Educational Media Reviews Online

International in scope, this film examines the lives of six teenage girls in a variety of situations. Breani of the United States lives in the projects, and writes poetry and songs. Aziza, in Afghanistan, was encouraged to love learning by her father, who was killed by the Taliban. Australian Katie struggles with depression, but has a very supportive family and friends. And in Cameroon, Habiba prepares to get married and knows she will be giving up her education to do so. Manu, of Papua New Guinea, is married and pregnant, and goes through labor mostly alone. Kimsey in Cambodia has been a prostitute since age 12, and at 17 has had two babies and a rocky marriage.

The strengths of this film are in the diversity of countries and stories. Beautifully photographed, these narratives show the differences but also the similarities: education is important to all of the girls, if not for themselves then for their children. The men in their lives are also important; sometimes it is an encouraging father or grandfather. Each story ends with a particular emotion evident, such as happiness, despair, pride, or hope.

The editing is smooth as the film goes to each girl’s story several times during the course of the movie. The girls talk directly to the camera or narrate over scenes from their lives. Sometimes important people in the girls’ lives are also interviewed, such as their mothers. When not in English, the dialogue is shown in subtitles.

This film would make an excellent choice for and discussion in sociology, anthropology, and women’s studies courses, or in any class investigating multicultural issues. Some of the scenes and situations are quite harrowing, so it would be best for mature high school students (juniors and seniors), college age, or adults.

Awards

• Nominated for 4 Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Awards