VIFF 2016 is certainly not short on films that focus on freedom of speech, or should I say, the lack-thereof. It is important to be reminded and educated that there are many countries and cultures where speaking your mind can come at a great cost: your rights, your freedoms, even your life.

As I Open My Eyes focuses on Tunisia as the dictatorship is being challenged in 2010. The filmmaker does a great job of doing this through the life of a teenager. Who better than a young woman who is developmentally pushing back and wanting to express her opinion? Add a rock band who is using their music to speak out against the government, and you have a great film.

Any teen, and any parent of a teen, will especially relate and enjoy the messages this film has to offer.