Lebanese filmmaker Nadine Labaki's most recent film Capharnaüm has been the topic of discussion ever since its release in 2018.
The film earned an epic 15-minute standing ovation, an Oscar nomination, and several other awards to date. But, it seems it may have even inspired one man to sue his parents for giving birth to him.
The film (for those who haven't watched it) tells the story of a child who is struggling to survive, and so decides to sue his family "for giving him life in the first place."
He was not registered at birth, as his parents could not afford the fees required to do so. He exists, but not on paper. He has no I.D. card - meaning he is unable to get a passport, attend school, or get medical assistance.
So, could it be that Labaki's film inspired this 27-year-old Indian man to sue his parents for bringing him into this world without consent? Or just a mere coincidence?
????????????
Mumbai businessman Raphael Samuel told the BBC that bringing children into the world is not acceptable as they will have to bear the consequences of suffering throughout their entire life.
He explained that though he understands consent cannot be given to an unborn child, but believes that "it was not our decision to be born."
He said he wants people in India, and around the world, to understand that "they don't owe their parents anything. I also want them to know that if we are born without our consent we should be maintained for our entire life, we should be paid to live," according to The Independent.
The 27-year-old's beliefs stem from anti-natalism, a philosophy arguing "that life is so full of misery that people should stop procreating immediately."
He shares his beliefs on a Facebook page titled Nihilanand, in which he reiterates his thoughts in photographs of himself with messages against procreation.
Six months ago, he informed his mother that he is planning to take legal action against her.
"She said that's fine, but don't expect me to go easy on you. I will destroy you in court," Samuel explained, noting that his mother is a lawyer.
According to the BBC, the 27-year-old is now looking for a lawyer to take up his case, but hasn't had much success.
The "sue my parents" scene from Capharnaüm
"Do you know why you're here," the judge in the film can be heard saying.
"Yes, I want to sue to my parents ... because I was born," the 12-year-old boy responds.
It seems as though Samuel drew inspiration from this scene in specific. The film tackles child poverty in Lebanon, drawing attention to some parents' failure to protect the children they've given birth to.