Provoking Masterpiece.” - WashPost “A Truly Wild Ride. Couldn’t Recommend More.” - Vox “Ricochets Between Euphoria and Despair” - CNBC "A Gripping Financial Horror Film" - The Guardian
Courtesy of Optimist, XTR, Mr. Wizard, and Legion M.Exclusive Clip | THIS IS NOT FINANCIAL ADVICE DocumentaryOptimist2023-08-18 | Glauber Contessoto gambles his life savings on a joke cryptocurrency. Two months later, he becomes “The Dogecoin Millionaire” and an internet legend. While it might seem easy to get rich online, it’s even easier to lose it all.
"A Thought-Provoking Masterpiece.” - The Washington Post “A Truly Wild Ride. Couldn’t Recommend More.” - Vox “Ricochets Between Euphoria and Despair” - CNBC "A Gripping Financial Horror Film" - The Guardian
Now available globally for pre-sale on Apple TV: www.Tinfafilm.com
Courtesy of Optimist, XTR, Mr. Wizard, and Legion M.Abundance - Official TrailerOptimist2023-08-15 | During the largest food crisis in a century, a group of college students step up to help those facing hunger. A new short film about The FarmLink Project and a campaign for food access.
A Film by Owen Dubeck Executive Producers: Chris Temple & Zach Ingrasci An Optimist ProductionFree to Care - Official TrailerOptimist2023-01-05 | A single mother with a passion for nursing, Lisa Creason wanted the freedom to pursue her dreams. When an unjust law prohibited her from doing so, she took the fight into her own hands and ended up opening doorways for thousands like her.
Executive Producers: Austin Berg, Ryan Green, Erica Hilbert, Zach IngrasciFive Years North - Official TrailerOptimist2022-08-08 | An award-winning feature documentary! Available on PBS and Peacock. - “Remarkable Access” - NY Times - "A compelling look at two disparate New York lives" - Hollywood Reporter - “A multi-dimensional, far-reaching portrait of a pressing issue” - DOC NYC
Five Years North is the coming-of-age story of Luis, an undocumented boy in New York City desperate to bring the American Dream back home to Guatemala. Alone, he struggles to work, study, and evade Judy—the conflicted Cuban-American ICE agent who patrols his neighborhood.
www.FiveYearsNorth.org
An Optimist production
Directors: Chris Temple & Zach Ingrasci
Producer: Jenna Kelly
Editor & Co-Producer: Alejandro Valdes-Rochin
Consulting Editors: Pedro Kos & Fernando Villena
Cinematographers: Nick Kraus, Chris Temple & Zach Ingrasci
Executive Producers: S.J. Murray, Morgan Kays, Tolu Olubunmi, Ari Rastegar & Kellie Rastegar
Trailer Editor: Sean Kusanagi
Titles & Design: Katerine ContrerasThese are fridges with free food, on the sidewalkOptimist2020-12-21 | Paperboy Prince gives us the rundown on the community refrigerator movement in Brooklyn, NY.Secret Network of Food Banks Feeds Undocumented FarmworkersOptimist2020-12-02 | You can help support Ann’s work at FarmworkerFamily.orgThe Undocumented Lawyer - Official TrailerOptimist2020-09-18 | Lizbeth Mateo is an attorney who swore to uphold the Constitution. She’s also undocumented. When a client takes sanctuary in a church, Lizbeth’s own experience guides their fight for justice.
Premiering on HBO March 2021
www.UndocumentedLawyer.org
Directors: Chris Temple & Zach Ingrasci Producer: Jenna Kelly Editor: Lila Place Cinematographers: John Pope, Emily Topper Executive Producer: Brenda Avila-Hanna, Morgan Kays, John Trefry Associate Producer: Claudia S. Murray Titles & Design: Katerine Contreras Screening Producers: Sofia Trigo & Santiago DavidCollege Students Delivery 626,000+ lbs of Produce to Food Banks in NeedOptimist2020-05-28 | The FarmLink Project is a movement of college students that connect farmers with surplus to food banks in need.The Blind Marathon RunnerOptimist2020-01-23 | ...The Subway Performer That Lets You Take His Money (42nd street station - Will Boyajian)Optimist2020-01-04 | Will Boyajian is not your typical New York City subway performer. Instead of busking, he has decided to let anyone in need take as much money from the case as they want. We spent the day with Will and witnessed some incredible moments of generosity.
Follow: Instagram: instagram.com/optimist Facebook: facebook.com/OptimistfilmsActors with Autism are Defying Expectations!Optimist2019-09-16 | Actors with Autism are Defying Expectations!Meet LAs Teen Feminist PhotographersOptimist2019-09-14 | These girls are sharing their Guatemalan culture through photos3-Year-Old Skater GuruOptimist2019-08-20 | This 3-year-old skater is completely fearlessLAs Homeless CountOptimist2019-08-08 | Earlier this year, we joined the annual Los Angeles Homeless Count. Walking the streets of Skid Row and talking to the homeless residents gave us a new perspective on the crisis in our own backyard. The result of the count? 58,936 homeless people in LA County—12% more than in 2018.Alex Grays Surf TherapyOptimist2019-08-07 | After his brother passed away, pro surfer Alex Gray got back on his board. He started a surf therapy group with the belief that grief can be a celebration of the person you love.
Instagram.com/Optimist Facebook.com/Optimist FilmsDoes my donation make a difference?Optimist2018-10-17 | ...What Does it Take to Create Gender Equality?Optimist2018-10-11 | ...Speakers: Chris Temple & Zach IngrasciOptimist2018-08-03 | We would love to speak at your next event in person or via Skype! Reach out for more information at www.LivingonOne.org/Speakers
From living in a tent in a Syrian refugee camp to working as radish farmers and surviving on $1 a day in Guatemala, Chris Temple and Zach Ingrasci are award-winning humanitarians, activists, and filmmakers. On-stage, they demystify some of the world’s most complex situations, leaving audiences feeling more connected and empowered to make a difference.Parents Reunite with Daughter Held in U.S. for 7 MonthsOptimist2018-06-25 | 6-year-old Maria was kept from her family after being separated at the border during a test of the Administration's "Zero Tolerance" policy in 2017.Peña Blanca Preschool Now Open!!Optimist2018-03-01 | The younger a child receives support, the better the long-term outcome. We saw this first hand while filming Living on One Dollar, and decided to partner with Mayan Families to raise money for construction of Peña Blanca’s first ever preschool. Last week, because of your generosity and donations, the preschool opened for students!
We are happy to share that the school is providing an education to 70 students in Peña Blanca. Students will develop their critical thinking skills, refine social skills with peers, and learn Spanish - which will be essential for continuing their education. Each student will also receive nutritional benefits, including a full lunch and daily snack, vitamins and regular anti-parasite treatments.How to Make an Impact with Chris Temple & Zach IngrasciOptimist2018-01-12 | Award-winning filmmakers Chris & Zach sit down with Matt D'Avella on the Ground Up show! In this interview, you'll learn how to take your idea and put it into action, how to measure your impact, and how to blend your art with entrepreneurship.
Chris Temple & Zach Ingrasci are the filmmakers behind the Netflix documentaries Living On One Dollar & Salam Neighbor. They’ve made their name by immersing themselves fully into their films to learn as much as they can about their subjects. Whether it’s living on one dollar a day for 2 months in Guatemala or spending 30 days with Syrian Refugees. Groundupshow.comNew Preschool in Peña BlancaOptimist2017-12-26 | New preschool is being built by our partner Natun Guatemala. Opening in Peña Blanca in February thanks to the viewers of Living on One Dollar.
Donate today to support the school for years to come: LivingonOneDollar.org/donateGet our film, curriculum, and extra videos, for free!Optimist2017-10-27 | Bring the award-winning film Salam Neighbor to your school for free! Apply here before Nov. 16th, 2017: http://livingonone.org/salamneighbor/edu
We've teamed up with Hearts of Mercy to give away 14 education packages! Each one is worth $500, and includes the following:
- DVD and public license for the film Salam Neighbor - 100-page Common Core curriculum for grades 7-12 - Post-screening video from Chris & Zach - A virtual reality exhibit to share at your event - Links to promotional materials and flyers
We're looking for passion and excitement for change, and a genuine desire to educate people about refugees, so letting us know why you want to win is definitely a plus! www.SalamNeighbor.orgLook at the change YOU created in Peña Banca!Optimist2017-04-26 | Check out this video by Mayan Families to see what's happened since we filmed Living on One Dollar! Come with us to explore the new preschool and clean water project that are building a healthier and more educated future here in Peña Blanca. For more info and the latest updates, visit our Facebook page @LivingonOne, and sign up for our newsletter at livingonone.org!
To learn more or continue your support, please visit: http://bit.ly/PeñaBlancaDonateNew School Classrooms in Peña Blanca!Optimist2017-03-23 | YOU, the viewers of Living on One Dollar, have changed lives in this community. See the original film on Netflix, or learn more at www.LivingonOne.org
To support, donate here: www.LivingonOneDollar.org/Donate
Music credit: Generdyn - Living Future Memories (You guys rock!)Wearing Trash for 30 Days in New York CityOptimist2017-02-09 | Our newest series, Trash Me! The series follows our friend Rob Greenfield as he spends 30 days living just like the average American, while wearing all of his trash.
This summary video gives you an inside look at the experience and provides essential ways to reduce your waste.
More at: www.TrashmeFilm.com www.Facebook.com/LivingonOneTrash Me: 30 Days of Wearing TrashOptimist2016-10-05 | Here's our new video series! For 30 days, our friend Rob Greenfield is wearing every single piece of trash that he creates. He'll live, shop and consume like the average person, creating 4.5 pounds of trash per day. That’s 135 pounds by the end of 30 days.
We hope Trash Me will create unforgettable and shocking visuals of the trash that we create everyday, and inspire us all to drastically reduce our trash.
Go to https://www.RobGreenfield.tv/Trashme to learn more.
Special thanks to Gary Bencheghib for co-creating. And thank you to BBTV and Outspeak for helping to fund this project!For My Son - in 360ºOptimist2016-09-09 | Immerse into virtual reality and experience the journey of Firas, a 27-year-old Syrian refugee. From seeing the bombed out buildings of Aleppo to the city streets of Jordan, experience the journey of a refugee striving to rebuild far from home. Check out the full story at: http://www.livingonone.org/formyson
Our new 360 virtual reality film, For My Son, is a compliment to our feature film on refugees, Salam Neighbor. Made in partnership with UNOCHA,1001 MEDIA and RYOT, For My Son has been featured in Wired magazine, at Hot Docs Film Festival, and is now an exhibit at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum. You can watch it now on YouTube above or by downloading the phone application, RYOTvr.
Directors/Cinematographers: Chris Temple & Zach Ingrasci Producer: RYOT Co-producers: Living on One & 1001 MEDIA Key Partners: RYOT, Salam Neighbor and UNOCHA
This film was made with the generous support from UK Department for International Development (DFID) as part of the DFID Urban Crises Programme on the urban aspects of humanitarian action, which involves the International Rescue Committee (IRC) and the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED).MCON Talk - Life in a Syrian Refugee CampOptimist2016-08-05 | Courtesy of MCON - Hear from award-winning filmmaker and co-founder of Optimist, Chris Temple, for an inside look into the Syrian refugee crisis and ways we can each play a role in the response. Calling upon his research and his experience as the first filmmaker allowed to live inside a Syrian refugee camp, Chris takes you on a personal journey into the human side of conflict.
Bring Chris or Zach to speak at your school, conference, or event here: optimist.co/speakers
www.Optimist.co www.Facebook.com/Optimistfilms www.Twitter.com/OptimistfilmsTurning Trash into Art: Salam Neighbor TeaserOptimist2016-06-20 | Meet Um Ali. Syrian refugee, grandmother, and artist.
Excerpt from the Award-winning documentary, Salam Neighbor. Watch now and get involved at SalamNeighbor.orgCan you keep a secret?Optimist2016-06-20 | Salam Neighbor on Netflix globally on June 20th!
Can you help spread the word:
1. Watch the film or leave it playing in the background :) 2. Rate it and write a brief review on Netflix. 3. Ask 5 friends and co-workers to watch, rate and share the film.
www.SalamNeighbor.org Trailer: youtube.com/watch?v=W6SxPSZVD9oQueen Rania and David Miliband Talk About Salam NeighborOptimist2016-06-20 | Watch the complete film and find out how to get involved at www.SalamNeighbor.org!Livestream with Queen RaniaOptimist2016-06-02 | Hearing Queen Rania speak alongside David Miliband. This was shot before one of our Salam Neighbor screenings held at Georgetown in Washington D.C!
Film is available for purchase on iTunes. itunes.apple.com/us/movie/salam-neighbor/id1098467203Take the Live Below the Line ChallengeOptimist2015-04-13 | We ask you to join us, and live on $1.50 a day for food and drink this April 27th - May 1st 2015, to raise money for our friends living in extreme poverty in Guatemala. All of your donations will go to supporting Mayan Families, our incredible impact partner on the ground.
Get your friends to join you and gain empathy for those living in extreme poverty. Join thousands of others and sign up here: http://bit.ly/LBLPenaBlanca
Lastly, big thank you to our partner Global Poverty Project for making this challenge possible!Living for 30 Days in a Syrian Refugee Camp with The Salam Neighbor ProjectOptimist2014-02-12 | Join Chris and Zach from the Living on One team as they broadcast LIVE from the Za'atari refugee camp in Jordan! We are looking for high school classrooms to participate in our live hangout session! Sign up here:*http://goo.gl/u9y8Nm *
For the past several weeks, Chris and Zach have been filming their immersive journey living alongside Syrian refugee families in an effort to connect a global audience to the Syrian refugee crisis in the Middle East. Now, in partnership with 1001 MEDIA, Chris and Zach want to answer YOUR questions about the Syrian refugee crisis and share their experiences uncovering the daily struggles, heartbreaks and dreams that make up life on the edge of a conflict.
For more information about the Salam Neighbor Project, please see our website at: www.salamneighbor.orgSalam Neighbor Launch VideoOptimist2014-01-14 | We've just launched Salam (Hello) Neighbor, a film and journey to connect the world to refugees!
We'll be living alongside recently displaced families in a Syrian refugee camp in Jordan from January 19th until February 15th. Through shared experiences, we hope to understand their greatest needs, and how we can support them as they restart their lives. Your efforts as global neighbors can change lives. Visit our website to join our journey!
Edited by Karl Stieg Directed by Chris Temple and Zach Ingrasci
Produced by Living on One and 1001 MEDIA
Photo Credit to UNHCR and Save the ChildrenEpisode 8: Back in the U.S.Optimist2013-12-03 | How did this experience change our perspectives on poverty and what is the role of our generation as global citizens?
Having survived the two months, we have to say goodbye to our new friends in Peña Blanca. Coming home, its hard to get used to our lifestyles back in the U.S.. How can we make a difference for the people we left back in Peña Blanca? Starting small, we begin to use our story to inspire other students that they can follow their own passions and that together, we can change the world.
Executive Producers Mike Lang David Doss Jeff KleinEpisode 7: (Not) Going to SchoolOptimist2013-11-14 | What prevents kids from going to school and how can education respect traditional culture while also teaching modern skills?
Playing soccer with the village kids every day, we realize that Regina's family can't even afford to send her to the public school. Why is there still a huge education gap between the rich and the poor in Guatemala if the government provides free public school? This gets us thinking about how an education gap prevents kids from indigenous families from learning Spanish. What effect does this language barrier have on someone's ability to get a formal job, travel to a big city or even visit a hospital?
Produced by Living on One
Directed by Hannah Gregg Illustrations by Hannah Gregg Edited by Sean Leonard Narration by Chris Temple
Executive Producers Mike Lang David Doss Jeff KleinEpisode 6: Extreme BudgetingOptimist2013-10-25 | How is it possible to budget just $1 a day for immediate costs like food and shelter and still save for long term items like your kids' education and emergencies?
One day, we head to the bank in town to see if we could get a loan or open a savings account with only our $1 a day income and find that it's nearly impossible! Back in the village, we talk to our friends Anthony and Rosa about how they save and borrow money without using a traditional bank. Innovative tools, like microfinance loans and savings clubs, are helping them budget their money but what kind of extra risks do these tools force Anthony and Rosa to take on?
Produced by Living on One
Directed by Hannah Gregg Illustrations by Hannah Gregg Edited by Sean Leonard Narration by Chris Temple
Executive Producers Mike Lang David Doss Jeff KleinEpisode 5: We Need a JobOptimist2013-10-15 | What barriers do the poor face in finding work and how do they make a living?
Looking for job opportunities in Peña Blanca, we find that few people in the village actually have formal jobs. We decide to try to plant a small crop of radishes and quickly get a glimpse of how hard life is as a day laborer or a farmer. If there aren't enough formal jobs for most of the people living in Peña Blanca, is leaving your family and moving to a big city the only solution?
Produced by Living on One
Directed by Hannah Gregg and Zach Ingrasci Illustrations by Hannah Gregg Edited by Sean Leonard Narration by Chris Temple
Executive Producers Mike Lang David Doss Jeff KleinEpisode 4: Disaster StrikesOptimist2013-10-01 | What options do the poor have to get back on their feet after a natural disaster?
We realize that we have no idea how to farm and ask our neighbor Pedro for advice. Working in the fields every day makes us think about what life as a subsistence farmer would be like. Pedro tells us about a tropical storm that swept through Guatemala and how he saw 60 percent of his onion fields destroyed in a massive landslide. How would a family who is already living on the edge ever recover from a natural disaster like this?
Produced by Living on One
Directed by Hannah Gregg Illustrations by Hannah Gregg Edited by Sean Leonard Narration by Chris Temple
Executive Producers Mike Lang David Doss Jeff KleinEpisode 3: Hunger and TortillasOptimist2013-09-17 | What kind of food can you afford on $1 a day and what does it really mean to be malnourished?
Cooking without a microwave or stove is harder than we thought! After eating just one bowl of rice and beans every day, we aren't feeling so good and Zach even passes out on the floor. Our neighbor, Rosa Solares, teaches us about how she uses lard and makes tortillas out of corn. Eating more calories every day, we still question whether this diet is giving our neighbors the nutrition they need to be healthy. Is this why Guatemala has one of the highest rates of malnutrition in the world?
Produced by Living on One
Directed by Hannah Gregg Illustrations by Hannah Gregg Edited by Sean Leonard Narration by Chris Temple
Executive Producers Mike Lang David Doss Jeff KleinEpisode 2: Water From A Pipe?Optimist2013-09-03 | How big of an effect could not having clean water nearby have on your life?
After finding that the closest source of water is a plastic pipe coming out of the side of a hill, we aren't sure if its safe to drink. Two weeks later, Chris is lying sick and immobile on the dirt floor and we're not sure if we be able to afford the cost of a doctor or medicine. Is not having clean water really that big of a problem for our neighbors here? What about around the world?
Directed by Hannah Gregg Illustrations by Hannah Gregg Edited by Sean Leonard Narration by Chris Temple
Executive Producers Mike Lang David Doss Jeff Klein
Translation: Spanish by Cecilia Toscana Portuguese by Douglas Braz
Music Credits: Rhian Sheehan - "Darkness" Rhian Sheehan - "Still" Rhian Sheehan - "Leaving Earth" Thomas Newman - "Nemo Egg"Episode 1: The First Step (Living on One)Optimist2013-09-03 | What is it really like to live on just $1 a day?
Today, we are setting out on the most intense experience of our lives- to live in extreme poverty, on just $1 a day for 56 days. We're traveling from the U.S. to the small village of Peña Blanca in rural Guatemala. There are so many things we don't know about the next two months. What will we eat every day, how will we budget such a small amount of money, what happens if we have an emergency?
Directed by Hannah Gregg Illustrations by Hannah Gregg Edited by Sean Leonard Narration by Chris Temple
Executive Producers Mike Lang David Doss Jeff Klein
Translation: Spanish by Cecilia Toscana Portuguese by Douglas Braz
Music Credits: Michael John Mollo - Theme from 'Cartology' Vacationer - "Trip (Teen Daze Remix)"BONUS Scene: Tootsie Roll DinnerOptimist2012-12-31 | What were we eating in Guatemala? How much does one meal cost? How bad is Zach at math? #FoodFantasies