Tsamo
Tsamo

Movie spotlight

Tsamo

2015
Movie
92 min
Finnish

In the 1860’s Alaska and Finland are simultaneously parts of the Russian Empire. A Finnish mining engineer Simon buys a Tlingit girl named Tsamo and decides to bring her to Finland. The child, Tsamo, is baptized and Simon starts to teach her European manners. Tsamo thinks she’s married to Simon and acts accordingly, but when Simon marries a lady of his own age and class, she gets confused. Simon is forced to send the girl away and the battle over Tsamo’s identity takes complicated turns.

Insights

Director: Daryle F. LallGenres: Drama, Short

Plot Summary

In the desolate landscape of South Africa, a young boy named Tsamo navigates the harsh realities of poverty and the looming threat of child trafficking. He grapples with his desire for a better life, confronting the difficult choices that arise from his circumstances. The film highlights the innocence lost and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of overwhelming adversity.

Critical Reception

Tsamo received mixed to positive reviews, with many critics praising its sensitive portrayal of a difficult subject matter and the performances of its young cast. Some noted its slow pacing, while others found it to be a powerful and thought-provoking short film that effectively raises awareness.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its emotional depth and important social commentary.

  • Critiques often mention the film's deliberate pacing.

  • The performances, particularly from the lead, are highlighted as a strong point.

Google audience: Audience reviews are scarce due to the film's niche status, but general sentiment tends to acknowledge the film's serious themes and emotional impact.

Fun Fact

The film was shot on location in a rural area of South Africa, with many of the extras being local residents who had experienced similar circumstances to the characters portrayed.

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