H.O.P.E. Was Here
WINTER FILM AWARDS 2015 NOMINEE - BEST DOCUMENTARY
2014
Peru
58 mins
English and Spanish
Documentary Film Competition
| Mark Denega | |
| Mark Denega, Mike Lyons, Travis Kumph and Justin Thompson | |
| Brendan Murray, Jenna Morris, Kamilia Drogosz, Chris Kefalas, Chris Wetzel, Joseph Miller, Jhonny Hilario, Travis Kumph |
Affluent college students from Boston embark on a one-week goodwill trip to the slums of Lima, Peru in this story about the phenomenon of volunteer vacations, which have fast become both a hallmark and a point of controversy for today’s socially conscious generation. 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. Produced in association with the Malibu-based documentary incubator Creative Visions Foundation
Inspired by the book Peace of Me: Reflections of Service and Self-Discovery by Travis Kumph
About the Director
Mark Denega is a non-fiction producer, cinematographer, and editor whose work has won awards at international film festivals and across the web. Mark’s debut documentary, H.O.P.E. Was Here, earned accolades at the Mexico International Film Festival and The Indie Fest, and his documentary series COMlife picked up a Telly Award and a Best TV Show nomination at the College Emmys. Originally from Orange County, NY, Mark graduated film school from Boston University and now shoots, produces, and edits content for MSG Networks in New York City.
Awards
2014 Mexico International Film Festival – Bronze Palm Award
2014 The Indie Fest – Award of Merit
2014 Hollywood Music in Media Awards – Official Nomination, Best Original Score in a Documentary
