648 Days
After serving 20 years in a correctional facility in Washington State, Michael Florez was “released with $40 and the clothes on your back… No I.D., no birth certificate, no social security card.” With no stability or clear path forward, Michael was pointed in a direction that eventually led him to Tzu Chi.
Learning of Michael’s situation, Tzu Chi Seattle volunteer Angela Wan was determined to help. Over time, they struck up a unique friendship that gave him a new sense of purpose. This led him to run Hunger Relief 3.0, a Tzu Chi Seattle-supported program that donates fresh produce and groceries to others who, like him, have re-entered society after incarceration.
Not only does Michael feed the hungry, but he also volunteers his time to mentor fellow former inmates who are looking to turn their lives around as he has. Follow a day in Michael’s life in this short film.
Credits
Director: Hannah Whisenant
DP & Color: Borja Campillo
Editor: Hector Muniente
Sound mixing: Michael Laferla
Music: “Easy Comes” by BeatheBeat, “Funk groove” by TexasBrother, “Sad to Inspiring” by Stockwaves, “Slow Emotional Strings” by Orchestralis. Licensed by Envato
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