DEAL WITH IT

Shamira Raphaëla lives a seemingly successful life, traveling the world as a TV director. But her reality is in sharp contrast with that of her father and brother, who are both in and out of jail. In this intimate family portrait, we enter the chaotic and colourful world of Shamira's loved ones. Her dad Pempy, has been addicted to heroine and crack for more than thirty years, and has a long criminal record. Now that he is getting older his lifestyle is taking a toll on him, and his condition worsening. Simultaneously his son Andy, Shamira's brother, is following in his fathers footsteps. He too, seems to be caught up in a life of crime and drugs. But they both counter their seemingly desperate situation with lots of resilience and humor. Shamira has a ambiguous relationship with both men and when tragedy strucks in Shamira’s personal life, it unfolds the way she herself has been affected by the vicious circle trapping her father and brother. A raw and personal film about destructive family patterns & unconditional love.

SHAMIRA RAPHAËLA

 

Shamira is from a mixed Dutch-Caribbean (Curacao) background. She was born in The Netherlands and grew up in Aruba, only to return to the Netherlands when she was 18 years old for further studies. After obtaining a degree in Audiovisual Arts she started a successful career as a freelance television director.' Deal With It' is her documentary debut.

Being part of the Caribbean diaspora in Europa, I want to tell stories that reflect the (social) issues in our community.

Main Competition 2016