A Journey of Awards, Impact, and Saying “Yes”
What If You Said YES?
What If You Said YES? isn’t just a film to me; it’s a journey that’s changed my life, and maybe—hopefully—it can spark something in you too.
This wasn’t a project I started for recognition or awards. In fact, I didn’t set out to make a documentary at all. It began as a simple act of saying “yes” to stories that needed to be told, to people who inspired me in ways I couldn’t ignore, to places that were calling out for connection and understanding.
Now, somehow, this small “yes” has grown into a project celebrated internationally, winning awards and finding its way across borders and screens. And as I look back, I’m both deeply grateful and honestly surprised at how far it’s come.
You see, I’m no guru.
I’m just someone who’s still learning, still figuring it all out.
But if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: powerful things can happen when you take that first step—even when you don’t have it all planned out.
Saying “Yes” to the Power of Storytelling
What If You Said YES? was born out of a simple idea:
What if we open ourselves up to challenges and possibilities that scare us, that seem impossible or uncomfortable?
The film dives into real stories of courage, resilience, and hope, showing how saying “yes” in the face of hardship can lead to profound change.
We filmed across Ghana, Haiti, and the United States, capturing glimpses of people who refused to back down when life got tough.
It’s a story that isn’t just theirs—it’s all of ours.
Because in the end, we all face moments when we’re standing at a crossroads, unsure whether to go forward or stay where we are.
And while I may be the producer, this isn’t just my story.
It’s a story crafted by a team that poured their heart and soul into each scene, each interaction.
Our director, *****Tilo Turian—a 21-year-old filmmaker from Stuttgart—******* brought a depth and perspective that took this project to places I never imagined. He captured raw, intimate moments that make the film feel less like a story on screen and more like a shared experience.
Watching it unfold has taught me a lot about vulnerability, connection, and the importance of having people who believe in a vision even when the path ahead is hazy.
The Global Premiere Tour: From Ghana to Germany
Taking What If You Said YES? on a global tour was both thrilling and humbling.
Ghana, the UAE, Germany, the United States—each premiere was a different experience, a chance to share these stories with people who might not have encountered them otherwise.
- In Ghana, I watched as viewers connected deeply with the stories on screen, recognizing parts of themselves in the faces and voices of those overcoming hardships.
- In Germany, the UAE, and the US, the response was equally powerful; it proved that the challenges we face and the courage we muster are universal, crossing boundaries and backgrounds.
Each screening reminded me why we embarked on this project.
It wasn’t just about documenting struggles or hardships; it was about celebrating resilience, about saying “yes” to the idea that even the most ordinary lives hold extraordinary stories.
Seeing audiences resonate with that message gave me a renewed appreciation for the beauty of storytelling.
Behind the Lens: Crafting a Vision
What most people don’t see are:
- the long days and late nights,
- the countless hours of editing,
- and the obstacles that come up on an almost-daily basis.
Our cinematographers—*****Agnieszka Mazur, Lenny Bartholomäus, Tilo Turian, and Ebenezer Ameyaw****** went above and beyond, capturing visuals that bring the film to life.
Their dedication earned us the Best Cinematography award at the Dubai Independent Film Festival, an honor that belongs to them for bringing such soul to every shot.
But it wasn’t easy.
We faced real challenges:
- Navigating civil unrest in Haiti,
- Helping distribute medical supplies in remote communities in Ghana—
- All while staying committed to telling these stories as truthfully and respectfully as possible.
The budget was tight, and the schedule was relentless, but we made it work because we believed in what we were creating.
That’s what saying “yes” is about, after all.
It’s not about waiting until things are perfect.
Start Now, Start Simple: Lessons from Making This Film
This whole experience has been a reminder of a philosophy I try to live by:
Start Now, Start Simple.
What If You Said YES? didn’t begin with a huge budget or a meticulously planned roadmap.
It started with a single “yes” to a story that mattered.
It was a ****** voluntary project—a passion project, really ***** —and it grew one step at a time, each small decision moving us forward.
The Start Now, Start Simple approach isn’t about waiting for perfect timing or ideal conditions.
It’s about diving in, even when you don’t have all the answers, and trusting that each small step will lead you somewhere meaningful.
What If You Said YES? Continues to Inspire
As What If You Said YES? continues to travel across film festivals and screenings, I’m constantly reminded of the power of that initial decision to go for it.
Seeing this film touch people around the world has been a gift beyond anything I could have anticipated.
It’s a reminder that sometimes, the dreams that matter most don’t come with fanfare.
They come quietly, in the form of a simple opportunity, a single “yes.”
To anyone reading this—if you’re standing at a crossroad, wondering whether you should pursue that dream, that project, that wild idea that seems impossible—
I urge you to consider saying “yes.”
You don’t need to have it all figured out.
You don’t need a clear map or a detailed plan.
All you need is a first step.
Start now, even if it’s small.
Start simple, even if it’s messy.
And who knows?
One day, you might find yourself looking back at something extraordinary that began with a single, humble decision to go for it.
Because saying “yes” isn’t just a word—it’s a way of opening yourself up to what’s possible.
It’s a way of telling yourself and the world that you’re willing to try, to take a step, to see where it might lead.
And to me, that’s where real magic happens.
What If You Said YES? is a reminder for all of us—*****myself included ***** —that the journey isn’t always clear.
But sometimes, the best things in life come from simply daring to start.
So, go ahead. Say yes. Take that first step.
And let’s see where it takes us.
And who knows?
One day, you might find yourself here, celebrating a project that began with just one “yes.”
Learn more about What If You Said YES? and our journey
Dan Ram ignites the stage as an in-person event and virtual event MC/ Moderator & Speaker at over 100 events a year. He has shared the stage with international luminaries including President Barack Obama, Sir Richard Branson, Reid Hoffman, Nico Rosberg, and Grammy-winning artists and celebrities. He has also been recognized as a Top 40 under 40 leader 2020 as well as a Top 100 Yale Alumni in Technology 2021. He has dedicated 2023 to providing resources and coaching 500 international dreamers who are dedicated to launching new initiatives. His passion is to inspire people with his motto ‘Start Now Start Simple’ in building a future we all want to live in. If you you are launching something new this year join #The500Club to receive resources and coaching from Dan!