Dances With Films Short Feature Review: ‘How I Roll’

Written by Emily Auskaps

Robin Cohen in HOW I ROLL

Everyone is going to encounter a variety of adversity and difficulties throughout a lifetime. No two individuals’ struggles will ever look the same, however, the way in which we deal with the problems life presents can make a world of difference. For every day, we are a given a choice, not of what happens to us externally, but in how we choose to react to and internalize these events.

When life dumps what can seem impossible to handle or simply insurmountable, one can choose to react in a variety of ways. One can give in, declare the problem too much to deal with and simply hide away in avoidance, or one can embrace the challenges as they arrive and meet them head on to the best of one’s abilities, and, if we’re lucky, with the support of those around us.

This compelling documentary, How I Roll, explores how Robin Cohen, an irrepressible woman from New York City, makes the most of each day despite being dealt multiple major difficulties throughout her life. She would be easily forgiven for declaring it all a little too much to handle and throwing in the towel, but instead she chooses to greet each day as another chance to get the absolute most she can out of life.

Despite living with MS for half of her life, which has gotten progressively worse with time, Robin lives by herself and enjoys her independence. Merely the tip of the proverbial iceberg, Robin has also survived the brutal murder of her father during a robbery/home invasion in which her mother was also shot repeatedly. She moved back to New York City to care for her mother and nurse her back to health.

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Robin Cohen in HOW I ROLL

This is not to say Robin’s life has been without joy and wonderful times. She met and married the love of her life and has two loving children. Despite living with MS, she pushed herself to keep going, enjoying each day as it arrives. This film features a beautiful montage of memories of Robin’s family sharing events and everyday moments together. Unfortunately, her beloved husband succumbed to cancer some years ago, which is why she finds herself now choosing to live alone. She refuses to treat herself as a disabled person.
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This short format documentary is a testament to the power of film, and a powerful reminder of the strength we can find in one another. To be able to witness such bravery in the face of adversity is truly inspiring and provides insight into ways each one of us might embrace the obstacles we face, rather than to view them as impediments.

How I Roll gives us a window into the corners of life that we don’t often think about. This is a documentary that inspires, rather than informs, and in that it becomes truly educational. For what better way to demonstrate how to thrive in the face of adversity than to watch a truly remarkable woman do just that.

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