Last Friday, while browning Netflix, I stuck on this film, titled ‘Can You See Us?’
I went on to watch the trailer and found it captivating.
So, I watched the film and ended up feeling emotional and guilty about being one of this racial society.
‘Can You See Us’ is a 2022 released African film, recently added on Netflix.
This is the first film from Zambia featured on Netflix.
The film narrates the story of a boy, Joseph who is born with a genetic disorder called Albinism.
It’s a skin disorder due to the low level of melanin - a component of skin colour.
An inappropriate level of Melanin causes the skin to be pale or white.
The person having this disorder often faces discrimination due to a lack of awareness.
About The Film - Can You See Us?
The film tells the story of a boy, Joseph born with a skin disorder Albinism.
Joesph’s father abandoned him because of this condition and got separated from his wife.
Joseph was raised by his mother and stepfather, who loved him like his own son.
He was home-schooled by his mother, as she fears society’s behaviour towards her son.
However, one day she had to let Joesph come out to join the school and experience the real world.
Joseph grew up being bullied, attacked by some Inhumans, and the endless pain of losing his parents in an accident.
Amid these challenges, he fortunately found his interest in singing with the help of his neighbour whom everyone calls ‘Mad Man’.
After the death of his parents, Joseph had to live with his biological father - who is now a more mature and positive person.
However, challenges for Joseph ever growing. His stepmother didn’t want Joesph to live with them. Thus, Joseph ended up shifting to a boarding.
He continued to pursue his passion for singing and became famous.
This is the story of Joseph- a boy born with Albinism, always cornered by society, called by names like ghost and Mwami.
However, he always said to himself, ‘He is brave’, ‘He is powerful, and ‘He is belonged’ and this belief in himself led him to success.
The story is wonderfully filmed and successfully passes the message about Albinism, and people with this disorder should be treated just like any normal person.
What Is Albinism?
Albinism is a type of dermatological problem.
A person with low pigmentation (Melanin) usually has a white or pale colour of their hair, skin, and eyelashes.
A person with Albinism is all well in every aspect, except their skin and hair colour.
Who Is John Chitti - The Zambian Inspired The Film?
The film ‘Can You See Us’ is inspired by the life of popular Zambian singer - John Chitti.
He told in the interview that his parents got separated at the time of his birth because of this skin disorder, and he was raised by his stepfather, as can be seen in the film.
He also founded an organization, the Albinism Foundation of Zambia in 2008, which works to raise awareness about Albinism and make society more inclusive towards any kind of disorder.
Can You See Us? A Special Film Encourages To Be More Kind And Inclusive
Cinema absolutely plays a huge role in bringing transformation.
Thus, it becomes a huge responsibility to bring the right kind of content in front.
Releasing ‘Can You See Us?’ on Netflix is praise-worthy and special for the Zambia entertainment industry.
The film has originality. It touches the soul of viewers.
Also, it makes you think, why do we discriminate as per the person’s appearance or physical or mental disorder?
Such content should be more welcoming, so people get out of their fixed mindset, and be part of CHANGE.
‘Can You See Us?’ is available on Netflix. So, do watch it!
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