Filmed in a state institution for Colombian teenagers over a period of five years, the documentary Alis offers a blank canvas where young women from the streets share their thoughts about life, love, and dreams through the trope of an imaginary friend. The scenes are clearly staged, the filmmakers’ intention (and voice) are overtly pronounced, and the girls never forget that they are sitting in front of a camera. So it is nothing short of amazing how much could be revealed through this sociocultural experiment, and how sweet and genuine the outcome is. Although the film may not be particularly eloquent or technically superb, may not thoroughly investigate of what brought these girls to the institution in the first place, it still succeeds in creating the credence that “Alis exists” and when the end credits play, it’s clear that the film has served its purpose. (Karen PARK)