Today I saw all five of the nominated films in the Documentary Short category. I'll present my reviews in the order the films were shown.
TRAFFIC STOP (USA)
Director Kate Davis gives us a first-hand look at a subject that's all-too-familiar across our country: white police misusing their power on black citizens. In this case, the city is Austin, Texas (often known for its liberal, accepting nature) and the victim is Breaion King, a 26-year-old schoolteacher, who is caught speeding and pulls into a Wendy's parking lot. There, the white cops treat her like a violent criminal (though all she's does is question why she's being arrested) and toss her around like a rag doll (a gifted dancer, she's only 112 lbs.)—she sustains physical injuries that were completely avoidable and emotional damage from which she may never recover. Should be required viewing for all cadets entering the force—in any town.
EDITH + EDDIE (USA)
In the lush greenery of a quiet neighborhood in Alexandria, Virginia lives Eddie, a 95-year-old white man and Edith, his 96-year-old black wife. They share a happy existence, attending church with their community and enjoying the picturesque water near their home. Their happiness is disrupted when Edith's daughter Patricia, anxious to sell her house, challenges her sister Rebecca for custodial rights to their mother. Since they can't come to an agreement, a stranger is appointed legal guardian and threatens to separate the beautiful life Eddie & Edith built. I could barely make it through this one; as the laws meant to protect elders in this case are doing just the opposite. Frustrating and painful to watch, but incredibly well done.
HEAVEN IS A TRAFFIC JAM ON THE 405 (USA)
Mindy Alper is an accomplished artist with works exhibited in one of the top Los Angeles galleries, but she has struggled all her life with severe mental health issues. These problems have pulled her to and from her family, and her art over the course of her 56 years. This film allows Mindy—and those closest to her—to share her story unfiltered and shows how powerful validation can be on one's journey toward contentment.
HEROIN(E) (USA)
Many may write off Huntington, West Virginia as a lost cause for a town considering its overdose rates are 10 times that of the national average—but there are three women in the community who refuse to give up on these citizens and this film tells their story. Necia runs the Brown Bag Ministry, handing out meals and finding shelter for addicted working girls on the street; Jan is the fire chief who personally saves countless lives when addicts overdose; Patricia is the drug court judge who holds sobriety graduation ceremonies for her criminals who go clean. The love is there and because of that love there is hope.
KNIFE SKILLS (USA)
A lot rests on the opening of Edwins restaurant in Cleveland. It's not just another place in the city to eat; it's a life-changing factory for recently released inmates who are working toward a better life. The founder himself is a former convict and he recognizes what's at stake by trusting these new recruits. He also knows that he'll never find more loyal or dedicated staff members because everyone on his team has something to prove. As expected, they all don't make it to the finish line, but for the ones who do the results are inspiring. Most of all, we're reminded that when it comes to reforming criminals, there's a better way to do it than the usual: Just give them a sense of purpose.
~~~
No comments:
Post a Comment