The documentary is about Ariana (age 12) who loves to dance with her hairy friend, Mikey her dog. Sadly, she has a ticking bomb inside of her -- two kidneys that are not working. She needs a donor and is determined to find one.
This story is so heartbreaking. If you know anything about kidney disease, your heart will go out to young Ariana as she puts herself out there in search of a kidney donor. The film is beautifully made, enhanced by lively scenes of Ariana dancing, together with scenes at her doctor's office when she learns about her disease, and her older brother helping her make a video appeal to potential donors. Ariana is an adorable young girl, full of life. She adores her little dog Mikey who she calls her "big but small" friend. I hope that this documentary helps get the kidney that Ariana needs, or that any person needs. A person cannot stay on dialysis forever, so finding a kidney is paramount for her. This film truly shows audiences a side to kidney disease that many people are probably not aware of. Ariana doesn't want her friends, except her closest, to know about her disease. It's her personal story. She seems as vibrant as any 12-year-old girl. And she loves dancing - "If I wasn't able to dance any more I would go mad." Her dog, Mikey, stands by as her guardian, as does her older brother who helps her create her video. The film is from Netherlands, with dialogue in Dutch, subtitled in English.
The message of this documentary is about a young girl who is in search of a kidney donor so she can live. Literally, her life depends on it.
I give Free as a Bird 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 10 to 18, plus adults. Reviewed by Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
The documentary is about Ariana (age 12) who loves to dance with her hairy friend, Mikey her dog. Sadly, she has a ticking bomb inside of her -- two kidneys that are not working. She needs a donor and is determined to find one.
This story is so heartbreaking. If you know anything about kidney disease, your heart will go out to young Ariana as she puts herself out there in search of a kidney donor. The film is beautifully made, enhanced by lively scenes of Ariana dancing, together with scenes at her doctor's office when she learns about her disease, and her older brother helping her make a video appeal to potential donors. Ariana is an adorable young girl, full of life. She adores her little dog Mikey who she calls her "big but small" friend. I hope that this documentary helps get the kidney that Ariana needs, or that any person needs. A person cannot stay on dialysis forever, so finding a kidney is paramount for her. This film truly shows audiences a side to kidney disease that many people are probably not aware of. Ariana doesn't want her friends, except her closest, to know about her disease. It's her personal story. She seems as vibrant as any 12-year-old girl. And she loves dancing - "If I wasn't able to dance any more I would go mad." Her dog, Mikey, stands by as her guardian, as does her older brother who helps her create her video. The film is from Netherlands, with dialogue in Dutch, subtitled in English.
The message of this documentary is about a young girl who is in search of a kidney donor so she can live. Literally, her life depends on it.
I give Free as a Bird 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 10 to 18, plus adults. Reviewed by Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
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