A fairytale, a performance art piece, and a documentary in one beautiful package, this is the story of Simone Aaberg Kaern. Like a Danish Julie Andrews, Simone has an indomitable spirit that comes in handy when she reads about a young Afghan girl's desire to be a pilot. Refusing to be bogged down by bureaucratic naysayers, Simone finds a funny little airplane and departs from Denmark, heading for Afghanistan and flying over contested airspace — making a strong statement in support of open skies and freedom in the aftermath of 9/11. Using 1940s style Hollywood melodramatic music, rich DV cinematography, and plenty of fanciful and charming moments, Simone and co-director Magnus Bejmar keep Smiling floating above the typical message film. (PS)

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