It all began with a BNI referral from BNI "Networking for Success" chapter member Matt Mitchell.
Early one morning in March 2009, Matt handed me a referral and said "OK, this is NOT a movie, but it's a non-profit, great organization, maybe you could help them with their fundraising."
Matt had seen many of the videos I had produced for non-profits through Left Brain/Right Brain Productions' Commercial Unit.
I followed up with the referral, was introduced to the president of the organization, and found out the president, although interested in exploring how I could with them (the Chicago Association of the Lost Boys of Sudan), was headed back to Sudan to reunite with his family for the first time in 22 years.
I had three weeks to raise money, find a director of photography, get my *passport* (I'd never been out of the country!) and shots, and distribution.
By the time we boarded the British Airways flight from Chicago to Nairobi, I had money from the UN refugee agency USA for UNHCR, 6 corporate sponsors, and a letter if intent to distribute from mtv-U (as they have an ongoing Sudan campaign).
I returned to the US with 100 hours of footage went to Los Angeles to edit the film with a woman who had just finished Oliver Stone's last two films, and completed the film in August 2009. We had a week-long premier of the film at the Village East Cinema in New York City , and qualified for the 2010 Academy Awards (didn't make the cut but it was exciting to have achieved that level).
We have a lot of press and events this spring with the film, along with screenings in Chicago, Washington, D.C., and film festivals.
And this all began with a BNI referral slip before 8AM!!!
Thank you to BNI! You never know what getting up early that morning is going to bring!!
Malachi Leopold
Director, "22 Years From Home"
www.22YearsFromHome.com
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