5 questions about ‘Impact’

• What inspired the creation of the documentary?
The idea for this project first sprouted after I watched “Revenge of the Electric Car.” I was particularly struck by Elon Musk’s storyline and how he risked everything he owned to follow his passion. The film impacted me so deeply – more than any book, movie or speech had ever done. The storytelling format of a documentary is such a powerful medium. It can connect you emotionally to people and ideas in a way that no other format can. That’s why I wanted to fund “Impact.” I realized that a documentary would be the ideal tool for raising awareness about impact investing and for inspiring others to use their businesses and investments to make the world a better place.

• What is the premise of the documentary?
“Impact” was created to elevate the role of entrepreneurism in achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and encourage more individuals to use the SDGs as a framework for impact investing. It features perspectives from a wide range of social impact experts, including thought leaders representing the U.N., top investment management firms and Fortune 500 companies. The film also follows the entrepreneurial journeys of David Katz, founder and CEO of The Plastic Bank, and George Taylor, CEO of TRU Colors Brewing Company. The Plastic Bank is a startup that takes plastic debris bound to pollute the oceans and turns it into a form of currency for impoverished communities. TRU Colors is a craft brewery that purposefully employs active gang members and offers them a second chance in life. In addition to seeing their financial success, viewers will also witness how both these entrepreneurs have dramatically improved the communities where their businesses operate.

• What are the SDGs and how do they apply to the world of investing?
The SDGs are a bold, well-defined series of 17 goals and 169 specific targets that aim to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all by 2030. I believe that entrepreneurs are artists, and the U.N.’s SDGs are our palette of colors to change the world with our businesses. By intentionally aligning our businesses and investments with one of the SDGs, we can creatively solve global challenges while achieving a more purposeful life. Philanthropy and government intervention alone will not be enough to meet the U.N.’s vision. Impact investors and entrepreneurs must step up to the plate and drive impact through innovative solutions that tackle the challenges outlined in the SDGs.

• How are the SDGs addressed in this documentary?
Whether you are an entrepreneur or a financial adviser, the SDGs really provide the architecture for impact investing. Through the documentary, we wanted to help advisers understand what the SDGs are and show how they are driving change. “Impact” showcases how entrepreneurial businesses like The Plastic Bank in Haiti and TRU Colors in Wilmington, N.C. are already making meaningful progress toward the SDGs while turning a profit. The film also highlights new investment strategies that are advancing the SDGs, such as those the mutual funds Morningstar’s sustainable investing team is tracking. Ultimately, we want this film to be a tool financial advisers can leverage to build stronger client relationships through impact investing. I think there are a lot of stories worldwide of incredible people that are addressing the SDGs, and we can’t wait to showcase more of them.

• How can people take action in response to this film?
I hope viewers come away with a clearer understanding of the power of impact investments. This is not a niche. This is a movement. With impact investing, you can align your passion and values with your investments, change the world and increase your wealth. It’s a win-win-win. For those who are inspired to take the next step, I encourage them to visit www.impactu.me for the latest impact investing trends, products and resources.