The World at 10. Aeyliya Husain (Writer & Director). Silva Basmajian (Producer). Montreal, PQ: National Film Board of Canada, 2003. 40 min., 44 sec., VHS, $49.95. Order Number: C9103 156. Grades 5 and up / Ages 10 and up. Review by Christina Pike. **** /4

The World at 10, written and directed by Aeyliya Husain takes a look at the lives of two 10- year-olds over the span of a school year. The children were not born in Canada but are immigrants from other countries. They have moved to this inner city school as a last ditch hope for something better. Mahfuzur is very determined to do better whereas Neola finds school is not her first priority. She is focused instead on being reunited with her mother. Husain has succeeded in capturing the lives of these children at school and at home and allowing the viewers a glimpse into the true nature of Mahfuzur’s and Neola's characters. It is a very realistic portrayal where the realities of these two children's lives are presented. By looking at the world through their lens, the viewers gain a perspective that they could not have received anywhere else. This story is not a happily-ever-after tale, however. These two children face very different realities as they attempt to cope with living in Canada and Grade 5. Mahfuzur comes from a very traditional family where his mother stays at home and takes care of the children. She speaks very little English, and it is left to Mahfuzur's sister to meet the teacher during parent-teacher night. Neola is living in Canada with her father while her mother is back in their native country. Neola finds herself missing having a mother so much that she can think of little else than being reunited with her mother. The World at 10 is a very thought-provoking and “must see” video.

Highly Recommended.

Christina Pike has been seconded to the Newfoundland Department of Education.

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