TRIBECA FILM FESTIVAL 2022 REVIEW! Writer/director Kasey Elise Walker takes us on one young girl’s journey in her short film, Hoop Dreams. Fifth-grader Savannah (Madison Southerland) needs to find strength and self-confidence, the same strength her mother (Torin Ashtun) has, as she’s faced with presenting an oral report in class.
Where does Momma Walker get her strength? It comes in a mystical pair of hoop earrings that her mother wears everywhere, every day. When Savannah’s mother wears those hoops, there’s nothing she can’t do. She commands every room she enters. So Savannah “borrows” the earrings, and she is transported to an entirely different world.
“When Savannah’s mother wears those hoops, there’s nothing she can’t do.”
I love Hoop Dreams because Savannah’s story is not told with a typical narrative. Instead, the plot is lyrical and told from the young protagonist’s point of view. In addition, Madison Southerland gives a stunning performance that’s endearing and engaging and speaks to the story’s heart.
Writer/director Walker takes masterful command of her story, setting a fairy tale tone with an element of a superhero’s origin right from the start. The filmmaker takes her heroine to great heights only to bring her back to the ground with a heartfelt dose of family. This is a beautiful film that will touch one’s soul.
Hoop Dreams will screen at the 2022 Tribeca Film Festival.
"…a beautiful film that will touch one's soul."
