Jehane Noujaim had a wish; World Peace.  More specifically, she wanted to create world peace through film; to bring the world together through film for 1 day each year.  The idea was that if people could see each other’s faces, could see each other’s environments, could see inside of someone else’s head for a day, they would see that we are all human beings and that we are not so different. The 2006 TED Prize Winner was awarded $100,000 to make her wish come true, and Pangea Day; “The Day the World Comes Together” was born.

Jehane started working with a global community of musicians, artists, speakers and filmmakers, in an attempt to provide them with a platform to reach as many people in the world as possible.  This event would go live in 100 countries.  No longer would the images of the many be held in the hands of few, the trailer declared (via subtitle in a selection of languages).  So a worldwide search began, a search to find films made by the world, for the world – to be broadcast to the world in a live event.

May 10, 2008 became Pangea Day – sites in Cairo, Kigali, London, Los Angeles, Mumbai, and Rio de Janeiro were linked and went live to share the stories through film and music, in hopes to unite the world and share truths.  The hope was that this day would inspire people to strike out on their own for various worthy causes near and dear to them. 

The four hour event was meant to inspire the world long after May 10th.  The broadcast was available online, on TV, and via mobile devices.  And as with all good causes, some celebrities were on hand to speak about how important this idea was to them.

The Pangea Day website dedicates one of its sections to various charities that one can donate toward, or voice their opinion about.  But each link is now outdated, some links no longer active.  As there are currently no plans for a Pangea Day sequel, what is the next step?  Pangea Day provided a thought and the action inspired by that thought is in all of our hands. 

But is the world taking action?  Is 1 day enough?  Are 4 hours what it takes to bridge the gap between countries, languages, and decades of war and misinterpretations, stereotypes, and perceptions?  I believe in the power of film, but I also believe in the power of repetition.  I don’t claim to understand how the world thinks, but if I had to guess, I’d say that “out of sight, out of mind” is a universal truth.  Is there hope for world peace when we can’t even dedicate 1 day each year to the idea?

Pangea Day must have been amazing – I wish I’d been witness to it.  But more than that, I hope that this idea comes to life again.  We could all use a little hope and unity right now.