Mermaids' Lament

If you're a fan of Eliseo Subiela's Man Facing Southeast, you'll love this film as well. This isn't The Little Mermaid. No cute lovey dovey junior high sentiments. It deals with suicide, anxiety, trauma and possibly rape, but it does so with hope always in the periphery in the form of mermaids. And the ocean, can be perceived as both threatening and a sanctuary. As Evan Dossey of the Midwest Film Journal writes, "The seas play a pivotal role, both symbolic and literal, for both of the women, and it's by far the most successful element of his film." Storytelling is most powerful when it embraces its mythological roots with metaphor and allegory, and Mermaids' Lament embraces that past fully.

Hope you enjoy the experience.

This movie is breathtaking in its ability to covey trauma, struggle, transformation and joy.

With stunning visuals, rare and immersive acting talent, precise and compassionate directing, and most amazingly, few words needed.

The acting and directing are on par with any big budget movie out there, the cinematography is on point, and the locations around Hawaii island (above and below the waves) are stunning

There is also a strong environmental message that struck a personal emotional chord, the need to care for the abuse of our planet is in itself a response to human suffering and trauma

It is perfection.

From the gentle symbolisms such as Oees early encounter with a fellow escaped captive and stranger in a stranger land, to her fascination with the umbrella constantly seeking to fly free as Oee longed to do with a return to the sea this movie spoke volumes. Amazing to pull this off with only 2 characters and very little dialog but pull it off they did!

The issues faced by both characters seem insurmountable which makes the ending that much more beautiful and touching.

If you're looking for a movie that is alive with feeling and connections, between both people and this earth we live on this is a must see.

Mermaid's Lament is a very compelling film. I couldn't look away. The cinematography is so beautiful, the story is delightful, the characters are believable. We found ourselves cheering for both the main characters. Our commitment to the characters was richly rewarded in the end.

For me it has just the right balance of light and dark scenes. It's a remarkably good movie and I hope you go see it.

It's an independent film located in Hawaii, which made it extra fun to watch. GB Hajim has hit it out of the park on this film, and both Dayva Escobar and Justina Mattos show a surprising depth of character and maturity in their roles.

Mermaids Lament is a powerful and emotionally charged film that takes viewers on a journey through trauma, healing, and sustainability. Shot on the beautiful Big Island in Hawaii, the film explores the deep connection between helping others and healing oneself. As my husband and I watched the movie, we were captivated by the range of emotions we felt, from anxiety and fear to hope and joy.

The acting in Mermaids Lament is top-notch, with each actor delivering a compelling and authentic performance. The writing is thought-provoking and engaging, delving into complex themes of trauma and redemption. GB Hajim's direction is masterful, drawing viewers in and keeping them on the edge of their seats throughout the film.

One of the standout aspects of Mermaids Lament is its focus on sustainability, particularly ocean pollution and waste. The film serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of protecting our environment and the impact our actions have on the world around us.

Overall, Mermaids Lament is a must-see independent film that showcases the talent and creativity of its creators. I am proud of my friend GB Hajim for his incredible accomplishment and highly recommend this film to anyone looking for a moving and thought-provoking cinematic experience.