OK, so I'm late to the party. I've just found this Sarah McLachlan video, which utterly delights me for existing.

It's a pretty brutal piece of perspective on one level, and I like to imagine there's some record company exec who's steaming mad at McLachlan but unable to do anything about it (I know, I know, but let me live with the fantasy).

As far as I can tell, the thing's more than a year old, but I'm not really a McLachlan fan.

It's still... current. There's more on how it got made over here:

Muller captured a stark, simple performance by McLachlan that is interspersed with scenes displaying the standard cost for video production (inclusive of camera crews, electricians, and location fees, etc.) comparing those costs with the price of food, medical supplies and education for over one million people.... Those expenses that are customary for a video production were sent to a list of 11 charities with total funds equaling $150,000. The only production expense was $15, the cost of a Sony miniDV tape.

It's nice to have a bit of perspective from time to time.

I'm also delighted with the video because the link at the bottom led me to the FilmAid International website, which seems to be the kind of sublime, absurd, beautiful and necessary charity I respect the most. Maybe it's just because I'm not an engineer like the Peace Corps wants or a Doctor Without Borders, but I've worked on a few film sets and, like, have a thing for a good story.

FilmAid International addresses the problems of refugee despair and psychological trauma. FilmAid uses the power of film to break monotony and isolation, and to convey essential information. Watching movies inspires and helps to restore dignity, quality of life and hope for refugees who often remain in camps for years. FilmAid's initiatives have the following goals:

Educate and Inform

FilmAid screens educational films on topics central to the refugee experience, including HIV and AIDS awareness, reproductive health, sexual and gender-based violence, sexually transmitted diseases, human rights, conflict resolution and land mine awareness.

Entertain

FilmAid shows films that feed the soul, spirit and imagination. FilmAid, with refugee input, carefully selects nonviolent, family-oriented films that are culturally appropriate. FilmAid screenings bring hope while alleviating problems of psychosocial trauma, isolation and despair. A sense of community is created around these shared positive experiences.

Provide Employment and Skills Training

FilmAid trains and employs refugees to operate its programs, promoting self-sufficiency and empowerment. Using camcorders, FilmAid also teaches basic filmmaking skills so that refugees can tell their own stories and educate their own communities.