These guys were the main film crew for "Give A Damn?". Dan, Rob, and David traveled through the US, Europe, and into Africa living on $1.25 a day starting July 4th, 2008 (see the video blog from the road). They met up with Tim and Tony in Africa. After the plane crash, David, Tim, and Tony provided support, while Dan and Rob were recovering in the hospital in Nairobi. Within 2 weeks of the crash, Dan and Rob returned to the US to recover. David and Tim continued the $1.25 journey, filming throughout Africa. They returned to the US on November 21st.
Dan Parris is the filmmaker/activist/goofball whose lingering questions about how to help the poor, after returning from a trip to Africa, served as the fuel for the film Give A Damn? He returned to Saint Louis after graduating from Biola University in Los Angeles with a B.A. in Film Production. He has made over a hundred short films and is currently pursuing the dream he has had for nearly a decade - to make feature films that will have ground-breaking impact in the world.
Rob Lehr is Dan's offensive, yet delightful friend who he met years ago, after both of them left jaded pasts to become Christians. Rob eventually took a different path and left the church altogether, something of which they have both kept in continual dialogue about ever since. Passions for Rob include hunting, poetry, filmmaking, and sharing his views no matter how you may feel about them. He has a degree in Business from Missouri State University and is currently working on developing his own production company, Hambone Productions. Their relationship will serve as the backbone of Give A Damn?, as their different viewpoints collide and yet their friendship still grows.
David Peterka is the Assistant Producer of Give A Damn? He is an experienced activist whose passion and knowledge of social justice and African life serve as a great asset for the team. Currently he is pursuing his degree in Intercultural and Urban Missions in St. Louis, MO and developing the project, "If the Saints."
Tim Peterka can’t remember how many times he almost died. Our cameraman, is a career student who has traveled extensively and worked a variety of photography jobs including one as professional aerial photographer. Like Rob, he grew up in the church, but fell away in high school and is now an agnostic atheist. His travel knowledge will be put to the test in Africa. Oh, and he also boils a great pot of rice.
Tony Mungai unknowingly played a key part in the Give A Damn? story from the very beginning, serving as a guide during Dan's first visit to the Kibera slum. Their conversations heavily impacted Dan's perception of extreme poverty, and in turn, helped mold his life's dream to irradicate it. Tony served as the film's translator, guide, and health worker. With a diploma in Community Health and Management of HIV/AIDS, he recently embarked on his dream by starting the MTAANI VCT Center. The center offers desparately needed HIV/AIDS testing and counseling services in the Kibera area and provides referrals for medication, health care treatment, and specialized counseling for clients living with HIV/AIDS.