Educational Media Reviews Online

When a 14-year-old girl decides to sail around the world by herself, the story makes news. This film shows the planning and execution of the two-year, 27,000 mile trip made by Laura Dekker. Whether the viewer is charmed or horrified by someone so young setting off by herself, this film will captivate.

The film at sea was shot by Laura herself, with no support team. In between her times at sea, Laura spent time on land, including the Canary Islands, St. Maarten, Panama, French Polynesia, Australia, and South Africa, coming back to St. Maarten to finish. The shots, plus stills and video of her childhood present a well-rounded film experience.

Most of Maidentrip is either in Dutch with English subtitles, or English with English subtitles. The photography done by Laura herself captures her emotions and is very much a portrait of a teenage girl, although one who is much more at home on the water than on land. Beautiful underwater photography is interspersed with scenes on land, most affecting of which are the ones where she interacts with people and has a reunion with her mother, sister, and father. Time passage is indicated by the numbering of days throughout the film: “Day 5,” for example.

This film would appeal to teenage adventurers, those who love sailing, those who enjoy traveling, and those who like stories of beauty interspersed with potential peril. Public libraries may want to consider for their DVD collections. Schools and colleges could use it as a good discussion film.

Extras include extended scenes, time lapse sequences, behind the scenes, and photo gallery.

Awards

• Winner, Audience Award, SXSW Film Festival, 2013