Children of Invention (1:26) 2008

Raymond and Tina are Asian American children living with their mom Cindy in the Boston area. Charles, their father, has gone back to Hong Kong. The movie opens with the trio being evicted from their home. They moved to a rent free apartment as squatters thanks to a real estate friend. Cindy works hard, she has her job as an office worker in real estate but tries to supplement her income by selling beauty products, vitamins. Unfortunately, these direct marketing companies are all Ponzi schemes. Cindy is taken into custody by the Boston police. Raymond and Tina find themselves alone with no money and no food. Raymond realizes he has to take care of his little sister until his mother returns. Raymond doesn't know that his mother has been detained in jail so he decides to put his plans into motion. The child actors, especially Tina, are absolutely adorable. The movie is a wake up call, direct marketing companies target those who can ill afford to lose money - immigrants and the lower income. I read that Children of Invention received numerous awards from various film festivals. These awards as well deserved. This is a gem of an independent film.