Every Three Seconds

Every Three Seconds is a poignant, enlightening documentary directed and produced by Daniel Karslake that premiered in 2014. The movie stars renowned figures in the world of social change, such as Ken Banks, Sam Daley-Harris, Susan Davis, and others. Enveloped within the film’s runtime is an exploration of poverty, hunger, and disease and the personal battles fought against these global problems by ordinary individuals.

The movie’s title, Every Three Seconds, pays homage to the sobering statistic that someone in the world dies from problems relating to malnutrition and extreme poverty every 3 seconds. With so much human suffering underpinning our world’s stark inequalities, Every Three Seconds serves to draw attention to these issues through its provocative storytelling and engaging narrative.

The film captures the driving force of altruism through the lives and campaigns of five individuals who decided they could, and would change the world. Karslake's narrative delivers a substantial ethos that, no matter how ordinary, anybody can make a difference.

Ken Banks, social entrepreneur and author, is one of the featured figures in the documentary. Recognized and respected worldwide for his work in creating 'FrontlineSMS,' a text messaging system devised to obscure the communications gap faced by nonprofit organizations in developing regions, he epitomizes the power that one committed person can yield to significantly impact society.

Sam Daley-Harris, another figure highlighted, is an influential figure in citizen engagement and the microcredit field. His book, "Reclaiming our Democracy," is praised for its motivational message in steering ordinary people to wield extraordinary political influence. Sam’s contribution to the movie stands testament to this spirit of democratic engagement, sculpting a robust case for individual potential.

The third notable figure in the film, Susan Davis, is a co-founder of BRAC USA, a branch of BRAC, the world's largest non-governmental organization. She stands as a powerful advocate for women and girls globally and her efforts in bringing transformative change set an impactful tone throughout Every Three Seconds.

Through the stories of these individuals, Every Three Seconds illustrates that making a significant difference in the world does not exclusively belong to the realm of governments, wealthy benefactors, or large charity organizations. It shows that everyday people, compelled by compassion and armed with perseverance, can change the lives of thousands.

The film intertwines these many personal narratives into a cohesive piece of visual storytelling that inspires and empowers viewers to affect positive change in their communities and beyond. It effectively breaks down stereotypical notions of poverty and hunger, highlighting the complexity of these issues and inspiring viewers to commit to meaningful action.

Beyond the tales of individual heroism that pervade the film, Every Three Seconds is a testament to the collective power of humanity. It speaks to the potential in everyone to create a better world and the inherent responsibility we bear to those less fortunate.

The documentary is a captivating blend of education and motivation, bidding us to take what we learn from the stories of Ken Banks, Sam Daley-Harris, Susan Davis, and others, and utilize that knowledge to make our unique impact on the world.

Every Three Seconds is more than just a movie; it is an exploration of the human spirit, a rallying cry for social justice, and an exemplar of the extraordinary things that ordinary people can achieve. Despite the film’s grounding in hard-hitting topics of poverty, hunger, and disease, it leaves viewers with a sense of hope and the encouragement that everyone has the power to change these realities for the better. This film is an essential watch for those seeking motivation to make a real difference in the world and a vivid reminder that change starts with a single, resolved individual.