The documentary introduces the viewer to the Hope Center for the Arts in California, USA. Established in 1979, the center is unique because of the manner in which it provides an art-based community for adults with intellectual disabilities. The narrative the film thus presents to the viewer is heartfelt and poignant, crisp in its brevity, and yet, lucid and comprehensive. 

Along with raising awareness about the center itself, and all the work that it has been doing, it further gives a glimpse into an entire community, their dreams and hope, but more than that, their talent and skill. It takes the form of a relevant story about a significant section of the population, which has been marginalized for a very long time with a single, dismissive stroke. 

All of this is painted for the viewer, without resorting to overt sentimentalism or maudlin storytelling in any form. It is indeed this characteristic which allows the film the necessary sensitivity and nuance to make its message impactful and empowering.

A Crack in the Universe | Short Film of the Day

The succinct documentary takes us into a very moving, and compelling reality of a corner of the world that finds itself overwhelmed with political strife to the extent of drowning out several other voices, albeit each as worthy of being heard as the other. It introduces us to the battles of primarily the children and their parents who are born with a cleft lip and palate in Myanmar. 

 The issues are brought to life by way of two voices, both experts who worked towards fighting them in the Burmese capital of Nay Pyi Taw. The plot further paints the portrait of a hospital established in 2005, but still grappling with staff shortages. The political unrest that especially ravaged the nation in 2019 only served to make matters worse. Despite the many hurdles that obstruct the path of the stories of conflict-ridden territories, the film does its bit to make itself heard loud and clear.

 While the final result only offers a cause, devoid of its effect, perhaps even raising within you the want of a longer version of the current project, the simple endeavor to share this story is sufficient to triumph any similar predicaments that might arise in the viewer's mind. The narrative, in the process, brings to life a gripping and very relevant concern, without the usual traps of exploitation and sensationalization of misery. It presents to you a story that demands to be heard, to educate and raise a conversation that needs to be furthered.

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