Not Broken (2021) Runtime 71 minutes
Director: Lauren Havel
Cast: Anne Marie Ryan, Natalie King, Kyra Wilson, Rosaia Wilson
“Not Broken” is a film that follows the life of Winter Knight, a dyslexic but talented girl who struggles to find her place in the world. Winter’s love for drawing is discouraged by her anxious mother, who believes it won’t lead to a successful career. Despite her mother’s efforts, Winter struggles in the conventional education system and fails in multiple jobs. The film does an excellent job of highlighting the frustration and sense of inadequacy that many individuals with learning disabilities experience, particularly when trying to fit into a system that doesn’t cater to their needs. Winter’s struggles with reading and writing are relatable to anyone who has ever struggled with learning, while her perseverance and determination to find her place in the world are inspiring.
As the film progresses, Winter’s talents and abilities shine through in unexpected ways, such as when she starts drawing customers’ faces on coffee cups at a coffee shop. Her art becomes a way for her to connect with others and to make a meaningful contribution to the world. One of the most touching aspects of the film is Winter’s friendship with an old lady suffering from partial dementia. Through their friendship, Winter discovers her love for helping others and finds a sense of purpose that had eluded her for so long. When the old lady passes away, Winter meets her daughter, who is an art dealer and helps her start her artistic career. In the end, Winter and her mother reconcile, and Winter finally finds her place in the world.
Overall, “Not Broken” is a powerful and uplifting film that celebrates the resilience and creativity of individuals with learning disabilities. The film is a must-see for anyone who has ever felt like they didn’t quite fit in and a testament to the power of perseverance, creativity, and human relationships.
Of Fathers and Sons (2018) Run time 56 minutes
Director- Talal Derki
Appearances- Tia Alkerdi, Yara Ibrahim, Abu Osama, Ayman Osama, Osama Osama.
“Of Fathers and Sons” is a thought provoking documentary that sheds light on the disturbing reality of child soldiers in war-torn Syria. The film follows the life of a jihadist family living in the Northern Syrian province of Idlib, under the Al-Nusra Front, an Al Qaeda affiliate. Director Talal Derki poses as a war photographer sympathetic to the jihadist cause to gain access to the family and document their lives over a period of two years. The result is a chilling portrait of a family indoctrinated in a radical ideology, and the profound effect it has on their children. The film is a stark reminder of the brutal reality of life in a war zone, where innocent children are systematically groomed to become killers. Abu Osama, the patriarch of the family, is a sniper and mine detector expert who takes pride in naming his sons Osama, Ayman, and Mohammad, after notorious terrorist leaders. Abu Osama and his fellow militants are shown to be brutally training their young sons to become jihadists, teaching them to shoot guns and execute hostages. The boys are also taught to make bombs and handle explosives, and they are made to watch public beheadings as a matter of routine. The documentary offers a sobering glimpse into the psyche of these militant fathers, who view their sons as the next generation of fighters for the caliphate. It also exposes the horrific impact of war on innocent children, who are forced to grow up too quickly, stripped of their childhood and any semblance of a normal life. The film highlights the absence of education, family affection, and basic human rights in this conflict zone. It is a stark reminder of the terrible human cost of war and the devastating impact it has on the lives of innocent children caught in the crossfire.
To subscribe to the magazine, click Subscribe
