For A Better Life
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2018
United States
10 mins
Animated Film Competition
| Yasmin Mistry | |
| Yasmin Mistry, Kimberly DiPersia | |
| Fekri Kram | |
| Explicit Sexual Situations; Non-Explicit Sexual Situations; Implied Violence; Discussion or Depiction of Rape; Discussion or Depiction of Suicide |
Sold for $100 at the age of 5, Fekri suffers through years of abuse before his plight is discovered. After almost a year of hospitalization and therapy Fekri moves into a group home where he finds support, mentorship, and eventual forgiveness towards the family which sold him. The film brings light to numerous social justice issues while simultaneously giving a voice to those who are not often heard. The film not only raises awareness about child abuse, mental health issues, and human trafficking, it also provides foster youth an opportunity to get involved with the production process, as musicians, production assistants and camera operators.
About the Director
Yasmin Mistry is an Emmy-nominated animator and filmmaker. Her work has been displayed worldwide including recent showings at the White House and United Nations. She is the recipient of grants from the Brooklyn Arts Council, Puffin Foundation, Riverside Sharing Fund, and Harnisch Foundation. She is also the recipient of the Jessie Streich-Kest Memorial Grant. Her documentary short films about foster care have been selected for over 100 film festivals and won more than 25 awards.
Reviews
Exploration Care Through Film – Foster Focus Magazine, April 2018
Film Review: For A Better Life – Adoption At the Movies, July 2018
Film Review: For A Better Life – Fostering Families Today, January 2018
Photos (Click on Photo to View)
Awards
2018 Marcellus Mini Movie Family Film Festival – Best Film: Family & Home
2018 St. Louis Filmmaker’s Showcase – Best Documentary Short
2018 Milan International Film Festival – Jury Award (Nominee), Best Animation (Nominee), Best Short Documentary (Nominee)
