We often imagine our civil rights leaders as infallible heroes. After all, the courage and will to stand up to oppression take incredible strength. Often we ignore just how difficult these decisions can become. Activists are not only fighting for their own reasons, but they often put themselves and their loved ones in danger. As … Continue reading Sundance 2023: ‘Twice Colonized’ Depicts an Activist’s Struggle with Her Trauma
Sundance 2023: ‘The Accidental Getaway Driver’ Stuns with Hiệp Trần Nghĩa Masterful Performance
The emergence of breakthrough actors has long helped Sundance build popularity. Many performers find their first starring role at the festival and gain important exposure for their future. Seeing a masterful performance can hit the audience like a lightning bolt. Despite decades in the industry, Hiệp Trần Nghĩa has rarely been given the opportunity to … Continue reading Sundance 2023: ‘The Accidental Getaway Driver’ Stuns with Hiệp Trần Nghĩa Masterful Performance
Sundance 2023: ‘Magazine Dream’ – The Year of Jonathan Majors Begins With an Imperfect Character Study
Sometimes, the Sundance Film Festival mints new directors and stars. However, it can also be the necessary push to get the full attention of someone in the years before their breakthrough. Jonathan Majors is no stranger to the festival after earning raves for The Last Black Man in San Fransisco in 2019. The last few … Continue reading Sundance 2023: ‘Magazine Dream’ – The Year of Jonathan Majors Begins With an Imperfect Character Study
Sundance 2023: ‘When It Melts’ Challenges the Audience and Reflects on Trauma
Reflecting on our past life can yield troubling memories. However, those who suffered as children are unlikely to see their lives through a positive lens. Even when we try to overcome these obstacles, the world rarely lets us move on in productive ways. First-time director Veerle Baetens uses her debut When It Melts to showcase … Continue reading Sundance 2023: ‘When It Melts’ Challenges the Audience and Reflects on Trauma
Sundance 2023: ’20 Days in Mariupol’ Shows the Horrors Experienced By Wartime Journalists
Almost one year ago, the world froze in fear. The war between the Ukraine and Russia drew the entire world's attention, and questions about intervention swam through conversations. As Russian soldiers advanced into the former USSR nation, horrifying videos and images began leaking out of Ukraine. The battles were terrible enough, but the true horrors … Continue reading Sundance 2023: ’20 Days in Mariupol’ Shows the Horrors Experienced By Wartime Journalists
Sundance 2023: ‘Fantastic Machine’ Bluntly Reveals the Beauty and Ills of Video
The camera remains one of the most powerful tools of the 21st century. For centuries, the ability to capture an image has shaped or altered the course of history. Yet in 2023, we have more access to take and create videos than ever before. However, with cameras running at all hours, what is the purpose … Continue reading Sundance 2023: ‘Fantastic Machine’ Bluntly Reveals the Beauty and Ills of Video
Sundance 2023 – Shorts: ‘Take Me Home’ is a Unique Depiction of Sisterhood
Handling the death of a loved one is tricky. However, when one member of the family is cognitively disabled, the process requires extra care. Throughout Take Me Home, a short playing at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival, the two sisters seem very much at odds. However, with time and effort, each sister begins to find … Continue reading Sundance 2023 – Shorts: ‘Take Me Home’ is a Unique Depiction of Sisterhood
Sundance 2023: ‘Willie Nelson & Family’ Is a Long Love Letter to the Legend
Always one for a practical joke, Willie Nelson became a four-quadrant celebrity. While Nelson began his storied career in country music, his persona and optimism made him larger than life. He helped establish a subgenre of Country music (known as "Outlaw Country") while providing mentorship to new and emerging artists. He became known for his … Continue reading Sundance 2023: ‘Willie Nelson & Family’ Is a Long Love Letter to the Legend
Sundance 2023: ‘La Pecera (The Fishbowl)’ Rides the Wave of Isel Rodríguez’s Excellence
Cancer wreaks havoc on the human body, but it’s toll on the mind can often be just as harmful. While the person fighting the disease struggles with their mortality, their friends and family must rely on faith or medicine to pull them through. Even when that’s the case, the danger is often too upsetting to … Continue reading Sundance 2023: ‘La Pecera (The Fishbowl)’ Rides the Wave of Isel Rodríguez’s Excellence
Sundance 2023: ‘Onyx the Fortuitous and the Talisman of Souls’ is Throwback Fun
In previous decades, popular characters accidentally took over the movies. Some of these films became legendary, like Ernest Scare Stupid or Pee Wee's Big Adventure. Others disappeared from view, a fate that often befell the SNL movie. However, with the YouTube generation finding themselves with the sway to create content with high budgets, new sketch … Continue reading Sundance 2023: ‘Onyx the Fortuitous and the Talisman of Souls’ is Throwback Fun