While the modern youth are well recognised and rewarded for their innovative and entrepreneurial spirit, there are a few who are at the risk of falling out of the social framework and hence need guidance and support.
Centres to help such youngsters operate in most countries of the developed and developing world, and many carry with them interesting stories.
One such is the centrepiece of ‘Short Term 12,’ a film that shows the emotional tangle between a formidable caretaker and a new arrival.
The story revolves around Grace, a young supervisor at a foster-care facility for at-risk teenagers, her boyfriend and co-worker Mason and Jayden, a gifted but troubled teenage girl.
How Grace copes with her own difficult past and the challenge of tending to Jayden, amidst twists and turns, is the gist of ‘Short Term 12.’
The film has impressive credentials. Directed by Destin Cretton (‘I Am Not a Hipster’) its cast includes Brie Larson (‘Don Jon’s Addiction,’ ‘United States of Tara’) and John Gallagher Jr (‘The Newsroom’).
The film won the SXSW Grand Jury and Audience Awards last year.
‘Short Term 12’ is currently running at Academy Cinemas (44 Lorne Street) in Auckland, Paramount Cinema (25 Courtenay Place) in Wellington and Alice Cinematheque (Corner of High & Tuam Streets) in Christchurch.
