Sonita

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isla s This is quite an insightful documentary film about a Persian adolescent trying to express herself in a very strict culture. She lets us in on various stories about her families and her life, her hopes to record music and become well known, to tell the stories of other similar people facing the same situation regarding arranged marriage and an impending life of domesticity. It very much has a scrapbook feel to it, indeed Sonita is shown putting together a scrapbook at different times in the film, with photos from magazines depicting Western society and photos of her family etc. I respect her attempts to speak out and express herself creatively, that she has a determined and ambitious side to herself, despite the lack of opportunities she faces. It is inevitably a sad and thoughtful watch at times. Perhaps it'll make you think, about how good we have things in the west, to not face the situations featured, or, should I say, documented, in this film. Its nice seeing how she encourages other teens and how the community, including older parents/adults, interact with her. Yes, I'd recommend this if your interested in contemporary Persian culture, or seeing people elsewhere in the world express themselves through rap. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Audience Member While the appeal of rap escapes me her courage in fighting for her freedom of choice is compelling. Worth watching. Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/19/23 Full Review Audience Member It was a cool idea, but other than that i was extremely disapointed. It never ended! And by the end (finally) i didn't like Sonita anymore because i was tired of her. No hate against Sonita, i just hate the documentary. Sorry gang, better step it up. Rated 0.5/5 Stars •  Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars 01/26/23 Full Review david m An amazing story which can be summed up in the action and passion of determination! A must see for anyone, especially high school aged student who feel their path in life if blocked by circumstance. When we look back on the lives of great people like George Washington or Abraham Lincoln, the story is filled with the benefit of history and nostalgia. Sonita's story lacks this nostalgia that only years of history will provide. It's amazing to know Sonita is currently living the sequel. In the viewing which we were fortunate enough to have a short Skype discussion with the Rokhsareh Ghaem Maghami the films director. There were a lot of questions and focus on whether or not she did the right thing. I will not discuss the topic so I don't spoil any of the drama. I believe that Rokhsareh absolutely did do the right thing. Journalists and film makers are not on an episode of Star Trek facing the Prime Directive. Just the opposite these are real people, and we have the example of the good Samaritan who stumbles into an unexpected situation, and does the right thing. My only disappointment is this film is so hard to see. I wish it were other outlets so more people can see it before it's compelling story grows stale. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Audience Member There's a point where this turns and goes in an unexpected direction half way through that I felt should have created a big change in how things were represented but didn't which was a bit odd but overall very good and engaging. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 01/14/23 Full Review Audience Member Moving, fascinating, inspiring.... saw this film at a conference and am bringing it to the campus at the college where I teach. An inside look at the reality of young women under the Taliban. Documentary filmmakers and students should take note of this very special film as the question of, "should a documentarian become involved in the subject?" is answered for this particular unique case. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/02/23 Full Review Read all reviews

Sonita

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