Anthems: A Journey Around the World

Anthems: A Journey Around the World is a captivating documentary film from 2017 that follows the inspirational journey of the young Canadian singer, Capri Everitt, her older brother, Bowen Everitt, and their parents, Kerrie and Tom Everitt. As a family, they travel around the globe, showcasing the power of music as a unifying force and promoting the cause of global citizenship.

Directed by Award-Winning Director, Grant Greschuk, Anthems is a testament to the exploration of cultural diversity, the celebration of humanity's shared values, and the underlying connectivity resonating from every corner of the world that binds us together, regardless of geographical boundaries, political ideologies, or racial identities.

The premise of the film revolves around Capri Everitt, an extraordinarily talented singer, who sets out to sing the national anthem in the native language of each country she visits. Accompanied by her family, she embarks on an 80-country journey that tests their resolve, strength, courage, and their understanding of different cultures. This venture is not only aimed at promoting the beauty of diversity and unity but also to raise funds for an organization dedicated to providing access to education for children globally, SOS Children's Villages.

Beyond its emotional narrative, the film is a splendid showcase of global cultures, languages, and landscapes. Capri’s wide-ranging performances cover a multitude of languages - from Spanish to Mandarin, Arabic to Swahili, and Dutch to Russian. These performances illuminate not just her musical skill, but also her dedication towards respecting and celebrating people’s identities.

Bowen Everitt, Capri's older brother, is presented as an anchor for her during this journey. As her constant companion, their relationship is one of the film’s core strengths, highlighting the importance of sibling bonds. Bowen’s assistance and constant support on Capri’s performances pays homage to the constant teamwork that plays out behind the scenes of such an impactful journey. Their parents, Kerrie and Tom, are the pillars of this venture, defying norms, taking risks and showcasing the power of a supportive family.

Simultaneously, the film also provides a touching and insightful portrayal of the family’s experiences, their interactions with local communities, and the learning and growth they undergo through this adventure. The subtle but significant transformations that they undergo is as much a part of the journey as the anthems Capri belts out in one country after another.

Anthems: A Journey Around the World is beyond just a travel documentary. It is a powerful statement of unity highlighting that irrespective of the boundaries dividing countries, ultimately, we are all humans sharing the same world. The Everitt family's selfless commitment to the cause of global unity, their altruistic attempts to help those in need by raising funds, and their celebration of the vast array of cultures and languages adds a profound sense of meaning and purpose to their around-the-world journey.

Aside from its narrative merits, Anthems benefits from a technical standpoint as well. With striking cinematography that captures both the grandeur of various landscapes and the more nuanced, personal moments between family members, the film offers a visually stunning experience. The film fluidly traverses from one unique location to another, giving viewers a panoramic cultural tour across continents. Greschuk’s direction ensures that every scene, whether Capri’s compelling performances or the insightful local interactions, is captured with raw honesty and authenticity.

At its heart, the film is a tribute to the universal language of music imbued with a compelling emotional appeal. Its message is clear: no matter what part of the world we hail from, no matter what language we speak, we share a common humanity. By showcasing the anthems of various countries in their own languages, the movie prompts viewers to embrace cultural differences while highlighting the common thread of human connection.

Anthems: A Journey Around the World is a soul-stirring, enlightening journey that proffers a unique blend of travel, music, family, and a dedication to making a difference. It is not just a film to be watched, but an experience to be lived, sending out a heartfelt appeal to the viewers to appreciate the beauty of diversity and the power of music to unite.