Some films entertain us, while some make us stop and think about society and our responsibilities. Capernaum, the 2018 Lebanese film directed by Nadine Labaki, is one such film. As we mark eight years since its release on 20 September, we believe it is a film that deserves to be watched and discussed, especially when we talk about children, poverty, family planning and responsible parenthood.
The story follows Zain, a young boy growing up in extremely difficult circumstances. Unable to accept the life he has been forced to live, Zain takes an extraordinary step: he takes his parents to court for bringing him into the world without being able to provide him with proper care, protection and security.
The film introduces us to several characters whose lives show different forms of suffering and responsibility:
Each character in Capernaum leaves us with a different lesson. Zain teaches us that every child deserves a childhood, safety, love and the opportunity to build a future. Sahar’s story teaches us that underage girls should not be pushed into marriage and adult responsibilities before they are ready. Rahill shows us how poverty, migration and lack of security can make mothers and children extremely vulnerable. Through Yonas, we are reminded that children should never have to depend on another child for their basic safety and care. Aspro’s character shows us how greed and exploitation can turn vulnerable children into victims of trafficking and illegal activities. Nadine, the lawyer who takes Zain’s case, reminds us of the importance of listening to children, standing up for their rights and giving them a voice when they cannot fight for themselves. Through these characters and their struggles, the movie shows the harsh truth of society and how children can suffer because of the circumstances and decisions created by adults.
The young actor Zain Al Rafeea delivers a remarkable performance. His expressions, emotions, anger, innocence and determination make his character feel incredibly real. Nadine Labaki’s direction is equally powerful, taking us into Zain’s world rather than simply telling us about his suffering. The film feels raw, human and deeply connected to the lives of children who are often invisible to society. One of the most powerful moments comes towards the end, when Zain speaks to a television programme from prison. He says that he wants to complain against his parents and asks adults to listen to him. He expresses his suffering and says that he wants them to stop having children because they are unable to properly care for the children they already have. It is a child’s demand that adults take responsibility for the lives they bring into this world.
This ending takes the film beyond Zain’s individual story and makes us think about responsible parenthood. Having children should involve more than biological desire, lust or the wish to have a family. Before bringing a child into the world, adults should consider whether they have a healthy and respectful relationship, financial stability, emotional maturity and proper family planning. A child should not have to struggle throughout life because adults made decisions based only on their own desires or selfish needs. Responsible family planning means considering our circumstances and planning accordingly. Some people may choose to have one child, two children, no children or adopt. What matters is that children are given proper food, healthcare, education, safety, love and a stable environment. Parenthood is not only about bringing a child into the world; it is about accepting responsibility for that child’s life and future.
Today, the world has a population of more than 8 billion people. While fertility rates have declined in many countries, some countries and communities continue to experience higher birth rates and larger families. Differences can be connected to education, healthcare, access to family planning, economic conditions and social expectations. At the same time, many people are becoming more conscious of family planning and making choices according to their circumstances. We have also created enormous environmental pressures through the way we consume resources, produce waste and develop our societies. This gives us a responsibility not only towards today’s children but also towards future generations and the Earth they will inherit. Most importantly, a child deserves a childhood—to play, learn, explore, make friends and discover the world. Sending children to work because of poverty takes away precious years that can never be returned. Children should not have to become adults before they have had the chance to experience childhood.
Capernaum is therefore more than the story of one boy. Through Zain, Sahar, Rahill, Yonas and Aspro, it shows how the choices and actions of adults can shape the lives of children. Adults make decisions, but children often live with the consequences. We recommend everyone watch Capernaum—for its story, Zain Al Rafeea’s extraordinary performance and Nadine Labaki’s powerful direction, but most importantly for the questions it leaves us with about childhood, parenthood, family planning, exploitation and responsibility.
When we bring a child into this world, we should not only ask whether we want a child. We should also ask whether we are prepared to give that child the care, dignity, security, education, love and opportunities they deserve.
