MESSANIA'S STORY
Directed by Laki Karavias
Produced by May Ondeng, Dan Berggren
USA, 2020
20 min
A childhood filled with laughter and friends, singing and games—cut short by the circumciser’s knife.
Director Laki Karavinas beautifully crafts this documentary. Messania has had many incarnations and to honor her journey with such purity and truth speaks to the team behind this film. The long traditions of ceremonial cutting are recognized without judgement, rather creating an arc for the eventual evolution of Messania and many of those she surrounds. The authenticity of her world through the music composition in particular, takes its inspiration from and is implemented by members of Messania’s own community. Needless to say, I was a fan!
— Elle Shaw, Programmer