many more. Powerful Black leaders’ interviews from the time, historical events, and incredible concert footage is used to paint a fuller and more vibrant picture of an era and event that was buried for decades, but now, thanks to Questlove and the medium of film, can now see the light of day…and we are better for it.
3: “Judas and the Black Messiah” punctuates that there are too many missing pieces of our American history. Daniel Kaluuya stars as Fred Hampton, the Chairman of the Illinois Black Panther Party who, in 1969, died for his convictions because of an FBI informant, William O’Neal (LaKeith Stanfield). Taking us into the secretive meetings and how O’Neal found himself in this position is revelatory as we are plunged deeper and deeper into a volatile situation. We are no stranger to Chicago’s violent and racist history and Director Shaka King thrusts us back in time with this narrative to remind us of the relevancy of this story today. (Releases Feb. 12)
2: “CODA” (Child of Deaf Adults) hits all the right notes in this Grand Jury Prize and Audience Award winning film. Starring Emilia Jones as Ruby, the only hearing person in her family, her future seems regrettably set as she is the sole connection to the hearing world for her family. Gifted with a singing voice, she longs for more, but the high schooler is torn between independence and her family’s dependency upon her hearing. While the common tropes of young love, childhood angst, and a familiar story arc is used, the film is unusual with its cast and the issues of the deaf community. This heartfelt story filled with laughter and love that will please any audience
1: “Land” is Robin Wright’s feature directorial debut that takes us on a journey of healing at the loving yet harsh hands of Mother Nature. Running from a tragedy and the constant reminders, Edee (Wright) attempts to live in solitude in a run-down shack in the Pacific Northwest mountains. Secluded and unprepared, she nearly succumbs to her surroundings if not for the kindness of a stranger (Damien Bichir) who has his own demons with which he wrestles. Wright captures the unforgiving elements from behind the camera and finds a way to embrace them as her character. This gorgeous film allows us to see the healing powers of nature with respect and awe. (Releases Feb. 12) (To read the review in its entirety, go to AWFJ)
CODA
Photo Credit Sundance