Strangers No More: Film Review

“Strangers No More” is an Israeli documentary directed by Karen Goodman and Kirk Simon. It was awarded an Oscar for the best documentary short film in 2011. You have probably never heard of it, but you must watch it. What made it so successful?

This documentary tells the story of  the Bialik-Rogozin School, located in Tel-Aviv, where refugees’ children of more than 48 different nationalities and cultures study. This institution welcomes new kids every day without any objection. While many countries want to destroy Israel, others are hoping to arrive. 

The film tells the story of a few kids, the struggles they’ve overcome and the long journeys they took to get to Israel. It tells about their families and the reason they had to leave their countries. The documentary focuses on two specific stories; Johannes’s and Muhamad’s.

Johannes is a kid who arrived from Eritrea who speaks no Hebrew or English at all. He is twelve years old and had never been to school before. Throughout the documentary, the viewer can see his evolution- socially and academically. Additionally, it shows his father’s difficulties to receive a Visa and how the school tries to help him. The school has become a crucial aspect of his new life.

Muhamad is one of the many kids who arrived from Sudan. He has suffered a lot. He witnessed his father’s killing, and then his grandmother’s. He had to escape without knowing where his mother and siblings were, and he is alone in life. Moreover, besides going to school, he needs to work. He had never gone to school before. However, according to the film, he is very responsible and conscious of the importance of education. He successfully achieved his graduation.

After watching it, I can easily understand why the film was awarded. In my opinion, the documentary has a great story to tell and a powerful message to convey. It doesn’t matter where a person comes from, what religion they practice, their skin color, or any of the many other attributes they can have; in terms of human rights, we are all the same. It is a very touching story, worthwhile watching no matter how old you are. 

-Emi Boren