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BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT - Lighthouse International Film Festival | BEST DIRECTOR - Queens World Film Festival | AUDIENCE AWARD - Chicago Feminist Film Festival | OFFICIAL SELECTION- DOC NYC, Ji.hlava IDFF, St. Louis International Film Festival, TAF Thessaloniki Animation Festival
Child Abuse & Child Trafficking • Family Separation • Foster Care • Poverty • Sexual Abuse • Suicide • Residential Treatment • Trauma • Healing • Reconciliation & ForgivenessDate of Completion: 2018 | Run Time: 9 minutes | Language: English | Captions: Yes | Includes: Transcript & Study Guide (Available Upon Purchase) | Director: Yasmin Mistry | Producers: Yasmin Mistry & Kimberly DiPersia | Writers: Kimberly DiPersia & Maxine Trump | Editor: Maxine Trump | Illustrators: Hathaison Gerdprasert, Noure Zein & Andrea Porretta | Featuring: Fekri Kram
On his 5th birthday, Fekri runs through the local market in Tunisia, swiping some food from a local vendor. The shop owner catches him stealing and threatens to chop off Fekri’s hand; but he is spared such brutality when a seemingly altruistic French tourist, Florence, catches sight of the events and offers to pay for the food before following Fekri home. Fekri lives in an abusive home with few financial resources. His mom fears she cannot protect him from dangers at home or in the streets, so when Florence offers to buy Fekri for $100 his mom acquises, believing she is giving Fekri an opportunity for a better life. However, Florence demonstrates no affection towards Fekri and for the next four years she is physically and sexually abusive. It is not until the abuse is discovered that Fekri moves into a group home where he finally finds support, mentorship, and forgiveness towards the family which sold him.
Fostering Families Magazine | Kim Phagan-Hansel
“A must-watch for young people in the foster care system.”
Anonymous Audience Member
“I was moved and inspired and now I care more”
Anthony Turner | Former Foster Youth
“I believe many other youth currently in the system, or even those who have transitioned out, should watch these films. Being able to get out of the foster care system in one piece is tough as is, but having the resources, support system, housing, and income in place by the time you age out is even harder.”
AWARDS
Best Documentary Short | Lighthouse International Film Festival
Best Director | Queens World Film Festival
Audience Award | Chicago Feminist Film Festival
Honorable Mention | LA Underground Film Festival
Best Short Film | FOLCS
Best Documentary Short | Syracuse International Film Festival
Golden Fox Award | Dox on the Fox
Best Short Film | Lonely Seal Film Festival
President's Award | WiFi Film Festival
Audience Award | 10 Minute Film Festival
Best Documentary | Revolution Me Film Festival
Best Animation Short | Westfield International Film Festival
Best Documentary Short | St. Louis Filmmaker's Showcase
Special Mention Award | BigSyn Film Festival
Nominee, Jury Award | Milan International Film Festival
Nominee, Best Animation | Milan International Film Festival
Nominee, Best Short Documentary | Milan International Film Festival
FESTIVALS
DOC NYC
Ji.hlava IDFF
St. Louis International Film Festival
TAF Thessaloniki Animation Festival
DC Shorts Film Festival
Chicago Feminist Film Festival
For a full list of awards and screenings, please visit here: https://fostercarefilm.com/for-a-better-life