DIFFERENT | Award Winning Short Film by Tahneek Rahman

Summary

In a unique tale of friendship, Emily and Sam, initially strangers, encounter each other under unexpected circumstances. Despite an awkward start where Emily's attempts to help are met with silence, they discover a deeper connection. Sam's inability to speak is revealed through sign language, emphasizing the importance of inner qualities over appearances. Their story highlights the power of understanding and acceptance in forming meaningful relationships.

Takeaways

• 🤝 The story is about an unusual friendship between Emily and Sam.
• 🔍 Initially, Emily and Sam were not well-acquainted with each other.
• 💬 Emily made an effort to communicate and express her feelings towards Sam.
• 🎶 The script is accompanied by music, indicating emotional transitions.
• 🚑 Emily offers help to Sam after an incident, showing her concern for his well-being.
• 😳 Sam doesn't respond verbally, leading to a moment of silence and confusion.
• 🛹 Emily mistakenly thinks Sam is hurt, but it's revealed to be about his skateboard.
• 😳 Emily feels embarrassed for misunderstanding the situation.
• 😞 She is disappointed because Sam didn't help her up, interpreting it as a lack of kindness.
• 🙏 Sam communicates in sign language, revealing that he is deaf and unable to speak.
• 🌈 Despite their differences, Emily and Sam find common ground in valuing inner qualities over appearances.

Q & A

What is the initial relationship between Emily and Sam?

Emily and Sam didn't know each other very well at the beginning of the story.

How does Emily express her feelings towards Sam?

Emily expresses her feelings by asking Sam if he is okay, if he needs help, and if there is someone she can call for him.

What is the significance of the skateboard in the story?

The skateboard is significant as it is the object Emily is concerned about after an incident, showing her initial misunderstanding of Sam's situation.

How does Sam's lack of response initially make Emily feel?

Emily feels embarrassed and disappointed because Sam doesn't help her up, leading her to believe she has seen his true colors.

What revelation changes Emily's perception of Sam?

Emily's perception changes when she realizes that Sam communicates using sign language, indicating that he may not have heard or understood her earlier.

What does the sign language in the story symbolize?

The sign language symbolizes the communication barrier between Emily and Sam and the discovery of their differences.

How do Emily and Sam overcome their differences?

They overcome their differences by focusing on what's on the inside rather than the outside, valuing their inner qualities.

What role does music play in the story?

Music serves as a narrative device to transition between scenes and to set the emotional tone of the story.

What is the main theme of the story?

The main theme of the story is the importance of looking beyond appearances and understanding others despite differences.

How does the story convey the idea of friendship?

The story conveys the idea of friendship by showing how Emily and Sam form a bond despite their initial misunderstanding and differences.

What can be inferred about the characters' personalities from the script?

Emily is caring and concerned, while Sam is portrayed as someone who cannot verbally communicate but is still capable of expressing remorse and forming connections.