This film just won the International Documentary Association (IDA)'s best short film of the year award for 2015. I had the pleasure of reviewing all nominees for that award: it was a tough competition from very diverse films, all extremely accomplished examples of great documentary storytelling.
Last Day of Freedom is emotionally powerful and moving: it sparks both empathy and outrage. The animation is personal and raw, likely making the subject more accessible to broader audiences than a conventionally filmed documentary. I felt shades of great radio programs and podcasts like "This American Life" or "StoryCorps." I personally wished for a little more polish to the animations, some of which felt rushed, unfinished, or sloppy ... but then again that style gave the story an urgency and an edge, so I suspect it was very intentional. This is a story that is important and memorable: nicely done!
Last Day of Freedom is emotionally powerful and moving: it sparks both empathy and outrage. The animation is personal and raw, likely making the subject more accessible to broader audiences than a conventionally filmed documentary. I felt shades of great radio programs and podcasts like "This American Life" or "StoryCorps." I personally wished for a little more polish to the animations, some of which felt rushed, unfinished, or sloppy ... but then again that style gave the story an urgency and an edge, so I suspect it was very intentional. This is a story that is important and memorable: nicely done!
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