Stop the Pity: Alex Presents Commando
Created by Joe Sabia
Shot by Bryce Yukio Adolphson
This video was Alex’s reaction to the word “California” and it’s all about him being awesome. Some might be appalled by his glorification of our cultural exports. An Arnold Schwarzenegger flick? Really? …but that’s kind of the point. I’ve known Alex for 2 years now and he’s just a 9 year old boy who loves movies. This is who he is. Not some black and white high contrast photo depicting him as an helpless AIDS orphan (which he is isn’t… though there is a film out there that literally does exactly that). Of course, there are many many people who desperately need aid, but it’s completely unfair to stereotype an entire continent on behalf of guilt driven fundraising. You can read more about the Stop the Pity campaign at mamahope.org.
I shot this interview last summer while in Tanzania documenting the construction of Mama Hope’s St. Timothy’s school. It’s been edited and produced by the masterful Joe Sabia. It debuted on boingboing.net and their Virgin America Airlines Channel and has been subsequently picked up by VH1′s Best Week Ever among others.
