Brief Tender Light

Absolutely loved this documentary chronicling the lives of these 4 students immigrating to the US to attend MIT. So many themes of belonging, evolution of identity and completing obligations to US vs Africa resonated with me, which I believe will resonate with many immigrants from other geographical regions studying in the US. I highly recommend this documentary as standard screening for colleges across the US. Immigrants from Africa have been studying at US institutions for decades, it's refreshing to finally watch a documentary that clearly represents this experience in this touching documentary.

A very thought provoking, and universal storyline.

I found myself in the shoes of each character as they struggle with facing reality in their own ways. Each character has to decide how much of their youthful words are worth putting into action after all. The emotional journey each character undergoes to "grow up" is familiar, even though the specifics of each journey are unique. In the end I felt like the question each character is trying to answer is the same question we all have to answer.

What will we choose to contribute with our lives after all the investment into our success by others?

This is a wonderfully poignant film that beautifully tells the story of the journeys, fears, joys and aspirations of international African students at an elite college. The movie interweives and draws parallels to the director's journey many years back, which is done brilliantly and add such a rich layer to the film. The director's artsy eye and creatively poetic storytelling deserves a 1000000/10 rating. Cannot wait to see more films from him.

"Maybe it's okay if our travels take us longer and farther away from home than we had ever planned. Perhaps what matters in the end is that when home calls for that which we can give, be it our new home, or our old one, we answer."

"Perhaps we all feel that nagging guilt of the compromises we make with our youthful ideals. But we forgive ourselves when we learn that we are citizens, not saviors. As it turns out, home is indelible. It has a way of always finding you."

One of the best documentaries I have ever seen.

Not only is it great storytelling, but it is authentic and one truly gets the feeling of walking in each of the characters shoes. The documentary really tells a story as real as one can get it, and teaches you about the hardship of life, especially as an african immigrant.

If there is anything that is to be taken from this documentary, it is that one should appreciate life for what it is and treat it like a journey that we are figuring out day by day. It was touching to see how the characters dealt with hardship and how they grew to become stronger people.

This is a must watch for anyone that hasn't watched it!

Brief Tender Light was beautifully written and depicts the story of many immigrants with authenticity and delicacy. The characters were developed in a way that illustrates the differences but also the underlying similarities in their realities.

It was really moving to be transported back to the stage in my life where I was very certain about moving back home immediately after studying in the US. The film also did a great job in highlighting how, regardless of which path a foreign student ends up taking (i.e. Returning home or staying in the new country), what matters most is the impact one is able to have in whichever community they call home.