Educational Media Reviews Online

Filmed in Tacoma, Washington, and Portland, Oregon, Green and Lopez introduces three amazing, and talented survivors living with brain injury disabilities as they share tales of heartbreak and triumph.

Dani is a young, bi-racial poet who aspires to be a famous rapper. She writes beautiful poetry, “beat-boxes,” and dreams of recording with female rap artist, Nicki Minaj. Dani’s determination to graduate as a seventh year senior is remarkable. However, due to memory loss and low exam scores, she doubts her ability to perform well in college. Raised as a Catholic, she indubitably questions her sexuality as a lesbian, faith in the church, and her will to live. A climatic highlight for Dani is her courageousness to perform on stage at Tacoma’s Capitol City Pride festival. Afterwards, she receives waves of acceptance and accolades. With positive optimism, she looks forward to performing at upcoming talent shows.

Kris is a struggling artist in Portland. Her utopian dream is to show case her work in a prestigious art gallery. A gallery show will catapult her name in the art world, as well as earn her enough money to avoid eviction. In the meantime, she continues to paint, as well as promote and sell her art online. Because Kris suffers from both a brain injury, and severe depression, her online sales decline as well as her income. Denied disability compensation, she relies heavily on financial support from her family. This familial support eventually disintegrates over time. Yet, there is a glimmer of hope and happiness for Kris. She is able to display her work at the j. pepin art gallery in Portland. This proves to be a milestone for her, albeit short-lived. Tragically, money raised from the show and online donors are not enough to save Kris from eviction.

Before his brain injury, Brandon wants to be a stage star. His path leads him to become a Christian singer/songwriter, and pursue a degree in Bible studies at Multnomah Biblical Seminary in Portland. After the accident, Brandon’s willingness to forgive the driver speaks volumes about Brandon’s character. He becomes a motivational speaker, and shares his survival story with local organizations to inspire hope. Brandon’s positive outlook on life is reflective in his songwriting. His dream is to write enough songs to produce an album. His close relationship with his mother helps him to cope with emotional highs and lows. He serves as an inspiration for himself, his family, and others. Brandon continues to perform in various venues in and around the Portland area.

The film highlights human resilience and a will to survive with brain injuries. It teaches us to withhold judgment based on outwardly appearances. It serves as a great library resource for both public and academic libraries in support of persons with brain injuries and their amazing accomplishments.