Dan Parris - director, producer, co-editor and subject of the film “What Matters?,” originally titled “Give a Damn?,” - will speak to students about filming the documentary at 10 a.m. April 15. There will be a screening of the film at 6:30 p.m. Immediately following the film showing, there will be a question and answer session with the filmmaker.

“What Matters?” is a feature length documentary about three friends, two idealistic activists and one skeptic, attempting to live in poverty - $1.25 a day, across three continents. The adventure takes a devastating turn when two of them survive a deadly plan crash in Africa and all three must fight to finish what they started.

The film was inspired by Parris' 2005 trip to the second largest slum in Africa, Kenya's Kibera slum. In Kibera, the average person lives on $1.25 a day, with no paved roads, no indoor plumbing or sewage control and houses made out of mud, sticks and scrap metal. Upon his return home, Parris wanted to make a difference.  

“Since the filmmakers are from Missouri, it will be fun and inspirational to see firsthand what local people are doing to make a difference.” said Vicky Herbel, SCC professor of sociology and Multicultural Programming committee member.

For more information, contact Mandi Smith at asmith@stchas.edu.

For accommodation information, e-mail accessibilityservice@stchas.edu.

St. Charles Community College is a public, comprehensive two-year community college with associate degrees and certificate programs in the arts, business, sciences and career-technical fields. SCC provides workforce training and community-based personal and professional development as well as cultural, recreational and entertainment opportunities. For more information, visit www.stchas.edu.