H.O.P.E. Was Here

H.O.P.E. Was Here

Directed by Mark Denega
Produced by Mike Lyons
A story about the merits and pitfalls of short-term volunteering abroad, or "voluntourism."

Videos

H.O.P.E. Was Here: Official Trailer

Overview

Genre
Adventure, Culture, Contemporary Issues, and Human Interest
Synopsis

Affluent, Boston-based college students embark on a weeklong goodwill trip to the slums of Lima, Peru in this story about the phenomenon of volunteer vacations—also known as "voluntourism" or service trips—which have fast become both a hallmark of global citizenry and a point of controversy for socially conscious millenials. In their attempts to teach English and work with developmentally disabled children, the students must confront the reality of their work and whether or not it’s creating positive change. A fresh take on a classic moral dilemma, H.O.P.E. Was Here deals with the intersection of privilege and poverty by asking what it really means to help people.

Stage
finished
Running time
57 minutes

Credits

  • Mark Denega ... Director, Editor, Producer
  • Mike Lyons ... Producer
  • Emilio D. Miler ... Composer
  • Andrew Duncan Will ... Sound Editor and Mixer
  • Matt Tranzillo ... Story Producer, Artwork
  • Travis Kumph ... Associate Producer
  • Justin Thompson ... Associate Producer

Production Details

Prod. Co.
Third Man In
Country
United States
Years of Production
2011 - 2014
Locations
Boston, MA, USA and Lima, Peru
Prod. Partners
Creative Visions Foundation, Travel2change

Distribution Details

Release year
2014
Festivals
Hoboken International Film Festival, Mexico International Film Festival, Winter Film Awards, The Indie Fest, Llanberis Mountain Film Festival
Awards
Bronze Palm Award, Mexico International Film Festival - Award of Merit, The Indie Fest - Nominee, Best Original Score, Hollywood Music in Media Awards
Distribution
Digital distribution by Kinonation
Language
English, Spanish

Photos

Bb89d2a95aa1ac600ac192643b2f7de3

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