This movie was emotionally moving and spiritually engaging from the start to the heart-breaking finish. It tackled such serious and grave topics with such dignity and respect to the real life story of Aaron. There was a real sense of empathy that the creators had that can be seen with every scene, and the actors illuminate this feeling with their performances.
Often, we hear about stories of the cost of knowledge and how striving for it for your own desires always leads to dire consequences, but it’s not often we see someone fighting for knowledge to be acquired for not just themselves, but everyone in the world. A noble cause that led to martyrdom. An unnecessary martyrdom, mind you. Aaron was just a kid with a good heart and incredible talent. This should not have happened, and it should never happen to anyone. I am appalled at the lack of accountability taken by the people in charge of these horrible transgressions.
Aaron’s story should not be forgotten, and will not be forgotten because of the work people around the world, including us, will do. We as a community should fight for open access and the right to acquire knowledge online. The future is digital and there are those in positions of power who seek to monetise and privatise what should be a given right and liberty. Act not only for your interests and security, but to honour those people, like Aaron, who gave everything to grow the seeds of our modern world.
