Credits

Youth producers

Raine O'Kelly-Rodriguez

Average rating

(4.64)

Organization

Reel Works Teen Filmmaking, Inc.

Creative Commons info

Share it? yes

Remix it? no

Use commercially? no

Reviews

Hi Rain I am a friend of Monique's. I loved your video. For you to be going through such an emotional and heartbreaking time in your life, you show a great deal of strength. There are not many young women your age who would handle this situation as well as you. You make me proud. I hope you and your family will continue to stay strong and do well. You all are so lucky to have each other. This even will make your bond stronger. It made the one with my sister and mom strong. If your dad would have stayed in the unhappy state he was in, you all would have probably suffered. Maybe he knew this and wanted to prevent you from going through that. I am not excusing him, just hoping that he was not just thinking of himself when he left. Good luck to you sweet one.

Simone  |  May 13, 2009

A beautiful film done by a courageous young woman with wisdom beyond her age. If her father chooses not to take this chance to know his daughter, it will be his loss, not hers.

Susan Byrne  |  December 06, 2008

This is a moving film, that shows the film maker's promise and great talent. Thank you for sharing a story that so many can relate to and learn from! I can't wait to see what else this young artist comes up with!

Amie Swope  |  December 03, 2008

I hope that this family can find a way to let go of the past and have a beautiful future. The dad has to be willing to spend more time with his children for this to work, I know we all make mistakes however it is for us to learn and not repeat.

Denise  |  November 06, 2008

Sensitive and well-crafted, this film deals with the effects of a family split-up on the children and how one child, the film maker, makes peace with the parents who left.

Marge Blaine  |  November 04, 2008

When I first saw this remarkable work by my very talented daughter,Words could not describe how proud I am to be her mother.This is an important film,That many can relate to especially us girls.This is only the first of many films to come.BRAVO!!!

Traci O'Kelly  |  October 31, 2008

Way to go Raine!That's one awesome to stick the truth into dad.Your documentary really spoke to that maybe some day I'll be able to tell off to dad.I mean man, he really got "Fed in the A"!

Toi O'Kelly  |  October 28, 2008

What a talented and beautiful young woman. It pulled at my heartstrings and had me in tears. I loved it. Bravo.

Mary Hart  |  October 28, 2008

I thought that this was a great medium to express how she feels about her experience. I really liked it!!

Tomi  |  October 25, 2008

Very touching. My heart goes out to this young woman, and I wish her much luck as she finds her way in the world.

Stacey  |  October 25, 2008

This is a beautiful, artistic and sensitively created production by a young woman who is obviously intelligent and talented. More than that however, Raine demonstrates an emotional sophistication beyond her years and the kind of courage and understanding that is sure to serve her well throughout her life. One is touched by the candor of everyone involved; Raine, her sister Toi, brother Hunter, their mother and yes, even their father. Using the bicycle as a symbol for her father, Raine bravely asks “give me yourself” and, at least for the moment he does. Quite and impact. Brava Raine and family!!

Nancy Chizik  |  October 23, 2008

Great work capturing your relationship with your dad. I'm sure many others can relate to your story. Thanks for having the courage to share that with others.

Wanda  |  October 23, 2008

This is a brave and sophisticated exploration! Self-reflection is not easy to document, and this succeeds on every level. Congratulations, Raine.

Amy Sumner  |  October 22, 2008

Documenting her abandonment issues in this touching short film, young Raine takes on the subject of her father’s shortcomings with remarkable maturity and directness, without ever becoming overly sentimental or playing the victim. The segments of her father being interviewed astonished me when I realized that the unseen interviewer was Raine herself! Such courage from one so young gives me hope for the future.

Karen Houser  |  October 21, 2008

The honesty and willingness to approach this subject in such an open and uncomplicated way, made watching this short incredibly moving. I was greatly impressed.

Annelise Howard Phillips  |  October 21, 2008

A wise and witty film by a young woman with obvious talent. She has put so much heart, emotion, and intelligence in this tight little package of a film.

Amanda Clarke  |  October 21, 2008

love it. i have four children and they lived in puerto rico with me and their mom . we had issues and we went our separate ways so the kids stood with their mother. i wanted to bring one with me and i did . he is now 18 and he goes to bns/bcs the same school you go to. the other kids was with their mother but came to ny 1 at a timeand the other goes to bns/bcs . your story is like mine but i laways wanted the kids with me but she would not give them to me. i finely got them and am so happy. let me tell you who my kids are. jose m rivera. a.k.a (chalupa) the other is. luis gaddiel rivera a.k.a gaddi

jose rivera  |  October 21, 2008

Beautiful, brave storytelling!

Susan Knott  |  October 21, 2008

Impressive young girl.

BNS Parent  |  October 21, 2008

This was a touching and beautiful film.

Sarah  |  October 20, 2008

Honest and open, the narrator leads us through trying to establish a connection with her father given the aftermath of his desertion. I was touched when she pessimistically added the word "hopefully" when she wondered if he would give her a bike from his bike shop. I applaud her willingness to give him a chance.

Stacey Irizarry  |  October 20, 2008

very nice transition from despair to positivity. A nice slice of real life.

Nicholas Puccia  |  October 20, 2008

This was wonderfully done. I was moved by its message and how she tried to reconnect with her dad. Even if it was short lived.

Cindy  |  October 19, 2008

A beautiful telling of one young woman's attempt to reconnect with her father -- this time on her terms.

Christine Turner  |  October 19, 2008

I love this movie. Kool graphics and story telling was very real. More kids should open up about their MIA dads, the world would be able to heal better.

Cody  |  October 18, 2008

This is a beautiful film, and really points to the fact that whoever can do better in a relationship should try to be specific and ask for what might be a practical small step. Both people got a bit more because of Raine's courage and the direct approach. One cannot ask for love but one can ask for a lot of other things, particularly asking someone to teach something specific, which is one of the best forms of love I know. If 5 means great, that's my rating.

Lisa  |  October 18, 2008

Well connected moving story. Especially liked the drawing at the beginning which gave you a hint of what was coming.

BK  |  October 17, 2008

The film does a great job of making the viewer feel the emotional vacillation of the father and the daughter in this situation. It captures your attention as well as your heart!

Darlene Fiscus  |  October 17, 2008

Congratulations Raine!! To say I was moved by this film would be an understatement. Looking at the pictures of you guys as kids and remembering what your lives were like then was difficult, but in no way does where you come from determine your future. You are an extremely talented young woman and I look forward to seeing more great films from you. I am so proud to be your sister! I love you Lani

Lani Gilbert  |  October 17, 2008

wonderful and moving... A BIG, little film. I rate this a 5 out of 5

barbara castro  |  October 17, 2008

I was captivated by this heartfelt film! Bravo!

Chris Shirley  |  October 17, 2008

I thought the way maps were used to demonstrate movement from home to home was dramatic. It made the frequent moves more real. Also, the topic of a parent teaching a child to ride a bike is universal and can be appreciated by many. Good work.

Geoff Hecht  |  October 17, 2008

What a sweet and sensitive story! It took courage to be able to open up and share such a painful chapter of her life--that is a part of being a good filmmaker--

Abby DeMillo  |  October 17, 2008

Thank you for creating this beautiful film. I am moved by the story of your family's journey... keep riding tall and proud.

James Hallett  |  October 17, 2008

That was lovely! It was heart-warming and charming. Great job.

Patricia  |  October 17, 2008

weaves a beautiful story

Niki DeMaio  |  October 16, 2008

Nice heartfelt story, nicely told. The bike riding lesson pulled it all together and was such a great metaphor for the whole relationship. Nicely done.

Don  |  October 16, 2008

Raine, your story brought tears to my eyes. Sensitively and artistically portrayed. The pictures, early videos, new videos and dialogue with all your family members revealed people's true feelings along with the hurt, came hope for a new relationship and a new chapter in your relationship with your father. You rode so beautifully. It took courage for your father to do this because he might feel that he was a bad guy. But he also redeemed himself. Wonderful!

Kelly Wilmeth  |  October 16, 2008

my dad is an ass too... glad you learnt how to ride a bike. i liked this film

isaac Shrem  |  October 16, 2008

A great fil about a daughters attempt to reconcile her farthers absence in her life, and attempt to redeem his current role. Very good editing and pacing.

jeremiah alexis  |  October 16, 2008

Not only has the filmmaker made some strong and brave choices in her relationship with her father, but the film itself is masterful in telling her story, full of context, rooted in the family history and looking into the future. Truly a delight to watch. Thank you for making this important work.

Parker Pracjek  |  October 16, 2008

It is an honest portrayal of your family and very well organized into the film. Keep it up, you have a talent for this! :)

Frank  |  October 15, 2008

wow! that was really great :)!! it was very interesting. your a star at that. i did not fall asleep once.

Zoe  |  October 15, 2008

It's deep I like it.

Joey Nova  |  October 14, 2008

fantastic job. you do determine your own path. no matter what your past, make choices that affect you positively right now. now is the time...

Ann Marie  |  October 14, 2008

What a wonderful and sensitive video! Raine's decision to make a film on her feelings towards her father took courage. The way she told her story though drawings, interviews, and self reflection showed creativity and a special talent in the art of film making.

Robin Eddy  |  October 14, 2008

Heartfelt and moving...

Rosabeth Eddy  |  October 14, 2008

I dont speak to you much in school so this came to a shocker that you were having problems like this at home. you always look calm and collected, i know see that this is a hint of depression in you because of the absents of your father. all i can say is keep you head up as you have been doing. what's wierd to me is that you say you dont hate your day even though he is partially the reason your family is on the trail they are now and i cant stand my father almost to the point of hate and he is in the household with me. it almost makes my problems seem like nothing compared to yours. it was a big relief that he did show up at the end to give you that lesson but its crazy that he didnt really learn much from your time together.

Kenya Byas  |  October 14, 2008

Great movie! I felt instantly connected to Raine and her family. I hope making this movie has helped heal old wounds and will make the future brighter with her dad.

Janine  |  October 14, 2008

This was a very sweet and intimate view of a family piecing together again. Very optimistic and heartfelt.

Jessica  |  October 14, 2008

Thank you for sharing your family's story in such a heartfelt and accessible manner.

Hope  |  October 14, 2008

Great short. Well thought out. Kept me engaged the whole time. I liked how it didn't try to jump to any conclusions. Try to improve on the audio quality of future interviews, though.

Luke  |  October 14, 2008

A very touching and honest film. It reminds you how hard life can be and how strong people really are.

Tara  |  October 13, 2008

Raine, I have seen you and your family, well I should say your mom, in the neighborhood for years. I was always impressed by your poise and focus. Thanks for sharing your story in such a real and heartfelt way. I am looking forward to seeing more work from you.

jacqueline  |  October 13, 2008

Interesting opening with the drawing of the family (including the donkey). I liked the way let her dad say whatever he wanted to say. Yet, he didn't tell the entire truth... as evidenced by his actions! The film does leave the viewer feeling disappointed in the dad and hoping for healing and happy days ahead for the family.

Melinda Padgett  |  October 12, 2008

A very moving and thoughtful film. It was inspiring to see Raine take such a big chance emotionally. Her courage and persistence really paid off.

Allyn Bacher  |  October 12, 2008

Very courageous putting her family story out there. A lot of people can relate to this story.

Ronen Sberlo  |  October 12, 2008

Very heartfelt, moving.. great work!

paul trejo  |  October 12, 2008

This is such a sweet story and beautifully told. Much luck and love to you and your family!

Dana Frankoff  |  October 12, 2008

Incredible how one person's irresponsibility and selfishness effects a family for years. And how a parent's words mean nothing if actions don't follow. Very compelling and powerful message. Almost broke my heart when he taught her how to ride her bike at 16. I loved this film.

Dee-Dee Sberlo  |  October 12, 2008

This is a heart-felt story of how a father just picked up and how he walked away from his wife and children. Leaving them guessing and trying to cope with his abandonment and life. Heart-felt story w/closure.

Frederick Stepkin  |  October 12, 2008

a very lovely statement, nicely captured on film. Congratulations to everyone involved - for the spirit, the look, and the ability to stay away from melodrama or hyper-emotionality. keep your pedals pumping, Raine!

thomas boyd  |  October 12, 2008

A nicely told story.

greg b  |  October 12, 2008

very moving, especially the girl's persistence to connect with her father.

anila sole  |  October 11, 2008

Wonderful!! An amazing story, and something many can relate to. Whenever I watch this movie, I am blown away at the emotion that goes into it. Your going to go a long way sis!! :]

Jurnee O'Kelly-Rodriguez  |  October 11, 2008

A beautiful movie by a very brave and talented young woman. I hope to see more films as she continues her journey.

Donna Gung  |  October 11, 2008

Raine tells a universal story through a personal lens. Camera work, in particular, the way the father is shot and lit, adds much to this film. The bicycle holds and moves her story.

Alyce Barr  |  October 11, 2008

Raine O'Kelly Rodriquez first film is an intimate, affecting and honest, and in the end, a courageous look at self, loss, parenting and growing up. It shows the lasting power of profound early experience, in this case that of a father and his young daughter. One is left with hope and a tear in one's eyes, that the renewed journey of this pair, as illustrated by her riding off into the distance on the bike that he just gave her and taught her to ride, as he calls out: "I love you."

Loren L. Fisher  |  October 11, 2008

I thought your video was excellent. I'd like to see what you can do with official equipment and a studio!

Kyle Carraro  |  October 11, 2008

Beautifully honest and painful yet tremendously hopeful and real.

Molly Gia Foresta  |  October 11, 2008

Bravo. I was very moved by this story. The film caught me up, it was thought provoking. It reminded me of all those moments, hours, days of contact and love that I missed with my own dad.

Carol Foresta  |  October 11, 2008

A wonderful, touching and very grounded portrayal.

Ed  |  October 10, 2008

Raine O’Kelly Rodriguez opens up in an incredible and heartfelt depiction of change, growth, and understanding between a father and a daughter. At the end, the audience will not know whether to place blame, seek forgiveness, or demand a longer account as we are deeply drawn into Raine’s journey with her dad. What an amazing debut! Raine captures her compelling true account in a clever and thought-provoking storyline – I can’t wait to see much more from this talented teen.

Scill Chan  |  October 10, 2008

This documentary will move you. Raine brings you through the many emotions of growing up missing a parent, and trying to make sense of it. Everyone, especially those who works with kids and young adults, should see this.

Raka Nuernberger  |  October 10, 2008

I LOVE this movie! It tells the story of a young person coming to terms with her father's failures as a parent. As she begins to acknowledge her father's limits, she creates a story which manages to be both bitter and sweet.

Zan Jacobus  |  October 10, 2008

Phenomenal vision of reconciliation.

Scott Henstrand  |  October 10, 2008

Well-conceived and well-executed. A sensitive topic, addressed in a manner moving and at times amusing. Touching.

Townsend West  |  October 10, 2008

I was moved (sniffles and watery eyes) not only because I know Raine as one of my students but because of the honesty, conflict and hope of this piece. Good work Raine!

jacques hoffmann  |  October 10, 2008

Raine O'Kelly provides a gutsy and brave portrayal of an intensely difficult subject, growing up with the absence of a parent, a situation which impacts the lives of many teens and kids alike across the U.S.. It is so often that we hear the statistics of children growing up in single parent homes, but it is exceedingly rare that we are provided with such a personalized account of the toll it takes on the individual level and the road to healing. As director and subject Raine gives her audience a special glimpse into the life of a teenager who is clearly wise beyond her 16 years. Well done and congratulations on your debut! I look forward to future productions.

Kelley Wolcott  |  October 09, 2008