Coming of Age: Ethnographic Profiles from a Global Perspective 2006
Distributed by Films Media Group, PO Box 2053, Princeton, New Jersey 08543-2053; 800-257-5126
Produced by Kiran Soni. A BBCW production.
Director n/a
DVD, color, 60 min.
Sr. High - Adult
Anthropology, Sociology, Human Development, Psychology
Date Entered: 06/12/2006
Reviewed by Robin Migliaccio Ashford, Reference Librarian, Watzek Library, Lewis & Clark College, Portland, ORIn this DVD from Films for the Humanities & Sciences, the viewer is exposed to the rites of passage for six children and adolescents from Russia, China, Malaysia, Uganda, the Dominican Republic, and Canada’s Baffin Island. Describing in their own words the issues and concerns they face during this time of transition, their stories are revealing. The rituals each child undergoes are, at times, startling to observe. The stories vary as widely as the locations; from a 15 year-old from Santo Domingo celebrating the cherished tradition of her Quinceanera to a 16 year-old from Eastern Uganda preparing for his circumcision, a test of courage and signal of manhood.
Coming of Age focuses on each child during a critical transitional stage within the context of their country and home life. This method works particularly well in showing a global perspective of these personal lives. The footage is interesting and informative and the quality is professional. Recommended, especially for senior high and college students.