We thought it was the end of our journey, but it was just the beginning

Continuing my trip up The Guardian's top 50 films of 2023

#40 :  Name Me Lawand

Empathic and inspiring portrait of deaf Iraqi refugee boy that shows us the world from the point of view of a migrant whose life was revolutionised by a school for the deaf.

This was another film I'd given up on, but it's just popped up on Channel 4 and I'm quite looking forward to it, so I'm pleased to have found it.

Lawand is deaf and his family was living in Iraq, where he was pretty much written off as a productive member of society but his family couldn't believe things were so simple and when they heard about a school for the deaf in Derby, they left everything behind to give him a better chance at life.  And he starts making really good progress but then the Home Office gets involved - and that rarely improves things for anyone involved.  And that's all I'm going to tell you, but it's quite the rollercoaster ride from that point on!

Lawand comes across as a really nice kid who's understandably struggling with the start that life has given him.  His parents obviously want the best for him but they struggle to understand, particularly because he makes the conscious decision to only sign and not try to speak.  But Rawa, his brother, comes across as a superstar - not happy with everything about his life and all he's given up but accepting it in a heartbeat to give Lawand a chance for a better life.

The film is very well shot (it's actually beautifully lit, which it has absolutely no need to be) but it's also very well thought out with really interesting use of sound whereby Lawand's level of comprehension is reflected in the volume levels.  So when, for example, he's being taught something and he doesn't understand the teacher then her (and it's always a her!) voice is muffled so that we know she's saying something but we don't know what it is.  It's also very much not afraid of silence (as it certainly shouldn't be) and also uses commentary from Lawand's family sparingly but effectively.  There are also very interesting use of visuals with images being flashed up quickly to represent possible thoughts that Lawand might be having.  All in all, it's a remarkable achievement by Edward Lovelace, the writer and director and it also has a very effective score, so well done to Tom Hodge for his excellent work there.

It's not entirely related to the film but credit also has to go the Royal School Of The Deaf in Derby which just seems like a lovely institution - the teachers have infinite patience and the kids seem really happy there.  However, I do have to say it would be a very harshly edited film that suggested it wasn't the best place ever!

I do like a good documentary but it's rare that they expand the boundaries of film-making, however I think this one really does - The Guardian described it as "empathic and inspiring" and I struggle to argue with that.  It really gives you a feeling of the isolation that can result from deafness and the sense of liberation that signing can provide, as well as the power of family, community and friends.  However, in addition to the film-making flair, it's also a cracking story with some characters you really root for - obviously Lawand is the centre of attention and his journey is simply incredible but his family, friends and teachers also come across as just lovely, lovely people.  

So it's a massive recommendation from me on several fronts and I really think you should watch it - and it's only available on Channel 4 On Demand for the next 5 days, so you really need to get a move on!  Chop chop!

#41 - Not terrible, but not great
#39 - Not good