••• [synopsis]

Lily Borenstein-Burd and her brother Russell have never attended school. They are among the one million kids that the US Department of Education estimates are being taught at home.

Filmmaker Fernanda Rossi lived with and filmed the Borenstein-Burds for a period of over one year. Guided by Lily's natural curiosity and sense of humor, together they compile a list of essential questions about homeschooling, and turn to her parents for the answers.

With Lily in charge of the interviews, we learn much about homeschooling, but even more about one family's attempt to bond in an era of increasing disintegration. Lily's budding talents are also in evidence as we follow her through a campaign to save the local zoo and rehearsals of the Nutcracker.

Ms. Rossi's craft and empathy translates into a documentary of unique charm and versatility, as footage of the Borenstein-Burds' daily life is deftly intercut with black and white shots of Lily's fantasy world.

"Inventing a Girl: An Experience in Homeschooling" challenges our conceptions of education and the ability of children to learn on their own.