Who cares? Muhammad Yunus cares, and Jehane Nouijam, Dener Giovanni and Vera Gainsley Cordeiro too. A banker from Bangladesh, Yunus rallied against traditional policies that precluded loans to the poor by establishing the microcredit-oriented Grameen Bank to create economic and social development in struggling communities. In the USA, Nouijam started Pangea Day in an effort to harness the unifying power of film. Brazilian activist Giovanni fights animal trafficking, and doctor Cordeiro campaigns against terminally ill children living in squalid conditions.
In Mara Mourão’s (Doutores da Alegria) socially-focused documentary Who Cares (Quem se importa), concerned citizens form a chorus of mobilised voices, each determined to make the world a better place. Travelling between Brazil, Peru, the USA, Canada, Tanzania, Switzerland and Germany over just 40 days, the film compiles discussions with figures who are not just dedicated to caring but also attempting to combat the creep of apathy, indifference and ignorance inherent in modern society by effecting real and measurable change.
With the film freely inspired by David Bornstein’s book, How to Change the World, writer/director Mourão’s empathetic, impassioned subjects earn the label of social entrepreneur, creating solutions and endeavouring to influence others to do the same. As well as demonstrating their courageous and resolute efforts – including areas as vast and varied as the support of public defenders in new democracies, the detection of landmines using rats, the boosting of mathematics students’ self-esteem, and digital inclusion – the documentary examines the overarching concept behind these individuals’ committed actions, inspiring its viewers to follow in their footsteps.
The rhetoric behind the actions depicted, espoused with eloquence in each interview segment and summarised through the work and discussions of change-making pioneer Bill Drayton, is undeniably stimulating. Informing but never lecturing, the film succeeds in conveying the importance of social innovation. The diverse case studies are the documentary’s greatest strength; each proves compelling. While the majority of the feature is comprised of talking heads, it’s what they say that resonates.
Rating: 3 stars out of 5
Who Cares (Quem se importa)
Director: Mara Mourão
Brazil, 2012, 92 min
Transitions Film Festival, Melbourne
www.transitionsfilmfestival.com
15 – 23 February
Actors:
Director:
Format:
Country:
Release:
