From Far Away
2000
6 min
Coming soon
This short animation tells the story of Saoussan, a young girl struggling to adjust to life in Canada after being uprooted from her wartorn homeland. She has come to seek a quieter and safer life, although memories of war and death linger, memories that are awakened when the children at her new school prepare for a scary Halloween. From Far Away speaks to the power within us all to adapt like Saoussan and to welcome a newcomer. Part of the Talespinners collection, which uses vibrant animation to bring popular children’s stories from a wide range of cultural communities to the …
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Talespinners2000 15 filmsTalespinners, for ages 5-9, includes seven tales of children who confront challenges with ingenuity and creativity. Each story brings facets of a different cultural community to the screen, through a setting, accent, folk element, tradition, particular food or vocabulary. Young viewers will be captivated by the adventures and determination of the Talespinners’ children. This collection includes four original tales and three inspired by books. The stories have particular appeal to modern kids growing up in a complicated world.
Details
This short animation tells the story of Saoussan, a young girl struggling to adjust to life in Canada after being uprooted from her wartorn homeland. She has come to seek a quieter and safer life, although memories of war and death linger, memories that are awakened when the children at her new school prepare for a scary Halloween. From Far Away speaks to the power within us all to adapt like Saoussan and to welcome a newcomer.
Part of the Talespinners collection, which uses vibrant animation to bring popular children’s stories from a wide range of cultural communities to the screen.
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directorShira AvniSerene El-haj Daoud
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animationShira AvniSerene El-haj Daoud
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producerMichael Fukushima
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executive producerIsobel MarksDavid Verrall
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scriptSugith Varughese
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digital imagingCatherine Lafortune
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editingGordon Hashimoto
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sound editingJean-Baptiste Roger
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sound designNormand Roger
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musicNormand Roger
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re-recordingSerge BoivinJean Paul Vialard
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voiceJesse Vinet
Education
Ages 6 to 9
Study Guide - Guide 1
Languages - English as a Second Language
Have a class discussion about the challenges English second-language learners face (frustration, humiliation). Watch the film. Have students portray, in drawing or writing, alternate problems that could arise in a school/classroom and how those problems could be solved. Then have students brainstorm ways to help those struggling with the language. A good way to motivate/encourage struggling language learners.
