Square One hosts documentary premiere on the lives of Kenyans living in a slum

On Sunday, May 3, Square One hosted the premiere of “Something to Smile About,” a documentary created by Benedictine Volunteer Corps Alumni Peyton Reece and Sam Rengo.

This documentary follows a social worker, a basketball player and an artist who are all trying to navigate life within Mathare, Kenya.

The film looks at what community means and the ways in which resilience can manifest amidst life struggles.  

Square One is a CSB+SJU student-run nonprofit that is committed to developing and implementing sustainable endeavors with communities across the globe operating under the College of St. Benedict 501(c)(3)status.

Every year, a group of students from Square One travel to a developing country with the goal of empowering local communities.

These goals are guided by a three-step process developed by Square One to guarantee that the project they undertake is catered to the needs of the communities that are being visited.

By holding a documentary premiere, Square One can educate the campus community about the people they serve and build support for different causes around the world.  

The documentary “Something to Smile About” investigated the lives of Robert the social worker, Powell the basketball player and Odongo the artist.

These three individuals are from Mathare, which is known to be Africa’s second largest slum.  

Robert is introduced first, with the documentary following his life as a social worker and single father.

He works at Madodo, a non-profit organization and center that assists boys living in Mathare.

As someone who grew up in Mathare, Robert shares how he hopes to change the lives of the boys who come to Madodo and set them up for a bright future.

In the documentary Robert says that although these boys might not be where they want to be yet, “with a smile, it will get better.”  

The story shifts to eighteen-year-old aspiring professional basketball player, Powell.

His segment of the documentary follows his basketball journey, from playing casually in Mathare to playing for Nairobi’s top basketball team.

Powell’s mother, Mama Powell, shared how supporting children’s dreams is important as it can lead to a better life; Coach Busu, Powell’s basketball coach, shared this same sentiment.

Powell shares how his determination to follow his dream will allow him to experience life outside of Mathare and build a better future for himself and his family. 

Lastly, the documentary concludes with Odongo, the artist.

Odongo is a recovering addict who utilizes art as a form of release.

He is involved with Alfajiri, a non-profit organization that offers art therapy and creative empowerment programs aimed at street children and vulnerable youth in the Nairobi area.

Throughout his segment, Odongo expresses his want for his mother to visit Alfajiri as she struggles with alcoholism.

Odongo shares how the program can allow her to get back on her feet and distance herself from addiction as it did for him.

Due to Odongo’s mother struggling with addiction, his story also touches on how he cares for his younger siblings and what that day-to-day is like for him. 

The film concluded with an update on each character, sharing how their lives have changed since filming originally took place.

Included were shots of residents and characters watching the documentary for the first time.  

Peyton Reece, a 2023 Johnnie alum, was one of the two co-directors of “Something to Smile About.” 

Reece handled filming and editing alongside Sam Rengo and learned a lot through the process.  

“I learned a lot about life, patience and about the importance of having faith in a vision, even when you don’t know the end result,” Reece said. “Humans are very similar regardless of where we originate from or what our financial situation is.” 

Reece’s favorite stand-out moment from the documentary making process was sharing it.  

 “The best part of the process was showing the film back in Kenya. Before we showed the film in America, we did almost 10 public screenings in the Mathare slum and around Nairobi. It was amazing to have all ofthe main characters present at these screenings so they could witness the impact of their stories on other people. It was also a highlight to spend time with all of them in a group and see the friendships they formed with each other after being brought together by this film,” Reece said.   

Reece hopes that those who watch this documentary become inspired and open their minds to the reality that we all share a common humanity no matter where we are from.