SCREENING PARTICIPANT GUIDE
In IZIDOR, we are reminded that even in the deepest shadows, a single act of courageous kindness can change a life. Let’s talk about it! Your facilitator will kick off the conversation — just dive into the questions your group finds most interesting.
Observations + Reflections
After viewing the film, spend time in your group discussing the following:
• What were you feeling as you watched the story of Izidor?
• What were you wanting to have happen in the film that did happen? What were you wanting to happen that did not?
• What was the most powerful or memorable part of the film for you?
• The film utilizes animation and live action to communicate a message. What message did these visual components communicate to you?
• Were there any characters in the story that you particularly related to? In what ways?
Belonging
The tagline of the film is “To belong is to be alive”.
• What is belonging and how does Izidor experience belonging?
• How do Onisa, Dragos and their children create a space of belonging?
• How does experiencing a sense of belonging make Izidor “come alive”?
• Describe an experience in your life where you felt like you truly belonged.
• Describe an experience in your life in which you felt like you absolutely did not belong.
• In what ways are “belonging” and “fitting in” different? What connection do you find between a person’s identity and their sense of belonging?
Courageous Kindness
Kindness is different from being nice. Kindness takes courage because it costs us. It requires personal risk with no guarantee of reward.
• How does Onisa display courageous kindness in the film?
• Why is Dragos’ interaction with Izidor important to the story? NOTES
• What do you believe motivates the family’s kindness?
• What do you think are the differences between being nice and courageous kindness?
• Describe an experience in your life when someone was courageously kind towards you. How did you feel at the time? How do you feel about it now?
• Describe a time when showing kindness required you to take a risk or show courage.
Hope
While Onisa is noticeably absent at the end of the film, her impact is not. The seeds of hope she planted took root, bore fruit and changed the trajectory of Izidor’s life forever. Discuss the following in your groups:.
• What is the outcome for Little Izidor of his day out with Onisa’s family?
• Why does Big Izidor need to find Little Izidor?
• How do you think Big Izidor felt when he left the room?
• Why is it significant that Christina and Big Izidor take a bite from the apple?
• In the film, the other nanny disapproved of Onisa’s actions, stating, “And you think I’m the cruel one?” Oftentimes when we step out in faith, those close to us don’t understand or can even be antagonistic. How do you handle that?
• Describe a time in your life when you had to hope for something that was beyond your ability or control, and who helped you move forward.
Closing + Next Steps
PRAYER PROMPTS PRAYER PROMPTS
A Prayer for Clarity
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” JAMES 1:5
A Prayer for Courage
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” — PROVERBS 3:5-6
MY COURAGEOUS NEXT STEPS
Take a moment to decide how you’d like to respond to what you’ve seen. Pause and reflect: What action will you take? Use the space below to dream, plan, and pray.
One thing I want to remember from today:
One step I feel led to take:
Someone I want to reach out to:
Something I will pray about: