Sitara: Let Girls Dream

No pun intended - this is about taking things away (dreams, individuals), but also about what you may take away ... learn from it I reckon. Or just be informed in a sense. To be clear, this may be for all ages ... but it is quite tough stuff to watch - or rather the theme, the core of the short is really really strong ... and you may struggle with it.

The animation is good and the beginning is light enough - but if the shoe fits (another pun I could have used as summary line I reckon) ... well when the shoe fits, because from that moment on, you may realize what this is about. If you did not read about it beforehand of course (I was surprised, but I reckon most will know what this is about before they watch it) ... Topic is handled with care ... and without dialog ... moving pictures do their job ... it is a cycle that has to break ... it is not a good one ... and it is there to destroy dreams and souls ...

Watch this first! Not a cartoon for kids to watch alone... and family discussion should ensue. Good short film for cultural awareness, but not for entertainment. The trailer is misleading as is the "overview" on Netflix screen.

A short should move you in minimum scenes and words. this one does without a single word spoken . Its a must watch . The minimalistic expressions of side characters convey their stand on the subject clearly. Just because something isnt happy , doesn't make it non entertaining. If this doesn't move you , then you are dead inside and can lick a corona infested railing.

Beautiful animation style (not perfect but just great, on par as in disney's channel animation). Set up in a cute tone and a very playful yet magical sound scores - which was highly unappropriate for this storyline although i respect for including cultural sound scores too. The plot set in 1970, showcasing the awful traditional practice of child marriage that is even still being practiced widely today- mostly in the middle east, india/pakistan and south east asia. Apart from that, still a great representation of indian/pakistani cultures in terms of the clothings, foods, festives and etc. In my opinion, it wouldve been better if the main character was in darker skin complexion (darker skin toned girls/women needs appreciation as well, show them love). Short animation about less than 15 minutes, no need for dialogues - straight forward storyline, simple to understand such traggic plot. Educational yet traggic ending. Not recommended.

Amazing work! Best wishes team Pakistan! Your turn to dream big and shine!