From Far Away 2002
Distributed by National Film Board of Canada, 1123 Broadway, Suite 307, New York, NY 10010; 800-542-2164
Produced by National Film Board of Canada
Directed by Shira Avni & SereneEl-Haj Daoud
VHS, color, 6 min.
K-Jr. High
Canadian Studies, Children's Literature, Middle Eastern Studies
Date Entered: 11/09/2018
Reviewed by Michael Fein, Coordinator of Library Services, Central Virginia Community College, Lynchburg, VA, Central Virginia Community College, Lynchburg, Va.This particular video is a cartoon based on (with the emphasis on “based”) the children’s book of the same title. The story concerns a young girl from Beirut who moves to Canada with her family. She recalls the danger to her family in Lebanon, their move to Canada by air, going to school without knowing English and other problems with adjusting to a new culture. Finally, she learns English and adjusts quite well to her new home. A girl narrates the film, which has some musical accompaniment. The color animation reminds this reviewer of the few clips of “South Park” that he has seen. All this is done quite well. This fine production from the National Film Board of Canada should appeal to children in grades 4-8.