THE UNLONELY FILM FESTIVAL: BEST OF FEST
Agent of Connection
A portrait of Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) station agent William Cromartie who greets 4,000 Oakland commuters every day with a hug, a fist-bump, or a handshake. Transcending barriers so that we can better know and care about each other, this man of accomplishment and a winning philosophy feels he has the best job in the world.
Meet the Filmmaker
Ivan Cash is Bay Area-based award-winning interactive artist and film director exploring the intersection of art, design, film, and technology. His work sparks cultural conversations, celebrates human connection, and inspires strangers to interact.
How does the film change your perspective on what addiction can look like? When nothing outwardly seems wrong, how can we check-in with friends and family to make sure they’re coping and have someone to confide in?
Share your responses in the comment box below:
I loved the message of how you often put yourself in a box. So true!
positivity is contagious!
Beautiful – change your outlook, change your life.
Yea what a great view on self doubt, no one put me in this box and I can get myself out of that box. Very empowering
So true, each person needs to change their outlook and things change for the better for you and those around you,
I love how positive he is and the positive impact he tries to have on those he interacts with
very positive
very good positive story
I find the story to be inspiring but I disagree that connecting is the easiest thing there is
Great example about not being stuck and ability to change it wanting change
The box message is helpful.
Engaging with people brings meaning to life.
Wonderful story about engaging with others.
Great reminder that we put ourselves in box and we are the only ones that get take ourselves out. Amen.
Great reminder that you can change your lifer direction.
It is a very simple message that we all can practice. Reach out to others and make them feel special
It is incredible how much this man’s smile, hug or fist bump can turn around one’s day. I wonder if he realized the magnitude of his impact on the people he comes into contact with daily.
That was lovely!
I loved this man’s attitude; positivity breeds positivity. I think if people can sense you have love in your heart, they will appreciate the extra smile or greeting you may have for them.
Great attitude… being positive is contagious
An an introvert, this guy fascinates me. I wish he were my neighbor.
I echo the value of connection, and positivity. It made me smile to watch him engage with the passengers, but made me sad to recognize the connections that helped him thrive in his work has likely been altered. It made me wonder if he is back in the box, and hope all is well with him and his family. A follow-up film with observations on how the events of 2020 has changed ability to connect on a deeper level and insights or recommendations to have meaningful engagements.
Must be a challenge during this time of COVID. I hope he is doing well now with those restrictions but I would bet he still does greet his folks in some way.
What a great message.
He is a change agent; if you connect you charge lives ! Love this story.
I liked that he is a change agent. Connecting with people creates change in so many unforeseen ways. Loved this video
What a great message, so very true
I love his reminder to us that he needed more than a high school diploma to get the job. Up against 5,000 other applicants, and one of 30 people eventually hired.
Loved this film, very inspirational, it’s the American Dream we all strive for
This is the epitome of the American dream, being hard working and kind while doing it, loved it
He has positive attitude and energy. I hope he continues that energy in this difficult time of covid.
He has a great energy and attitude. I hope he continues that energy during covid and stay safe.
Great message
Loves his job.
Good MF – respect for your gratitude going both ways.
Very positive attitude who makes a difference in people’s lives with the briefest of encounter.
Very positive outlook
He is a very positive person, who shares his positivity to others.
People’s man. Very positive and they pay him for this.?!. He applies the moto love what you do so you end up to do what you love. I wish I go to the Bay area to shake hand with him.
Nice to see that level of engagement, with genuine care for others while at work!
Loved the message that we can be in control of our destiny if we get out of the box and try
Everyone needs connections, we are apart of something bigger than individuals.
We need more people like William ! Keep up the good work.
Great story.
Wonderful Sstory
Very wonderful story about community and life
Itis wonderful. I really like how he made a personal choice. Chose happiness more than status.
Impressive! Love his attitude!!!
Great story. As a former receptionist (for 7 yrs from ’92-’99), I understand the power of connection in simple greetings. I also wonder how the pandemic has changed his job, and that of so many others. Wearing a mask hides your smile – so how does that affect people in these roles? Still, I agree that pulling oneself out of ‘your box’ takes initiative (and sometimes a Higher power). We must take the first step toward a brighter future. He applied himself against great odds – and never lost hope.
A simple smile can brighten lots of people’s day. A simple hello can make people feel care.
Great story! Need more people like William.
good message
very positive message
I never did buy into the saying of – it is what it is – It’s not! We have control to step out of the box and to connect with other just being who we really are.
So good to see the invaluable human connection that comes from living life intentionally.
Inspiring, but not everyone has the same ability to derive so much benefit from greeting people and socializing. It’s harder for some than for others.
Beautiful and so encouraging
This is such a touching story.
Such a great representation of what one person can do to effect so many in a good way. Loved it!
What a great model of how we can all recognize the people we encounter each day.
great message! inspires me to get out of my own box and say hello.
Terrific story. Uplifting. Well done William and Ivan. Thanks
Everyone must look forward to seeing you and connecting! Love it!