Reviewed by Vicky Seymour–Hunt
Stars Letekidan Micael, Solomie Micael, Seble Tilahun, Daniel Seyoum, Mekdes Wegene, Samuel Semere
Produced by Andreas Bareiß & Bernd Burgemeister
Written by Luigi Falorni
Certification Australia M
Runtime 92 minutes
Directed by Luigi Falorni
Inspired by the best-selling story of Senait G Mehari, Heart of Fire is the latest film from director Luigi Falorni. The story follows a young girl named Awet, who begins her life in an orphanage in Asmara at the time of Eritrea’s war of independence against Ethiopia. Lovingly cared for by Italian nuns, Awet grows up surrounded with warmth and security.
One day, little Awet learns that her father, a freedom fighter, is still alive and demands her return. Awet is taken from the orphanage by her older sister, Freweyni, and with her learns the difficulties of living in poverty. The two girls are later given away by their father to one of Eritrea’s liberation armies as ‘Daughters of Eritrea,’ and it is here that Awet truly learns to be inspired by the ideals of freedom, through the people she meets and loves. But she also discovers the harsh reality and numbing madness of war as she witnesses death and true fanaticism. It is only through her beliefs, her strength, courage and ‘Heart of fire’ that Awet learns the true meaning of freedom.
By telling the story through the eyes of a child, this film carries with it a heightened sense of innocence that at times can be heart-warming, and at others completely shocking. It is through Awet’s eyes that the audience truly sees the horrors of war, as her innocence and often naivety often intensify what is being shown. This heart-warming story, told through immense use of symbolism and innocence of character is truly inspirational. It is obvious throughout this film that Falorni’s background in documentary film-making has given him a keen eye for detail.
Falorni’s script and direction of this film show him to be a true story-teller, capable of genuine emotion, inspirational symbolism and sincere characterisation that allow the audience to connect in the highest possible degree.