Watch Rooting for Roona

Rooting for Roona is a 2020 documentary film directed by the Indian filmmaker, Pavitra Chalam and the Swedish filmmaker, Akshay Shankar. The film revolves around the life of Roona Begum, an Indian girl from a remote village in Tripura, who was born with an extremely rare medical condition called hydrocephalus. It is a condition in which an excessive amount of fluid accumulates in the brain, ultimately leading to an enlarged head, neurological damage and even death.

Roona's story gained international attention in 2013 when a photograph of the child with her immensely swollen head went viral. The photograph was taken by a journalist, who had visited her village in search of a story. After the photograph was widely shared on social media platforms, people from all over the world offered financial help to Roona's family.

The film follows Roona's journey from her remote village in Tripura to a hospital in Delhi where she underwent her first surgery. She was only 18 months old at the time of the surgery, and the doctors were understandably apprehensive about her chances of survival. The film shows the daily struggles of Roona's parents, Abdul and Fatema Begum, as they deal with the difficult task of caring for their sick child while trying to keep their family afloat.

The documentary also highlights the obstacles that Roona faced in her treatment due to her lack of access to proper medical facilities. Her parents had to take her to various hospitals across the country to find the right treatment. The film shows the toll this takes on Roona's health and her family's finances.

Despite the challenges, the film is a testament to the power of human compassion and determination. While some people may have been inclined to give up on Roona, her parents never lost hope. They had faith in their daughter's strength and resilience, and they were willing to go to any length to give her a chance at life.

Rooting for Roona is an emotional rollercoaster that will leave viewers feeling heartbroken one minute and inspired the next. The film is a poignant reminder of the stark reality that many families in India face when it comes to accessing healthcare. It spurs a conversation about the urgent need for better infrastructure and facilities in rural areas, so that children like Roona do not have to travel across the country in search of medical help.

The film does an excellent job of putting a human face to the complex issue of healthcare in India. It shows that what may be considered rare and exotic conditions elsewhere in the world are all too common in the country. It also illustrates the vibrant culture and traditions of India, particularly in the rural parts of the country.

The filmmakers treat Roona's story with sensitivity and respect, and they avoid exploiting her condition for the sake of entertainment. The film is a celebration of Roona's indomitable spirit, and the courage of her parents to fight against all odds.

In conclusion, Rooting for Roona is a heart-warming, and at times heart-wrenching, documentary that gives a voice to those who are often ignored and forgotten. It is a powerful reminder that every person, regardless of their background, deserves access to quality healthcare. This film is a must-watch for anyone who wants to understand the true meaning of hope and resilience.

Rooting for Roona is a 2020 documentary with a runtime of 40 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0.