Bakroman (2010), directed by Gianluca and Massimiliano De Serio, is a compelling documentary that sheds light on the lives of children living in the streets of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Through the lens of a local association that provides moral and material support to these young individuals, the film paints a raw and honest portrait of their daily lives and the difficult choices they face.

The film captures the reality of street life with sensitivity, showing the children's attempts to regain their dignity and find honest work despite the overwhelming odds stacked against them. The focus on the social issues of drug abuse, violence, and extreme poverty provides a stark and unflinching view of their world. The documentary's pacing is deliberate, giving the viewer a sense of immersion in the emotional and physical struggles the children face.

The filmmakers avoid any overt romanticization, instead allowing the subjects' lives to speak for themselves. The images of daily life, from the harsh conditions they face to the brief moments of joy and camaraderie, offer a complex and multifaceted view of these children's experiences. The focus on their attempts to escape a life marked by violence and societal neglect adds a layer of hope to the otherwise bleak subject matter.

While the film's observational style is powerful, the lack of external narration or commentary may be off-putting for some viewers, as it asks for deep reflection and engagement. However, for those who are ready to engage with the material on a more emotional and intellectual level, *Bakroman* is a poignant and rewarding experience that sheds light on an often overlooked world.

Rating: 7/10. A deeply moving documentary that offers insight into the lives of street children, combining raw realism with a sense of quiet hope.