I watch documentaries religiously and produce them as well. This film is an amazing journey of a woman seeking her Mother's footsteps, literally...The film follows Dina Rosenmeier as she discovers her Mother's legacy. She learns of her Mother's work in building orphanages and facilitating adoptions in far off India on a volunteer basis. A story of hope, acceptance and finding inner peace, as Dina learns why her Mother was absent some of her life in order to help less fortunate children in India. I was interested from the opening scene to the last. I highly recommend this film to anyone who enjoys a solid documentary with a heartfelt story of humanity and selflessness behind it all. The production value in the film is good and it is a thorough documentary leaving no stone unturned.
5 Reviews
Layered Film
moviemarble6 December 2011
On the surface this film is about the life of Jessie Rosenmeier, a remarkable Danish woman, now in her 70s, who traveled frequently, and at the cost of leaving her own children, to help the impoverished children of India. Known as the Mother Teresa of her time, Jessie's work spanned the entire country of India, helping to build multiple orphanages and establish a structure within the society to help these disadvantaged and often forgotten and shunned children. Her dedication and the impact of her work is obviously extraordinary.
The underlying story is that of the narrator, Dina Rosenmeier, who is retracing her mother's footsteps in an attempt to understand how and why her mother could leave her as a small child in favor of the work she was doing. This is clearly something Ms. Rosenmeier has struggled with. What she finds is that she too is compelled to help this cause, and in so doing finds a new and profound bond based in understanding with her mother.
What the viewer is left with is perhaps an even more important message. The kind of message organizations like Save the Children hit you over the head with, but Ms. Rosenmeier skillfully presents and let's you come to on your own. It's a powerful message that these children needlessly suffer and can be helped (not to be trite) for the price of a cup of coffee, and that indeed all of this suffering could be prevented with proper education - again a small price to pay for the truly global good it could do us all.
A thoughtful and layered film. Impressive as Ms. Rosenmeier's first attempt at both writer and director.
The underlying story is that of the narrator, Dina Rosenmeier, who is retracing her mother's footsteps in an attempt to understand how and why her mother could leave her as a small child in favor of the work she was doing. This is clearly something Ms. Rosenmeier has struggled with. What she finds is that she too is compelled to help this cause, and in so doing finds a new and profound bond based in understanding with her mother.
What the viewer is left with is perhaps an even more important message. The kind of message organizations like Save the Children hit you over the head with, but Ms. Rosenmeier skillfully presents and let's you come to on your own. It's a powerful message that these children needlessly suffer and can be helped (not to be trite) for the price of a cup of coffee, and that indeed all of this suffering could be prevented with proper education - again a small price to pay for the truly global good it could do us all.
A thoughtful and layered film. Impressive as Ms. Rosenmeier's first attempt at both writer and director.
A very moving film
caroler-231-5763075 December 2011
I saw A Journey in My Mother's Footsteps at the Chagrin Documentary Film Festival in Cleveland, OH. It won the HUMAN SPIRIT AWARD at this festival. This film touched my soul deeply. It artfully conveys the importance of education for the millions of poor children in India. And it tells the story passionately through the voice of Dina Rosenmeier, the daughter of Jessie Rosenmeier. Jessie has devoted much of her life to helping these children.
My husband I are flying to NYC tomorrow to see the film again. We wouldn't do this if we didn't think the film is fabulous. I question whether the Village Voice and New York Times critics really saw the film. Their depiction of the film's flaws are grossly inaccurate.
I encourage everyone to see this moving film to learn how they can help the many poor children of India. I also encourage the New York Times and the Village Voice to question their critic's reviews of the film.
Carole Richards Chagrin Falls, Ohio
My husband I are flying to NYC tomorrow to see the film again. We wouldn't do this if we didn't think the film is fabulous. I question whether the Village Voice and New York Times critics really saw the film. Their depiction of the film's flaws are grossly inaccurate.
I encourage everyone to see this moving film to learn how they can help the many poor children of India. I also encourage the New York Times and the Village Voice to question their critic's reviews of the film.
Carole Richards Chagrin Falls, Ohio
Such an AMAZING life altering film...a true MUST see!!!
michelle-grey-960-50830915 November 2011
Dina Rosenmeier has written and directed an amazing film chronicling her mother's journey. I saw this film and had no idea what to expect. I cried, laughed and left with a burning passion to be a better person. To give more of myself freely because I have received freely. A truthful film that will challenge us all to be more truthful with ourselves. A MUST see. Thank you, Ms. Rosenmeier. I am a better person for seeing this film. I look forward to any other work she does. I HIGHLY recommend this film. I recommend this film for all ages. I don't believe you're ever too young to be challenged to examine your place in the world or to be a better person.
A Deeply Touching and Life Changing Movie
redhead-5027 November 2011
A Journey In My Mother's Footsteps have touched me to the core of my heart and soul. Not only is Dina Rosenmeier presenting a powerful testimony to what is possible to accomplish when we are willing to follow our hearts, but she is also daring to expose some of the seemingly impossible choices we are faced with in ways that promotes understanding, compassion and a desire to contribute. In addition to presenting a deeply important subject so honestly and refreshingly void of superficial effects, we are invited into an extraordinary life journey that inspires and compels us to take real action in our own lives. Personally, it served to get me completely off my self pity pot and enhanced my commitment to my music, my family and to making a difference in the world at large. This movie is a must see!
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