Common Sense Media Review
By Kat Halstead
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Hopeful documentary has mention of threat, discrimination.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Name Me Lawand
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In NAME ME LAWAND, documentary filmmakers follow the experience of a young deaf boy who spent his early years in Iraq, unable to communicate with those around him. Fearing he'll never have a good life there, his family decide to seek asylum through Europe, eventually ending up in Derby, England. Here, he receives the support he needs to learn to communicate with others. This sheds light on the world around him and finally helps him understand who he is and how he fits in.
Is It Any Good?
Both devastating and hopeful, this award-winning documentary depicts a young child's trauma, but it also offers a window into the incredible effect the right kind of help and support can have. In Name Me Lawand, filmmaker Edward Lovelace uses creative audio and visual techniques to portray Lawand's point of view. Viewers get a glimpse into his confusion and isolation from the world around him, most powerfully in distorted sound effects and close-ups of his eyes that seem to be searching for meaning amid chaos. When he does initially articulate words, they're "scared" and "angry," but as he makes progress thanks to his family's decision to seek asylum and the nurturing education of his teachers, viewers witness moments of a smile, a laugh, and a newfound friendship. It's tear-jerking, for sure, and just as things begin to improve, the Home Office intervenes, threatening deportation. Even then, Lawand bravely carries the burden of proof that he's making progress, along with the responsibility for his entire family's future.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Lawand's experience of deafness was portrayed in Name Me Lawand. What techniques did the filmmaker use, and how did Lawand begin to be able to express his own story?
What did the film show of Lawand and his family's experience of being refugees? How did it portray their journey and the difference between their lives in Iraq and the U.K.?
Characters in the film—particularly Lawand and his brother, Rawa—showed empathy, compassion, and courage. Why are these important character strengths? Can you think of times when you've shown these traits in your own life?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : September 9, 2024
- Cast : Lawand Hamad Amin , Rawa Hamad Amin , Golbahar Hamad Amin , Rebwar Hamad Amin
- Director : Edward Lovelace
- Inclusion Information : Middle Eastern/North African Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : PBS
- Genre : Documentary
- Topics : Activism , Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Courage , Empathy
- Run time : 91 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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