This summer, we’re rolling out something new at Henrico CASA: a film review series that dives into stories reflecting the heart of our mission. Our team will be sharing their takes on movies that spotlight the realities, challenges, and resilience we witness in our work with children and families. Each film – unique like every case we serve – serves as a reminder of why children need CASA Advocates… and why CASA needs YOU. So grab some popcorn and join us!
This week, Suzanne from our team shares her reflections on The Florida Project.
Synopsis
The Florida Project tells the story of Moonee, a six-year-old girl living with her young mother Halley in a run-down motel just outside the gates of Disney World. This setting creates a striking contrast, as we watch the harsh realities of families like Moonee’s living in the shadow of a fantasy they are unable to touch, despite it being a stone throws away.
Over the course of Moonee’s summer, we watch her roam with her friends; finding themselves caught up in mischief and creating a world of their own throughout the motel’s empty rooms, dark hallways, and vending machine nooks. While we witness life through Moonee’s lens, we also witness her mom, Halley’s. She struggles with unemployment, food insecurity, and the desperation of keeping a roof over Moonee’s head. This leads her to making decisions that ultimately put Moonee’s safety and wellbeing at risk.
Reflections
When I first watched The Florida Project for a class assignment in college, I viewed it naively. On my first watch, I did not understand what was really unfolding.
Watching it now; I see this movie through a completely different lens. I no longer see Moonee as a child with a wild imagination, instead I see a six-year-old girl developing survival skills that keep her going day-to-day. I no longer judge Halley, as I once did. I understand now that she was likely failed by systems that were supposed to be in place to support her.
These complexities are something that is now familiar to me from CASA cases. At Henrico CASA, we serve children and families whose lives are marked by hardship, but also by deep love for their children. Like Halley, many of the parents and caregivers we see are doing the best they can under difficult circumstances, and don’t know where to turn to get help.
CASA Advocates step in during these vulnerable moments, not to judge, but to ensure that the family has what is needed to offer the child a safe and stable environment. A place where they can dream not out of survival, but instead out of hope; as every child we serve at Henrico CASA deserves to do.
As we continue this film series throughout the summer, we invite you to watch along with us! Reflect. Discuss. And consider how you can be part of this work; whether by volunteering as a CASA Advocate in Henrico County, donating our cause supporting our mission, or simply sharing these stories with others.
Interested in learning more about the role of a CASA Advocate? Attend one of our summer virtual information sessions. Register for July 23rd or August 4th.
