Kevin Nealon shares the big lie he told Robin Williams so...

What’s Happening

Not gonna lie, “Robin, can I give you a ride home?

” The post Kevin Nealon shares the big lie he told Robin Williams so that he could be his friend appeared first on Upworthy. Comedian Kevin Nealon and the late, solid Robin Williams first became friends in 1979 in Los Angeles. (wild, right?)

But according to Nealon, as kind and lovely as Williams was, it took a little bit of maneuvering on his part to make it happen.

The Details

In fact, Nealon claims he had to outright lie to lock the friendship in. Music, community and joy drive real change In a small village in Pwani, a district on Tanzania’s coast, a massive dance party is coming to a close.

For the past two hours, locals have paraded through the village streets, singing and beating ngombe drums; now, in a large clearing, a woman named Sheilla motions for everyone to sit facing a large projector screen. A film premiere is about to begin.

Why This Matters

It’s an unusual way to kick off a film about gender bias, inequality, early marriage, and other barriers that prevent girls from accessing education in Tanzania. But in Pwani and beyond, local organizations backed and funded finding creative, culturally relevant ways like this one to capture people’s interest. The film ends and Sheilla, the Communications and Partnership Lead for Media for Development and Advocacy (MEDEA), stands in front of the crowd once again, asking the audience to reflect: What did you think about the film?

People online are sharing their takes and it’s getting heated.

Key Takeaways

• How did it relate to your own experience?
• Sheilla explains that, once the community sees the film, “It brings out conversations within themselves, reflective conversations.
• ” The resonance and immediate action create a ripple effect of change.
• MEDEA Screening Audience in Tanzania.

The Bottom Line

This and other barriers — including child marriage, poverty, conflict, and discrimination — prevent girls from completing their education around the world. Sheilla and her team are using film and radio programs to address the challenges girls face in their communities.

Is this a W or an L? You decide.