MISSION
A Documentary Short
MISSION: Nepal, follows Sushil, as well as his childhood friends Karjit and Arjun, as he reflects on his time growing up in orphanages, playing with all the volunteers that came. They discuss good and bad impacts that were a part of their interactions with the volunteers.
Why is this Important?
When it comes to impact, this film will shed light on the controversy of voluntourism and educate people on what to look for when it comes to planning their next service trip or act of service. This film’s goal is to educate, we want people to stop and question the companies causing the voluntourism and travel industry problems. As well as put their service spending towards companies that are actually helping the communities.
The biggest problem in this industry is the word not getting out to people who are looking to serve. These new volunteers don’t know how to look into the potential downfalls these organizations create within these communities. So the cycle of new, ignorant volunteers putting their spending towards these companies, keeps these organizations prosperous.
This project is timely and urgent because this is a 173 billion dollar business that is taking advantage of people in need and people who are trying to help, in order to bank off of people’s insecurities and struggles. Also with the COVID 19 vaccine now out, traveling will start to begin again for many people. With this new beginning there is an opportunity for change.
There still hasn’t been an in-depth personal documentary series like this yet about the issue of short term service and impacts of volunteering around the world. Also, because of my personal experience, passion, willingness to learn and drive to help others, as well as the research I’ve done, I am the best person to make this documentary. Through questioning this industry’s practices and the status quo, this film will bring forth the opportunity to speak with people who have grown up receiving volunteer help first hand and will tell their truths about the long term impacts that had on them.
Directors Statement
Personally speaking, in high school I attended a one-week mission trip every year for 5 years. As well as a service immersion trip my first year of college. As each year passed, while going on those trips, the question kept coming up: Am I actually helping these communities by going on this trip?
That is why I feel personally driven to make this documentary. I want to meet and listen to people who have grown up around volunteers, I want to see what they think volunteers need to do to be better and I want to live in these communities to figure out if they are getting the help they need.
I am the best person to make this film because I have the passion and drive to help others. I have gone on these trips before and because of my experiences I want to have a discussion with people about them.