Jelena's Song
2010
28 min
Coming soon
In this short lyrical film, haunting childhood memories, photographs and family stories form the heart of a woman’s search for transformation. A descent into the labyrinths of memory, the film documents Jelena’s recollections of her childhood in both Croatia and Canada, resulting in a fragmentary reconstruction of her past. With candour and sensitivity, Jelena reclaims her own identity, disarming us with her courage and will.
This work deals with mature subject matter. Viewer discretion is advised.
Details
In this short lyrical film, haunting childhood memories, photographs and family stories form the heart of a woman’s search for transformation. A descent into the labyrinths of memory, the film documents Jelena’s recollections of her childhood in both Croatia and Canada, resulting in a fragmentary reconstruction of her past. With candour and sensitivity, Jelena reclaims her own identity, disarming us with her courage and will.
This work deals with mature subject matter. Viewer discretion is advised.
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directorPablo Alvarez-Mesa
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producerRavida Din
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executive producerRavida Din
Education
Ages 15 to 17
Civics/Citizenship - Human Rights
Diversity - Identity
Health/Personal Development - Mental Health/Stress/Suicide
Health/Personal Development - Problem Solving/Conflict Resolution
What does Jelena mean when she says she wants to 'own' her own image? At this
point in her life Jelena seems remarkably free of bitterness and anger. What
are some of her strategies for coping? How does she contextualize the
traumatic incidents? What does she feel about the man who abused her? Have
students discuss issues of forgiveness and forgetting in this film. How does
Jelena see the importance of either?
