Perceptively and authentically delivered
Do you remember ‘circle time’ at school? An activity that is designed to increase one’s understanding of each other, foster communication, and build a sense of community in the classroom? A safe space where judgment is not allowed, and openness encouraged?
The children in this documentary start in year one and there is no introduction into the documentary, it starts immediately at school, with the first subtitle being “Welcome to Year one” (after the dedication by the director Sophia Chiarello ‘to my own three’). As such it is essential to know what the purpose of the film is and have some background knowledge.
The Circle is a documentary written and directed by Chiarello during which she interviews students over a five-year period in an Italian primary school that regularly uses ‘circle time’. With the questions and topics raised in ‘circle’ time, as well as in direct interviews with the students, we as the audience are able to see the world through the child’s lens. Despite being set in Italy, the diversity of responses and communication exchanges between the children in their natural form felt familiar.
Like the funny things kids say, such as when one of the boys responds to the question ‘would you prefer to be an adult or a child?” and he replies that he prefers to be a boy as the only good thing about being an adult is being able to be a footballer whilst at the same time doing craft. Or, during a circle time activity hearing the children discuss which of the genders is better, to the beauty of hearing a child say, ‘I feel sad, but I like where my life is going so I’m happy’. In another sad but upbeat moment, one of the children states he is sad about both his parents being dead but grateful to his friends that lent him a t-shirt, and that he won’t forget their kindness.
In some ways it reminds of the Up series, although much more cultural and designed with considerably different intent. We hear from refugees, orphans, children of sole parents, immigrants, and those living in traditional family settings. The director’s scope is a five-year period and the film’s setting is a multi-ethnic neighbourhood.
Although this film is suitable for, and can be enjoyed by any audience, I highly recommend it for anyone in educational settings. From my understanding circle time is often used in the very early years of education, with children aged three and upward to lower primary school, however in this documentary the children are first interviewed in year one.
The outcomes presented in this documentary with the continued use of the educational tool ‘circle time’ in an upper primary school setting are the best way to showcase its brilliance, and much more enticing than reading about theories on paper. The final year is marred by the pandemic as the students can only interact virtually, however as this is part of life, perhaps not?
Chiarello’s remarkable film has won multiple awards, including Winner of Best Documentary, David di Donatello 2023.
The Circle is currently showing as part of the ST.ALi Italian Film Festival from 20th September to 15th October at Palace Nova Cinemas, Eastend and Prospect.
Click here for screening times, and to purchase tickets.
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