Synopsis

Before Lawand arrived in Britain, he was described as withdrawn and lonely. Everything changed when he learned sign language.

Screenings

Lawand was born deaf, and with a lack of better hearing services in Iraqi Kurdistan, the family leaves their homeland. After a dangerous journey across the sea and a year in a refugee camp, Lawand starts school for the hearing impaired in Derby.

With patient teachers and new friends, he quickly blossoms into a charismatic and lively boy. The future prospects darken when the family risks losing their residence permit, and Lawand may have to return to a life without language.

«Name Me Lawand» is a touching film about communication across national borders. Music and soundscape build a strong and beautiful coming-of-age story, about finding a home and a place to be yourself.

About the director:
Edward Lovelace is an American filmmaker. He has previously co-directed the documentary «The Possibilities are Endless» (2014), about a musician who lost his language after a stroke.

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