About the Film
My Life My Lesson is a raw yet tender documentary following 16-year-old Felicia over two years as she attempts to live a normal teenage life, brought up witnessing her stepfather beating her mother.
Inside the Story
An intimate portrait of a family living with the scars of domestic violence, told through Felicia's everyday life, friendships, and the difficult work of staying connected to a father who no longer lives at home.
In Felicia's words
Felicia's own reflections on growing up, friendship with Cherifa, and the challenges of self-harm and sleepless nights caused by the violence she has witnessed.
Project: IN VIOLENCE
Background on the wider project the film belongs to, addressing the lived reality of families affected by domestic violence.
Making the film
Notes on the two-year process of filming alongside Felicia, and the ethical considerations of documenting a teenager's life in close quarters.
Biographies
Profiles of director Asa Ekman and the team behind the documentary, including producer credits.
Credits
Full credits for the production, post-production, music, and the festivals that supported the film.
Director Asa Ekman
Asa Ekman directs My Life My Lesson with close attention to Felicia's voice and the small, persistent acts of care that shape her days. The film follows Felicia's attempts to help her father, who no longer lives with the family, through phone calls and text messages, while she finds steadier ground with her friend Cherifa.
Ekman's approach favours patience and presence, letting domestic routines, school corridors, and quiet conversations carry the emotional weight of a family still affected by past violence.
Key Credits
| Title | My Life My Lesson |
|---|---|
| Director | Asa Ekman |
| Format | Documentary feature |
| Runtime context | Filmed over the course of two years |
| Swedish premiere | Goteberg Film Festival, January 29, 2015 |
| International selections | IDFA (Amsterdam), BIDF (Budapest, 2015) |
Continue exploring
See where the film has screened, browse posters and stills, or get in touch with the team.