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Each year, millions of entrepreneurs launch new businesses, eager to share their ideas and innovations with their community—and maybe even the world. Unfortunately, few of these businesses succeed—often due to lack of support and funding. So some—like the young people in the documentary Own the Room—seek financing through competitions.
Own the Room follows five young people from around the world as they prepare to compete in the 2019 Global Student Entrepreneur Awards in Macau, China. They come from all around the world: Nepal, Greece, Kenya, Puerto Rico, and the United States. But while their situations and backgrounds are different, they all come with the same goal in mind: to win the prize and fund a business that will help them change lives and inspire other young people. Before they can take home the prize, though, they’ll have to face some tough competitors—and other challenges, too.
While these young entrepreneurs prepare for their competition, the film allows viewers to get to know each one: their personalities, their backgrounds, and the problems they’re setting out to solve. These problems definitely cover a wide range. For code-loving Kenyan Henry, it’s local: helping students in Nairobi find reliable lodging. For fun-loving Santosh, it’s trying to help the millions of people who have left Nepal stay connected with friends and family back home. For others, though, it’s a more global problem. Resilient Puerto Rican Alondra wants to help the deaf community get medical care. Greek jokester Jason is using AI to translate babies’ cries. And Venezuelan immigrant and NYU student Daniela has developed a sustainable way to produce nylon.
The growing nervousness and tension give the film a natural drama as the students gather in Macau to compete. There’s an air of excitement and anticipation to it all—but also one of camaraderie. These business owners may be competing for a very big prize that could make their business a success, but they’re also young people on an adventure, which adds to the energy. And when one of the students faces additional challenges, it gives the story even more suspense as the final deadlines loom. So while the film may be about young people pitching their businesses to a panel of judges, it’s tense and emotional and far from a dry documentary.
As you spend time with these five young business owners, you’ll be amazed by their journey. You’ll be inspired by their dedication to changing the world. And you’ll root these likable young people on as they prepare to compete, wishing that all of them could get the support that they need to make their businesses succeed.
Listen to the review on Reel Discovery:
