Films that Matter: Every Second in the World
Thursday, April 2nd, 2009The five part film En el Mundo a Cado Rato (which translates to Every Second in the World) provides a glimpse into the truths of daily lives for many children around the world. Five Spanish directors partnered with UNICEF to film five vignettes that explore topics like HIV/AIDS, malaria, poverty, domestic abuse, child labor and girls’ education.
This movie was screened at my university as part of a film series on forced migration put on by the Institute of International Humanitarian Affairs. I didn’t quite know what to expect when the film started. It was unclear how much of the film was story telling, although all based on reality. As I expected, I cried. I’m a big ball of emotions when it comes to kids. What I didn’t expect, however, was to laugh. One segment titled “Hijas de belen” focused in on young girls selling goods in a market place. It’s hard not to laugh at the strangeness of a girl who can’t be older than 10 talking about the fluctuations of the market prices of eggs, or two friends on break planning a weekend get together on what little time they have off. It reminded me of conversations I’ve had with my compatriots: griping about the economy, planning happy hour rendezvous. But the difference is that I am 22. These girls haven’t even hit puberty. And yet in some senses they are more adult than I am. And that is heartbreaking. Without an education, this is where these girls will stay for as long as they live. UNICEF is dedicated to addressing these issues that burden our youngest and most precious resources.
Watch the trailer here, and click here to find out more information on UNICEF.
Peace,
Alice
