My Eyes
Stories captured in film impact people’s lives in different ways than what they may experience in a book or watching a personal interest story on the news. As these visual memoirs come to life on the big screen, they educate and entertain the audience as the drama unfolds before their eyes and immerse the viewer in the world of those telling the story. My Eyes exposes the world to a hereditary eye condition through a journey that pulls back the curtain on how life choices can rush in from the past while still giving hope for the future.
As a writer, actor, and practising optometrist, Tsu Shan Chambers brings this story to cinemas by sharing how Alana (Chambers) and her husband, Sam (Adam Garcia), deal with the medical diagnosis of their daughter, Isabella (Nia Rush). Her eye condition was treatable through stem-cell therapy from a blood relative and biological match which led to a revelation that Alana had hoped to keep a secret. The wife and mother had kept Isabella's father's identity hidden for over a decade until she was confronted with the reality of having to share this information. News that would cause ripple effects through her marriage to Sam and a challenge to find the actual father in Mexico named Nico (Eduardo Ávila Sánchez).
What is evident throughout this dramatic retelling of this family's layered history is that this was an exceptionally personal tale for Tsu Shan Chambers to tell. The raw nature of the marriage relationship and the desperate yearning for the healing of their daughter come to light as each chapter is opened. Audiences will experience the multi-cultural aspects of the various languages, heritages and faiths as this story unfolds. Nia Rush as Isabella and Kieu Chinh (The Joy Luck Club), who plays the grandmother, are standouts as they show the value and centrality of the need for multi-generational families.
Outside of the emotional side of the movie, the ultimate goal is to educate worldwide audiences on the need for social change for the vision-impaired in our communities. Woven into the familial occurrences of My Eyes is a healthy dose of information that will help people see the importance of caring for the gift of sight. Chambers isn't heavy-handed in these aspects, but Isabella's trials beg for explanations that the screenplay supplies. There is a beauty to enjoy and a challenge for us all to take away from this personal story. Yet, this narrative has an entertaining side that will keep audiences eager to see how things turn out for all involved.
Find out more about Russ Matthews' latest book: Reel Marriage.
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Be sure to get along to the special premiere screenings in Australia of My Eyes - Click on the image to find out when and where
Reel Dialogue: Faith and family
Throughout My Eyes, discussions abound about faith and family. The Reel Dialogue team has curated discussion guides on these subjects. Click on the links below to get your free discussion guides and start the conversation today.
