The Best Web Video I’ve Seen In A Month… No, Ever.

by Syl Arena

Let’s face it - October’s been a tough month. The world melted down financially. There’s coast-to-coast vitriol over the election. A thief decided that he needed one of my cameras and a favorite lens more than I do. Job prospects are evaporating for everyone I know.

In the midst of all this, the following came to me quite innocently. Amy received the link in an email. Call me tired. Call me emotional. The first time I watched it, goose bumps covered my arms. I’ve watched it a dozen two dozen times since. Smiles break out whenever I show it to friends.

I’ve been lifted up and reinvigorated. Our world truly is an amazing place filled with people of all shapes, colors and sizes. I believe (again) that our current tribulations will pass. Thanks to a guy named Matt and his friends in 43 countries.

Where the Hell is Matt? (2008) from Matthew Harding on Vimeo.

If you have fast broadband, click here to watch a High-Def version.

Like many great movements, it started as a simple idea and spread like wildfire. Read the story here. If you want to download a legit personal copy for free, click here.

What’s this have to do with being a photographer? Nothing and everything at the same time.

11 comments

1 xlphotog { 10.24.08 at 7:45 am }: Thank you, thank you, thank you. At this time, where we are constantly reminded of those things that separate us it is a great thing to see something that reminds us that we are all humans. To laugh and cry at the same time is an amazing feeling.
Peace,
Craig C
2 Randy Kehne { 10.24.08 at 9:56 am }: I agree. I’ve watched this 100 times and it makes me smile and cry at the same time. Everyone is the same all over the world.
3 stephen wagner { 10.24.08 at 3:27 pm }: Thanks. I needed that today. Matt, whoever you are, it’s nice to be reminded that we’re all human.
4 Ana { 10.24.08 at 7:36 pm }: Wow, that video is sooo beautiful!
Yes, like most I too smiled and cried, and I just showed it to my 10 year old daughter, she also loved it. Thanks for sharing! BTW, I am a (quiet) fan of your blog and work.
Cheers from FL!
Ana
5 Chris Seckler { 10.27.08 at 2:10 pm }: Thanks for sharing this Syl! It truly did make me smile, and cry, just a little! Thanks again!
6 David Hobby { 10.27.08 at 2:36 pm }: Syl–

Thanks much for sharing that. Very good vibe — especially with all going on in the world right now.

-DH
7 bc { 10.27.08 at 4:39 pm }: I wanna go too
8 Pam { 10.27.08 at 7:58 pm }: Thanks for sharing. Perhaps if we all took a page out of Matt’s book - dance more and fight less, the world would be a better place.
9 Here's a 'Feel Good' video for you | OneBrightSpot.com- Jacob Vorpahl's Blog { 11.03.08 at 9:46 am }: [...] reasons to smile. I was checking out Pixsylated a little bit ago when they posted this video. Check out their write up on it, it probably reflects what a lot of people are feeling right now. Here is the [...]
10 Tina { 11.07.08 at 4:59 pm }: You ALL are my new heros. To see you Matt dancing in joy and spreading that and showing us all we are ONE….I cried. Thank You for being authentic.
Tina
11 Gareth { 11.11.08 at 10:55 am }: Do you think he had to get a model release from all those people????