Anna

This short film called Anna is simple in concept but interesting because the lead actress seemed to really feel the dilemma of her character, and she portrayed Anna with grace and determination. I enjoyed the progression from wanting to go to the US as a young girl, up through her quest to go to school in the USA, and the struggles she faced just to be accepted at school in a foreign country.

We as Americans take for granted the ease with which we can obtain education, and the rights we have just by being born here. I appreciated the perspective that the character shares with us. As a young girl, her grandfather told her they couldn’t come to the US yet because the Russians wouldn’t let them. Then we see that she did come to the USA and she’s excited to attend college in NYC…but she has to work for a few years just to get enough money to apply. When she gets sad news from back home in the Czech Republic, she resolves to go back home to be with her family. But then we see she does stay in the US. And she is still trying to get a green card or student visa. She is even propositioned by a patron in the bar where she works. He alludes to what he can do for her in exchange for something he wants from her, and she tells him to leave her alone. It’s interesting that towards the end of the film, she is now so desperate to get into school, that she is comtemplating her options, staring at the necklace that reminds us of the previous offer from the bar patron.

I appreciated the quiet moments and the focus on the facial expressions and emotion of the lead actress. To want something so badly that is as simple as a valid ID, and to watch everyone around us taking that for granted, is frustrating. I love her determination and the plan she devises to get what she needs so that she can finally go to school. They did a fantastic job showing her hesitance and fear of being caught and deported. One of my favorite moments is in the closing scene where she is contemplating her next move, and she looks straight into the camera with resolve, having decided what she must do, and summoning the courage to follow through.

The directing and editing are great. The sound is excellent as well. I hope to see more from this lead actress. She was interesting, believable, vulnerable, and brave. I recommend this film to anyone who is a champion of opportunity, as well as those who look down upon others for wanting to become citizens here. I love stories where people find ways to rise above challenges, even though it has me questioning how I was cheering for the main character to find unconventional means in which to fulfill her dreams. I hope that this film will get much play worldwide, but especially here in the US. It is very well put together and for a first project, the writer/director should be proud.