HOOP DREAMS
by Kathryn Loggins

Kasey Elise Walker, USA 2022

Not to be confused with the 1994 basketball documentary film of the same name, HOOP DREAMS is talking about very different hoops and very different dreams. This modern-day fairytale introduces us to Savannah, a precocious fifth grader, who has a fear of reading her poem aloud in front of her peers. She realizes that her mother always wears these gold hoop earrings and seems to be invincible when wearing them. She plans to steal the hoops, so she too can become strong and unafraid, but ultimately discovers the true source of her mother’s perceived superpowers. Told through vibrant visuals, beautiful costumes, and stunning production design, this film may be small, but it packs a huge punch. Kasey Elise Walker isn't afraid to think outside the box and uses various filmmaking styles, including animation to bring this story to life. The true beauty, however, lies in the hopefulness and clarity of the film’s message: all we need is the strength inside of us to realize our dreams. (KL)