On Wednesday, February 12th, the FiltersFast.com Team had the incredible honor to attend the premiere of Wine To Water’s film: “I Can. I Do.”
Since 2011, we have been partnered with Wine To Water, a water charity located in Boone, NC. We came together with one mission in mind- to end the global water crisis. Over the past few years, we have helped them impact the lives of thousands of people by supporting life and dignity through the power of clean water.
Fun fact: We learned at the premiere last week that they will reach their one-millionth person with clean water this year.
In 2018, FiltersFast.com sponsored and attended Wine To Water’s first-ever Summit. There was no doubt that when their film premiere came to our hometown of Charlotte, we would be there to celebrate with them.
This groundbreaking film follows the lives and stories of three humble and passionate world-changers and how Wine To Water has helped change their lives and their communities.
The film features Jhonny from the Amazon, Rhosani from Nepal, and Radha from the Dominican Republic.
While we wish all of you could have been there to experience the premiere with us, we’ve put together a quick little recap of the night.
The evening began with an intimate VIP reception and a Q&A with the film’s creator and producer, Matt Rath.
FiltersFast.com’s Senior Brand Manager, Diamond Nurse, was asked to say a few words before the film began.
“It is our mission and really close to hearts to provide and educate on the importance of having access to clean air and water, so it was only right for us to have a partnership with Wine To Water.” -Diamond Nurse, Senior Brand Manager
During the Q&A, Matt Rath talked about how quickly this film came together and how working on this film has impacted his life.
He said that watching it back allowed him to see the interviews from a different perspective.
He recalled the interview that he did with Radha in the Dominican Republic and how he didn’t realize at the time the significance of some of the things that Radha was saying. He shared that Rahda had been called “Crazy” by people for most of his life, but he was so tied to what he was doing that he pushed through, now those same people call him “Brilliant”.
“We are all coming around to the idea that we’re all ordinary people attempting to do something extraordinary.” -Matt Rath, Filmmaker
After the informative Q&A, the doors opened to the general public and we enjoyed a few tasty hors d’oeurves and mingled with some of our friends from Wine To Water.
Ed, President of Wine To Water-Charlotte, kicked off the evening by sharing a few words about what it means to be a part of this amazing organization.
Wine to Water’s Director of Global Operations, Josh Elliott, took the stage and shared a powerful message before introducing the film.
Josh talked about the meaning behind the name Wine To Water and what it means to them as an organization. “Those two things, Wine and Water. They’re catalysts for connection.” -Josh Elliot, Director of Global Operations
As the film started, the room fell silent and you could sense the eagerness and excitement of the audience to see this groundbreaking film.
“I never stop, I continue. If I stop now, I be a crazy man. I can. I do.” -Rhada, Dominican Republic Master Ceramicist
“Value your life for the simple things. Value your life for who you are. This is what water does, it enables people to take the next step. It enables to be the thing they are supposed to be.” -Jhonny, Columbia Program Director
“I wanted to work for my people.” -Rhosani, Nepal Country Director
In the film, Rhosani shared that access to clean water has empowered women, who are heads of their households because many of their husbands are off working in other countries. It’s also improved the community drastically. Schools and businesses are not being built with mud and straw anymore, but with brick and mortar. It all started with clean water.
“Water is life. You keep doing what you are doing well. At some point, this world is going to change.” -Rahda, Dominican Republic
“This work that we’re doing, it’s come with a lot of fear. But just taking that step even though you’re scared, do it. The dividends are immeasurable.” -Leslie Cuthbert, Wine To Water’s CEO David Cuthbert’s wife [pictured below]
The evening ended with a few closing remarks from Leslie Cuthbert, who is interviewed by Courtney Mattar, Partnership Manager at Wine To Water.
Watching the film and being in the presence of so many people that share the same passion and mission that I do was indescribable. We are so honored to play a small part and help support the work that Wine To Water does. If you have an opportunity to go see the film, we encourage you to do so. You will walk away changed. To find out if the film will be coming to your area, click here.
To learn more about our partnership with Wine To Water and the work that they do, click here.
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