The Samuel Project (2018): An Uplifting and Creative Film

Figure out how to tell your story.

The Samuel Project was drawn into theaters in 2018. Eli, an outcast teen, is given a history project. He connects with his grandfather, Samuel, to tell his story about the holocaust through an art project. With help from his class partner, Kasim, Eli learns about tolerance, patience, and the secrets of the past.

Watching The Samuel Project awakened my love for movies. One minute of the trailer immediately hooked me. This film is about passion, connection, and learning how to keep stories alive. We can talk about and work together to bring hidden conversations to light.

Here’s some trivia for all you iCarly fans. Remember Ryan Ochoa, who played Chuck, the little boy who tortured Carly’s brother, Spencer? Ochoa plays Eli, a passionate young artist. Although he goes through the usual journey, Eli learns a gratifying lesson about art and learning to appreciate his relationships more.

Ochoa said that he connected with Eli on his character’s desire to succeed in art. Art has become Ochoa’s expression. “We rarely see films with heartfelt stories like this, and the addition of art was the secret ingredient to make this even better,” Ochoa said.

Films that showcase relationships between grandchildren and grandparents are so important. These relationships are vital. Hal Linden plays Samuel, a survivor of the holocaust. Telling his story to Eli helps rid Samuel of an unrealized weight on his shoulders. Ochoa said that he had an amazing time working with Linden, building a bond off-screen.

I had mixed opinions about Kasim (Maten Arias) and the project subplot. Kasim is a peculiar person. Turns out, Samuel and Kasim’s arc is one of the most important segments in the film. Similar to Samuel’s life story in the war, we have to learn how to get along.

The same with Eli and his father, Robert (Michael B. Silver). The pair lacks communication and has different interests. Connection is all about taking an interest in others' passions.

One segment felt out of place. In a bind for cash, Eli makes up a story to his dad and steals from him. Until then, Eli never exhibited that gambling behavior. This scene tampers with the message.

Marc Fusco gave audiences a film about creating conversations through the brushstrokes of art. According to Ochoa, Fusco made the film a fun experience for everyone. Along with directing, Fusco also edited the movie.

I immediately looked up info about the film as soon as it ended. Behind the scenes is the most important part of it all. The film had artsy animation between scenes. Sketches were done by Bella Riboni, a professional fine art painter and muralist.

Animation is fascinating. It has evolved in styles and bold techniques over the last century. Not only is animation a creative medium, but it is also a helpful tool to tell stories in different ways. Eli’s project is an exceptional example of how you can turn what may be a boring school assignment into something so powerful.

I have always liked art. I haven’t spent enough time on it lately, but I always drew comics as a kid, well into high school. Like every person, art has a story. If you’re passionate about something, keep doing it. Just because someone tells you that it’s a difficult career path, try it anyway. You never know what opportunities will come your way.

The Samuel Project is an uplifting movie with inspiring messages. If only I could watch it for the first time again. Check out this movie. It will appeal to art fans.