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One Survives by Hiding (2022)


2022 CAMDEN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL REVIEW! One Survives by Hiding is a sad, artistic retelling of the atrocities that have befallen Filipina women by the hand of American soldiers for the past three generations. Director Esy Casey tells these stories through the eyes of her mother, and in a way that will surely entice viewers. Furthermore, One Survives by Hiding aims to change the way in which the world treats women with a brutal telling of all that they have experienced in the past. Images juxtapose the on-screen text, and together they create a dynamic that invites viewers into these harrowing stories and expresses to them, with vivid accounts of what has occurred, the truth about past Filipina struggles. In the beginning of One Survives by Hiding the images are beautiful, simple, and they represent something that may muster up feelings of happiness and joy. These images, however, are paired with vivid descriptions of the horrible things that have happened–and together they create something artistic and accessible. Dingy colors and tones plague the screen throughout One Survives by Hiding, and it sends a message to viewers that the stories that they are hearing are anything but beautiful. These images resonate with viewers, and they constantly remind viewers of the horrific things that take place around the world. The images do more than just remind us of things, however, they invite us into these stories, making us feel as if we were there. Even the “happy” pictures are shown to viewers using dark tones, and that helps to develop the understanding that those happy memories for some are not so happy for others. One Survives by Hiding is an upsetting film, and it does a wonderful job (interestingly enough) of transferring those ideas of hardship and sadness to viewers, making them part of the journey. There are a series of stories that exist throughout the course of One Survives by Hiding, but they sort of blend together–and doing this expresses to viewers that these hardships never end–they are a constant throughout the world, plaguing everyone and everything that gets in their way. That sort of cohesion that exists throughout the many stories works to both paint one picture and blur the lines between a series of instances–making them indistinguishable in some ways. This alone is enough to entertain viewers because it makes them think, it makes them tap into their own emotions and determine the meaning behind the stories and pictures for themselves. One Survives by Hiding can be difficult to swallow from time to time, and the importance of the content is incredible. Hearing about the horrific acts that have occurred is eye-opening and gut-wrenching. Casey holds nothing back, refusing to pull punches or appease her audience, and she’s willing to tell the world all that she knows–regardless of how it may be perceived. She’s passionate, powerful, and beautifully expressive throughout the course of One Survives by Hiding. She also reminds viewers, in a roundabout way, that finding your own path, making your own decisions, and doing what is best for you are the keys to success in this world. Others can appear to us as obstacles, and it’s up to us to find our way in this world. Self love is the message present throughout One Survives by Hiding, and it’s made clear from beginning to end. Directed by Esy Casey. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐½/10


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