Code your way to a better future
A documentary about empowering underserved women to work in tech
The wealth gap in Latin America is growing at an alarming pace. The only jobs available to most young people are low-skilled and in the informal economy. But Laboratoria (Peru) may well have found a powerful solution. A group of six millennials designed an educational program for underprivileged women to become high-end web developers.
In the brand new documentary series ‘Fix the World and Make Money’ filmmakers Erik Loots & Linda Vermaat share the inspiring stories of six social entrepreneurs from all over the globe. The companies’ missions are clear, but challenging the established order is no easy task. We follow the entrepreneurs on their road to success; from disillusion and despair to hope and excitement. On the 2nd of October the episode about Laboratoria will be launched on TwentieFour’s Youtube Channel.
Low expectations
People are often judged by what they have rather than for who they are. Laboratoria was founded to empower women in Latin America from low-income backgrounds. In low-income communities teachers often don’t expect their students to do well — a negative spiral is the result. Laboratoria’s teachers and staff demand a lot from their students, and give them the education and tools they need to work in the digital sector.
You can’t be what you can’t see
Laboratoria founder Mariana: “There are very few women in tech to look up to.” That’s why the organisation focuses on equipping young women with the tools to be successful in a sector traditionally dominated by men. As Mariana says: “You can’t be what you can’t see.”
Laboratoria has recently opened 5 centers in Lima, Santiago, Mexico City, Guadalajara and Sao Paulo and has trained over 800 developers and UX designers. At the start of the program most of the students have never seen a line of code. However, more than 80% of students find a job after completing Laboratoria’s training.
Behind the scenes
In every episode, filmmakers Erik Loots & Linda Vermaat follow one “Fix the World” founder for 24 hours non-stop, resulting in an intimate look inside in their home and work life. The focus of this series is not on doomsday threats of climate change or capitalism. Instead, meet the dreamers, pioneers and go-getters that have chosen entrepreneurship as their weapon for change.
The power of good business
‘Fix the world and make money’ is the first international documentary series by production company TwentieFour. By celebrating unconventional social businesses from around the world they want to inspire people not to give up; on themselves or on a better world. Innovation and positive change is happening, not just in Silicon Valley, but also in India, Peru and Amsterdam.
Other episodes and release dates
House of Eleonore — Bling without the sin — 25th of September
Diamonds are a girl’s best friend, until she learns how her bling is mined. House of Eléonore exclusively uses fair trade gold and artificial diamonds. But can a sustainable underdog make it in the cutthroat world of high-end jewellery?
Edible Cutlery — Spoons vs plastic pollution — 9th of October
Narayana Peesapaty (India) wants to reverse our dependency on plastic by providing an alternative; edible cutlery. A brilliant invention that almost didn’t survive huge financial backlash. A story about perseverance and good karma.
Dr Bronner’s - All One — 16th of October
Mike and David Bronner (United States) run a multimillion dollar organic soap brand that gives most of its profits back to their employees and charities. The business seems to prosper, but how easy is it to run a business with your entire family?
Erika Lust — Is feminist porn hot? — 23rd of October
Is porn by definition chauvinistic and racist? Feminist and independent adult filmmaker Erika Lust (Spain) believes it doesn’t have to be and is providing a friendly alternative. But how hot is feminist porn?
Note for the editors
Download press kit
Would you like to interview one of the entrepreneurs or the filmmakers?Please contact:
Linda Vermaat
linda@twentiefour.com
+31 6 24214970
Check out our website for more information. We can share other episodes, trailers and press releases upon request.
About TwentieFour
Video production company TwentieFour was founded by creative couple Erik Loots and Linda Vermaat. They write and produce (long and short form) films and commercials for companies and organisations making this world a better place. Erik is an independent filmmaker and Linda works as an impact startup scout and moderator. They came up with the idea for this documentary on their third date in Marrakech, Morocco. They are married and expecting their first child in the Fall.
This series is a co-production with BrightVibes, a media platform for positive news and stories with a global reach of more than 1,5 million.
We would love to thank Triple for their support and faith in our project. Triple is the innovative digital partner voor A-list brands. Schalk & Lex, without you this could not have been possible.
