The Test is a snapshot of immigrant life that more or less goes unnoticed. Filmmakers Claudia Myers and Laura Waters Hinson’s short documentary follows Eric Frimpong, a maintenance worker at a large senior living facility, The Goodwin House in Alexandria, Virginia. Frimpong has been separated from wife and children in Ghana for eight years. Emigrating to the U.S. due to failing businesses, Frimpong must pass the United States Citizenship test of 100 questions to bring his family from Ghana to the States.
Coming to his aid are Jill and Carl Miller, who help Frimpong prepare for the exam. Said test’s questions are all about one’s understanding of the founding of the United States, its government branches, and operations. It is a challenging task and a commitment to knowledge that even most U.S. citizens don’t know. Through this experience, Frimpong finds a sense of home through the Millers, even referring to Jill as a mom, which she embraces wholeheartedly. For all they do for Frimpong, he provides them with a sense of purpose.
“…Frimpong must pass the United States Citizenship test of 100 questions to bring his family from Ghana to the States.”
The Test is a slice-of-life documentary that could easily be extended in many ways to understand how the subject chose to be in the U.S., how eight years away from a wife and children has been, and how Frimpong has existed, especially from his wife’s perspective in Ghana. In addition, at the end, we learn that the tutors residing at Goodwin House have helped more than 130 staff members become U.S. citizens. This is quite an exciting feat with a positive message, especially in acknowledging seniors who deserve respect and honor in our culture, which is lacking. This revelation fills viewers with a sense of hope for people trying to enter this country legally. However, due to the 15-minute runtime, this is present but not explored.
The Test is a well-executed film. The shot composition, direction, and photography build together nicely to tell a simple story with a beautiful ending. However, adding more details about the current state of Ghana, Frimpong’s odyssey to the States, and how his family back home is getting on would have added an extra spark.
"…a well-executed film."
