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Send to friendONE the Movie
Students love the film portion of our programs. Over 85% indicate they "really enjoyed it" or "it totally rocked" (n = 113). And the vast majority indicate they feel greater compassion toward others and more introspective on what they want to do with their life as a result of viewing the film. ONE is a documentary which poses 20 timeless questions to a highly diverse group of people. It explores questions that are very interesting, if not a central concern, to young adults. Because a single correct answer evades these questions, they provide a perfect "lab" for students to practice articluating views, listening, and suspending judgment on each others' perspectives as they take turns answering:
The film's content strongly appeals to most young adults. Its questions align very closely to the primary motivations (vectors) of young adult identity development (Chickering); the student-empowered design offers a refreshing break from lecture and provides a safe opportunity for self- and relational exploration.
Finally, the film serves another purpose. Students are repetitively exposed to unifying messages of compassion, diversity appreciation, and our common humanity. Most are quite amazed and inspired by the film to better respect others.
After ONE’s release, it became apparent that the film was more than just an entertaining movie. Within months, universities, high schools and other communities began arranging screening events using ONE as a way to stimulate dialog and collective exploration of life’s deeper meaning. Harvard and Yale were among the first to hold screenings. 
Interestingly, the feedback suggested the film’s appeal came not from providing answers to these questions, but from inviting viewers to explore these issues together and the build capacity for differences of opinion to become a source of deeper understanding.
After watching the film, students engage in small group exploration of many of the questions posed in the film. This exercise develops listening skill and an openness to suspend judgment on the ideas of others – both critical to high performing teams. Students also gain the opportunity articulate their beliefs to relevant questions and get to know fellow students better. A shortened version (39 minutes) of the full 84-minute film is used for this exercise.
Questions related to ONE: The Movie
Why is there poverty and suffering in the world?
What is the greatest source of conflict between your generation and your parent's?
If you could have great health or great wealth for the rest of your life, which would you choose and why? (no, money can't buy health)
What contribution to society would you most like to make?
What do you like most about American culture?
What makes you most depressed?
What do you fear most?
How does one obtain true peace?
What does it mean to live in the present moment?
What distracts you most often from being in the present moment?
What happens to you after you die?
What is the meaning of life?
If you believe in a divine spirit, describe God.
What is the greatest quality humans possess?
What prevents people from living to their fullest potential?
Non-verbally, by motion or gesture only, act out what you believe is the current condition of the world.
What is your one wish for the world?
How are we all connected?
“ONE; the Movie really opened our eyes to the beauty of humanity. Even though everyone had a variety of views, everything each individual believes somehow manages to come together into one common idea: the unity of the human race.”
Hope Kwapiszewski
Ferris State University
