In 2005, when filmmaker Justin Arana was a student at the University of Southern California, his grandfather Leo Jacobs—a Holocaust survivor—asked Justin if the latter died today would he feel he had lived a good life. This question led Arana to reconsider his priorities and then commit himself to the cause of Darfur, traveling to the refugee camps to help. The trip nearly cost him dearly, since he was arrested and jailed for taking photos of rape victims and was able to win his freedom only with difficulty. But the experience did not deter Arana from still wanting to make a difference, and he went on to travel around the world (including Tibet, where he learned that Jacobs had died) before winding up in Mozambique, where he discovered that impure water was a major health problem and also found his calling: building a well for the village, a task for which he also enlisted his younger brother Matthew (thereby deepening their relationship). Arana has since expanded his vision to other villages, and he was joined by actress Sharon Stone—who works as an activist against AIDS in Africa—as a partner in the making of this film. My Name Is Water consists of a long monologue in which Arana describes his spiritual journey from 2005 to 2013, backed by footage he shot along the way, with the longest segment devoted to his work in Mozambique. Arana certainly comes across as totally committed to his cause, one that is clearly worthy of support. But the stream-of-consciousness style of his presentation allows for considerable repetition and digression. Still, the inspiring subject matter alone makes this a strong optional purchase. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek)
My Name is Water
(2016) 94 min. DVD: $59.95 ($199 w/PPR from edu.passionriver.com). Passion River (avail. from most distributors). Volume 32, Issue 1
My Name is Water
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