Queen of the Beach

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2:32

Queen of the Beach

2019

1h 46m

Documentary

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

71%

Tomatometer

7 Reviews

Popcornmeter

Fewer than 50 Ratings

While on vacation in Goa, India, Canadian filmmaker Chris McDonell turns his camera on Shilpa Poojar, a 9-year-old beach hawker hustling tourists to buy clothes and jewelry from her seaside shop. Funny, charming and skilled beyond her years, she is a migrant worker from the unique Banjara tribe and the primary breadwinner for her family. Forging a connection in this chance encounter, Chris returns 3 times over the next 7 years to capture Shilpa's story of sacrifice and survival and help her achieve her childhood dream of going to school -- a relentless effort that will test them both along the way.

Sabrina McFarland

Common Sense Media

Shilpa's go-getter attitude gets an A+, and Queen of the Beach gets a high grade with its important message for kids about the power of getting an education.

Rated: 4/5

Oct 15, 2021

Full Review

Valerie Kalfrin

AWFJ.org

"[An] earnest film about child labor, education, and how to best help others less fortunate than ourselves ... a compelling and balanced portrait."

Aug 25, 2021

Full Review

Sarah Knight Adamson

Sarah's Backstage Pass

I applaud anyone in this world that steps up to help children in vulnerable situations to receive an education.

Rated: 3/4

Aug 24, 2021

Full Review

Jennie Kermode

Eye for Film

Watching this film is a little like watching a man try to clear away quicksand starting from the centre of the pool.

Rated: 3.5/5

Aug 19, 2021

Full Review

Kelly Vance

East Bay Express

Queen of the Beach might have been an effective narrative fiction from Shilpa's point of view. That never happens.

Aug 18, 2021

Full Review

Evan Dossey

Midwest Film Journal

An exploitative documentary that captures the shallowness of a white savior worldview.

Aug 15, 2021

Full Review

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Christopher McDonell

Director

Shilpa Poojar

Self

Christopher McDonell

Self

Seeta Kyber Nayka

Self

Pooja Poojar

Self

Kiran Poojar

Self

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Queen of the Beach: Trailer 1

2:32

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Synopsis

While on vacation in Goa, India, Canadian filmmaker Chris McDonell turns his camera on Shilpa Poojar, a 9-year-old beach hawker hustling tourists to buy clothes and jewelry from her seaside shop. Funny, charming and skilled beyond her years, she is a migrant worker from the unique Banjara tribe and the primary breadwinner for her family. Forging a connection in this chance encounter, Chris returns 3 times over the next 7 years to capture Shilpa's story of sacrifice and survival and help her achieve her childhood dream of going to school -- a relentless effort that will test them both along the way.

Director: Christopher McDonell
Producer: Christopher McDonell
Screenwriter: Christopher McDonell
Production Co: Under The Milky Way, Soloshye Pictures
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Aug 15, 2021
Runtime: 1h 46m

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