Sonita (2015)

Sonita

The beginning of Sonita is sweet and light hearted. Reflects on family, money problems, and also looks at the less fortunate side of the world, which has contrast when Sonita goes into the city. Through-out there is a contrast between a sweet and serious atmosphere that naturally bounce off each other. Also it looks a lot at school life in Iran, which is a first in this documentary industry. The film looks at the life of a full time student and her behaviour, how she’s coping, feelings towards her life, and thoughts on what’s happening in her life. There’s a big sympathetic feel surrounding the whole documentary, such as her experiences with the Taliban and being a refugee. It’s a low budget film which is effective and makes it that little more personal and believable. It’s a unique/different/new style and independent film. I’ve never seen anything quite like this type of film/documentary before and it’s a style that needs to find its place in the industry.

This film won't necessarily appeal to a big audience due to it being based on controversial subjects, even though it is a first. It’s about a rapper, not situated in a well known place, has an informal tone lingering through-out the whole film, not scripted, even though that gives the film a believable feel, it’s a not scalable film which is why it isn’t well known.

The Cinematography is rather effective through the sense of a home video camera and this gives the whole film originality. Sonita’s performance is inspiring, affectionate and empathetic for a documentary.

The film overall looks at lots of controversial issues that really makes this an impressive portrait of Sonita’s life. When looking at the big picture I think big companies are sometimes too scared to base films on controversial issues which this film has managed to do really successfully. It looks at what people view as ‘Right and Wrong’ in a philosophical way. Sexism is seen through-out the film, such as her not being as equal to men or not having the same rights in Iran/Afghan. Pride is another aspect looked at, as Sonita had such feelings of deep pleasure or satisfaction, from her own achievements for wanting to be a rapper. Tradition is another as her parents had a certain power over her due to the culture and traditions, such as her feeling she must get married at early age, and feeling like she is being sold off. The film depicts a clash of cultural identity in that she was born in Afghan but became a refugee in Iran.

Is chasing your dreams worth the danger and being outcast by all you know and love? A compelling and powerful story of real life told by a young aspiring woman growing up in place she feels she doesn’t belong and is corrupt.