FIVE is a collection of separate short documentaries about women entrepreneurs from around the world-changing social issues they deem need to be changed. Each female represented has a different story, yet what they have in common is that each portrays perseverance and resilience.
Each of these films follows women and their stories so it is appropriate that they are all directed by women including Renata Sette (Talento Incluir), Nadia Naffa (Sarah’s Bag), Ella Mische (Harfa), Lisa Madison (Onganic), and Michelle Marrion (Justice of the Pies). Each director brings great precision in such a short amount of time. Lisa Madison, who produced four of the documentaries, helps give cohesion to the collection. From Chicago, Croatia and India, there are so many beautiful places these films take place in and the collection gives one a sense of geographical diversity as well as a sense of women’s place in the world. The music and score by Ken Joseph in Onganics, as well as the music and score by Alex Seaver in Justice of the Pies, create a culturally appropriate and emotional addition to the captivating stories these women are describing. My favorite film is Justice of the Pies because, as an African American female, I relate more to the racial aspect of that story. However, as a female, I felt empowered by each story in many ways.
The message in Five is perfectly phrased by Irena Orlovic in Harfa: “I didn’t focus on the negative, but instead stayed focused on what she can do now.” Like these women exemplify, we must take the problems that we see in our lives and in the world and use them to make ourselves and the Earth a better place.
I give Five 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 6 to 18, as well as adults. Five is available on ShortsTV.