Pakistani-American film director, Bob Ahmed (Babar Ahmed), who broke out with the 2014 movie, “Amka and the Three Golden Rules”, has created an evocative and relevant short film that tugs at your soul.
You may be surprised to know that Washington DC has the highest homelessness rate in all of America. Ahmed has used his own personal experiences of living in DC to write the script.
The story follows a young precocious boy, Alexander, who is still unable to tie his own shoelaces. One day Alexander notices an aged, derelict homeless man, and they make eye contact.
There is an immediate intangible connection between these two main characters that is palpable to the audience.
Bob Ahmed photo (courtesy of Jessica Caso)
The film weaves in the backstory of the old man. He is a veteran who starts reminiscing about the time he was awarded a post-war medal by the United States President decades ago.
But he is now left uncared for, and destitute with no roof over his head.
In failing health, the veteran collapses on the ground with passersby not paying any attention until the boy and his mother find him, immediately calling for an ambulance.
From here on the film transcends to another emotional level entirely, and the surprise ending “gets you” straight in the heart.
This is a story of hope and kindness in the midst of a harsh and unforgiving world, and could simply not be any more relevant at this moment in time.
The performances from both the lead actors are riveting. The cinematography and sound design are a work of art.
“Tikkun Olam” is nothing short of a rare, polished gem, and will premiere at the 19th Annual Garden State Film Festival in New Jersey, on March 23-28, 2021.
