Last month I was privileged to interview the young up-and-coming filmmaker and actor Tara Nicole Azarian. (See Speaking Out on Anorexia.) Her short film about anorexia was just the beginning. Not only is My Name is Anna still making the rounds at film festivals, but her recent short, Cardboard, about homelessness, is winning awards in film festivals across the country. The movie has made such an impact that it was chosen to be shown as part of the Teen Truth Festival, which selected twelve student films to show to various middle and high schools, and other locations.
I was allowed a private screening of the film, and was impressed by what Tara and her team were able to put together. Cardboard examines the issue of homelessness from the view of a family which has lost their home. What will the couple and their daughter do when the only shelters available would cause them to be separated? There are places for single men and women with children, but nothing available for families. I would imagine this scenario plays itself out in real life every day.
The film realistically portrays how each member of the family would react when faced with homelessness. The stress and anger is expressed in the dialogue, but the family is committed to staying together despite all they have to endure.
If you have a chance to see this film, you will probably be surprised by the ending. Let’s just say the main character finds a way to wear her hardship as a badge of honor.
Embedded below is a preview of the film.
