CD/DVD — Review

Hannah’s Story

written and directed by Juanita Peters
National Film Board of Canada, 2007
DVD-R 153C 9107 239
$59.95, 29 min DVD, colour, ages 8+
www.nfb.ca

This documentary film features Hannah Taylor, who, at the age of five years, noticed a man rummaging in a dumpster near her home in Winnipeg. After learning that he was probably homeless and looking for food, Hannah couldn’t stop thinking and worrying about him and others in similar circumstances, until finally her mother suggested that maybe if she did something to help, she would feel better. And so began the Ladybug Foundation which raises funds to help the homeless (www.ladybugfoundation.ca). Hannah is now eleven years old, and through her “Big Boss” lunches and other initiatives, her foundation has raised over one million dollars. The documentary shows Hannah speaking directly to the camera, at speaking engagements, and with one of her homeless friends in a shelter in Winnipeg. It is an inspiring story that shows what can be done when you are determined to make a difference. Students of all ages will be touched by admiration for Hannah and all that she has accomplished. A teacher’s guide is available on the NFB website (www.nfb.ca).

Reviewed by Diana Mumford

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