The Human Experience (2008)

Director:

Charles Kinnane

Writer:

Michael Campo (writer)

Genre:

Documentary

Tagline:

The meaning of life is discovered in the experience.

Plot:

The story of a band of brothers who travel the world in search of the answers to the burning questions: Who am I...

Plot Keywords:

Independent Film

Awards:

7 wins

Cast

Jeffrey Azize	...	Himself
Clifford Azize	...	Himself
Michael Campo	...	Himself
Matthew Sanchez	...	Himself
rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Franklin Ojeda Smith	...	Commentator

Directed by
Charles Kinnane

Writing credits (in alphabetical order)
Michael Campo		writer

Produced by
Clifford Azize	....	associate producer
Joseph Campo	....	producer
Michael Campo	....	associate producer

Original Music by
Thomas Bergersen

Film Editing by
Clifford Azize		(film segments)
Charles Kinnane

Production Design by
Simon Fung

Art Direction by
Simon Fung
Jeffrey Ptaszynski

Production Management
Joseph Campo	....	production manager
Charles Kinnane	....	post-production supervisor

Sound Department
Clifford Azize	....	foley artist
Harry Barber	....	sound re-recording mixer
Daniel Brennan	....	sound re-recording mixer

Camera and Electrical Department
Joseph Campo	....	assistant camera
Charles Kinnane	....	camera operator

Editorial Department
Adam Greenberg	....	assistant online editor
Mishel Hassidim	....	lead colorist

Music Department
Petr Pololanik	....	conductor
Petr Pololanik	....	orchestra contractor
Nic. tenBroek	....	composer: additional music

Transportation Department
José Natividad	....	driver

Other crew
Anthony Fiducia	....	production assistant
Joseph Hong	....	production assistant
Scott Johnson	....	production coordinator
A. Melefsky	....	production coordinator
José Natividad	....	production assistant
Patrick O'Toole	....	production assistant

Production Companies

• Grassroots Films

Distributors

• Grassroots Films

Other Companies

• Post Factory NY  on-line editing and color correction

MPAA:

Rated PG-13 for mature thematic material and some disturbing images

Runtime:

USA:90 min

Country:

USA

Language:

Spanish | English | Ewe

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Stereo (Stereo)

Certification:

USA:PG-13 (certificate #46421)

Filming Locations:

Ghana

Company:

Grassroots Films

Trivia:

During filming, the cast and crew slept on the streets with the homeless of New York City during the coldest week of February.

Quotes:

Dr. William B. Hurlbut M.D.:If you treasure your own life, you should treasure other's lives.

An intriguing documentary film

I first saw The Human Experience in April 2009 at Penn State University. One of the things that first drew me to the film was the beautiful soundtrack by composer Thomas Bergersen, which I heard on the website. The Human Experience has a lot to offer, both in terms of aesthetics and in terms of content. The cinematography was lush and vivid, transporting the audience to the places that Jeff, Michael, and their friends visit during the film. I was particularly intrigued by the interview segments where various individuals shared their thoughts about the meaning of life. These moments of reflection provided an opportunity for viewers to ponder the question themselves. The plot is also an interesting one, where four refreshingly sincere people set off to "experience" a day in someone else's shoes, expecting no gain except a deeper understanding of human life. Documentary films can often be preachy, one-note; sacrificing the conventions of storytelling to drive a particular message. The Human Experience tells a great story AND has a great message. For someone who tends to watch fiction-narrative most of the time, I found this documentary film to be very engaging and interesting. I would definitely recommend it, both to aspiring filmmakers, humanitarians, and anyone who wants to learn more about the world, its people, and the value of life.