Raman

Raman has two stories. The first is that he sees ghosts. Usually inside, sometimes outside as well. Often they are people he has known, like his grandfather. He was the first ghost Raman saw, at New Year. Raman was scared but happy, and his grandfather wished him a happy new year in Punjabi. The friends Raman hangs out with in their multicultural high-rise neighborhood believe him and willingly go along with how the boy deals with the ghosts, like by taking pictures with a disposable camera. Raman's second story is that his parents are getting a divorce. His mother has packed her suitcases and is moving out. It's not an easy situation for Raman, but he remains empowered: "I have to get used to it." With few exceptions, all his friends are from broken homes. They don't talk about it, Raman says, but they do comfort each other. Director Ivanka Bakker connects these two stories in a subtle way. She wonders if the ghosts help Raman, which seems to be the case. They give him advice, he says. They take away his sadness, or make him laugh by tickling him. Will the ghosts visit his mother's new house as well? (International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam)