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Queen of the Beach
By Sabrina McFarland,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Docu about ambitious young girl's desire for an education.
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Queen of the Beach
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What's the Story?
QUEEN OF THE BEACH is a documentary that takes a look at the life of Shilpa Poojar, a child laborer on Anjuna Beach in Goa, India. The country reportedly has millions of kids between the ages of 5 and 19 who are employed in the nation's workforce, according to the film. Many kids often skip school due to the costs involved in pursuing an education. Receiving an education has been a legal right for Indian girls for more than a decade. They may also be urged to become caregivers for their families who face poverty, homelessness, and food insecurity. Over the course of several years, Queen of the Beach filmmaker Christopher "Cleetche" McDonell covers Shilpa's journey, while also offering encouragement in her pursuit of an education.
Is It Any Good?
In the inspiring documentary Queen of the Beach, director Christopher "Cleetche" McDonell arrives in India to cover people on spiritual journeys. His visit to the area, however, steers him toward a more enlightening path and subject, filming a 9-year-old shop merchant named Shilpa Poojar. "I'm working on the beach," says the underage worker. "I'm selling my clothes. Show me the money!" Shilpa must make a living to support her parents and siblings, but she also has the dream of obtaining an education, as well as having a life that has more options. "If I know how to read and write," realizes Shilpa. "I can get a job anywhere." Shilpa's go-getter attitude gets an A+, and Queen of the Beach gets a high grade with its important message for kids about the power of getting an education.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the perseverance of Shilpa Poojar in Queen of the Beach. How does she also demonstrate compassion, courage, curiosity, and teamwork? Why are these important character strengths?
Why is having the ability to read and write significant to Shilpa? What are the possible benefits of getting an education?
What may have been the cultural, financial, and social issues that influenced Shilpa's not going to school? Her gender? A bias against impoverished people? Colorism because of her dark skin?
Movie Details
- In theaters: October 31, 2019
- On DVD or streaming: August 15, 2021
- Cast: Shilpa Poojar
- Director: Cleetche
- Studio: Under the Milky Way
- Genre: Documentary
- Topics: Activism , Great Girl Role Models
- Character Strengths: Compassion , Courage , Curiosity , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time: 95 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: June 22, 2023
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