Hilde Back writing a letter at home.

A Small Act is an inspiring documentary emphasizing how a single action can have a huge impact.  The film tells the story of Chris Mburu from Kenya, whose primary school education was paid for by the sponsorship of a Swedish woman named Hilde Back.  Because of her generous act, Chris was able to gain the experience that eventually led him to Harvard University.  Later in life, Chris founded the Hilde Back Education Fund to help support Kenyan children who may not otherwise receive an education.  This film is proof that every small act can make a difference.  I recently interviewed the filmmaker, Jennifer Arnold, about what drew her to this story and why she believes A Small Act has the power to change the world.

Q.  How did you first come across Chris Mburu and the Hilde Back Education Fund?
A.  I actually came across this story because I was trying to sponsor a child in Kenya.  I went to University of Nairobi back in the 90’s. I made a lot of great friends there and we stayed in touch.  I called a friend (Jane Wanjiru, who is in the movie) and asked her which education foundation would be reputable?  She said that she and her cousin, Chris Mburu, had started their own small fund.  First she told me about Chris’ search for his sponsor, and I thought, “that story would make a great film.”  Then she told me that they were about to select new kids, and before I knew it I was in Kenya researching and filming all at once.

Chris Mburu

Q.  What inspired you to make this film?
A.  A lot of my friends from Kenya have become incredibly successful.  They’re empowered, middle-class Africans making a difference in the world at large.  I got tired of seeing Africans typically portrayed as some sort of victim.  Things are starting to change now, but for a while every image I saw about Africa was of a child soldier, or a starving refugee.  I completely support bringing awareness to the crises happening on the continent, but it’s also important to show a counter-balance.  So, that was part of the original inspiration, but the story is also so full of emotion and drama.   It’s a movie I would want to see and that in itself is inspiring.

Q.  How long has this organization been around and what impact have you seen so far? How is the organization funded?
A.  Chris founded The Hilde Back Education Fund in 2003 as a thank you to the woman who changed his life.  The fund started off extremely small, with the Kenyan Board Members donating most of the money themselves.  They have a few Western sponsors and Hilde also occasionally raises money.  There is a donation link on their website but thus far most of the fundraising is very grass roots.  For example, on Hilde’s birthday she asked for donations in lieu of gifts.  Chris and Jane really push other Kenyan professionals to become sponsors, as well.  They are always looking to expand their base, because there are so many smart kids in their village whose lives depend on that opportunity.  The first round of HBEF beneficiaries are now in university and have pledged to become sponsors themselves one day.  So the impact is exponential.

Q.  What changes do you want to see as a result of “A Small Act?”
A.  I want people to know that whatever “small act” they make in the world, it does make a difference.  It can be something simple, like donating toward a cause, or a bigger commitment to bringing about change.  Each of us has the power to do something and collectively these “small acts” add up.  It doesn’t take much - just do something.

Q.  When will we be able to see the feature length version?

A.  We’re working as fast as we can!  It’s all very complicated, because we’re editing in English, Swedish and Kikuyu with a little bit of Kiswahili mixed in.  You will see the finished product in 2010, which is just around the corner.

Kimani in class.

Q. Your film stresses the importance of education and is proof that giving a little can have a huge impact.  What actions can we take to help make a difference?

A. Education is hugely important in preventing future crises, not just in other parts of the world, but here at home.  There are so many cuts in education right now and so little thought to the long-term implications.  I am a huge believer in sponsorship, and it is very easy to join a program like HBEF or one of the many others.  But I also believe in taking action on a local level.  I would love it if people looked into their own communities and did their own small acts.  It could be volunteering at a tutoring center, a community center, or a local school fund-raiser.  People can also start their own local scholarship funds, like Chris did.  There are so many little things we can do to help out and no better investment than education.

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A SMALL ACT documentary trailer from Patti Lee on Vimeo.
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You can also watch a 15-minute clip of footage here.

Photos courtesy Patti Lee.