FILM REVIEW
“Based on an actual lie.” Being diagnosed with cancer can mentally destroy both a person and their family. Life is too short to live in fear with the idea that cancer could completely destroy you, but would your life be different if your family withhold your diagnosis? The Farewell explores this very idea, with Awkwafina’s character Billie. Her grandma has been diagnosed with cancer, but due to her family beliefs they won’t tell her. Instead, Billie’s cousin is being rushed into marriage so they have a reason for the whole family to go to China to say their goodbyes. The Farewell is a personal and impactful film that could have easily made you dislike the family, as to us not telling someone they’re sick is wrong. However the film does an excellent job of making you understand all of the characters’ viewpoints, thanks to great acting. Awkwafina is excellent, and Shuzhen Zhao as the grandma (who is referred to as Nai Nai in the film) is a true standout and is really fantastic. You fall in love with Nai Nai as her character is just so loveable. Writer and Director Lulu Wang did a wonderful job of handling this film; instead of a sad, depressing film we get this film full of heart, love which is truly impactful. As long as you don’t mind subtitles, I honestly believe anyone can enjoy or even love this film. The Farewell is just simply awe inspiring. The Film Review is contributed by Robert Ewing. Robert is passionate about film as an art form, and shining a light on films that may not be on people’s radar. Robert is from Kirknewton. 34 | BROXBURN
FEATURE
CircularEconomyChallenge helps prepare local pupils for the jobs that don’t exist yet Around 85% of the jobs that today’s learners will be doing in 2030 haven’t been invented yet, according to a recent report published by the Institute for the Future. This presents an interesting challenge for educators preparing young people for their future careers.
The Circular Economy Challenge, delivered within four primary schools in West Lothian and hopefully to be rolled out to more schools, focuses on the concept of the Circular Economy, where the economic system aims to eliminate waste and continually re-use resource - a vital topic for the foreseeable future. It is an annual challenge that incorporates teacher-led learning about the circular economy and enterprise; an employer-led workshop; design of a product or service that adheres to the principles of the circular economy and a final showcase event where small teams of pupils pitch their idea to a business panel. Delivered by Veolia (an industry leader in environmental solutions with several sites in West Lothian) and Young Enterprise Scotland, the Challenge is designed to provide a real-life context for learners. Veolia’s workshops are fun, engaging and interactive, providing the perfect ‘hook’ for the teachers to get the pupils involved in the challenge. Making links between pupils’ learning and the world of work is an absolutely @KonectMagazines
