Own the Room

Own the Room chronicles the exhilarating journey of young entrepreneurs from different corners of the globe as they compete for the top prize at the Global Student Entrepreneur Awards. Released in 2021 and produced by National Geographic Documentary Films, the film features Alondra Toledo from Puerto Rico, Daniela Blanco from Venezuela, Henry Onyango from Kenya, among others, as they navigate their way through the challenging terrain of starting a new venture.

Directed by Cristina Costantini and Darren Foster, with Oscar-nominated actress Rosie Perez as one of the executive producers, Own the Room takes the viewers on a whirlwind ride of hope, determination, and resilience. The film has a run-time of approximately 91 minutes which it utilizes to portray the highs and lows of entrepreneurship and the sheer grit required to actualize one's dreams.

The narrative puts Alondra Toledo, a cheerleader and physics major from Puerto Rico, in the spotlight. She has created a simple microorganism that has the power to combat the dreaded Zika virus and create environmental sustainability. Coming from an island ridden with economic issues, her journey to the Global Student Entrepreneur Awards becomes a source of hope for her community and a testament to her perseverance.

Daniela Blanco, on the other hand, is a Venezuelan immigrant and chemist in the United States who has made a groundbreaking machine that could potentially revolutionize the dye industry. Her journey unfolds her struggles of being an immigrant as well as battling the male-dominated domain of engineering.

The Kenyan participant, Henry Onyango, has developed a method of turning fecal waste into a safe, affordable, and clean source of cooking fuel. His journey, however, is marred with social stigma and a string of rejections due to the nature of his project.

The filmmakers seamlessly weave these inspirational stories together, offering a sneak peek into the personal lives of the young entrepreneurs, their childhood, their families, and their dreams - juxtaposed against the comprehensible tension and thrill of the competition. While these participants hail from different cultures, countries, and backgrounds, they are connected by their shared passion and relentless determination to change the world through their innovative ideas.

Own the Room doesn't just restrict itself to being a tale about entrepreneurship; it delves into the socio-political realities of the countries it represents. For instance, through Alondra's story, the documentary paints a picture of the struggles faced by Puerto Rico post-Hurricane Maria, while Daniela's narrative humanely portrays the plight of immigrants in the U.S. Through Henry's saga, the film underscores the paradoxical reality of technological advancements available in the Western world contrasting the basic infrastructural shortcomings in many regions of Africa.

However, the overarching theme that emerges from the narratives is the unfaltering determination and optimism of the young entrepreneurs, who, despite facing numerous personal and professional roadblocks, never loose sight of their drive to make the world a better place.

Apart from deeply human stories, the film is visually captivating as well, with each frame deeply entrenched in the rich cultural and societal contexts of the main characters. The documentary cinematography beautifully captures the stark contrast between bustling cities and tranquil hometowns, opulent western development, and underserved African slums, offering an enriching visual journey.

Overall, Own the Room is a remarkable celebration of young entrepreneurial spirit coupled with an earnest reflection of their diverse social realities. It is a source of inspiration for fellow entrepreneurs as well as for anyone who dares to dream and challenge the status quo. More supremely, it's a compelling reminder of how perseverance, innovation, and belief in oneself can truly “own the room.” The film stands as a testament to the idea that regardless of where one comes from, anyone with ingenuity, courage, and grit can shape the world.