Whether we like it or not, there will come a point in our lives where we must face death. It may come via the loss of a family member when we are young, or that same loss might happen later in life. But one way or another, we will be reminded of the fact that our time on this Earth is finite, and that is a transformative epiphany. One that takes us on an emotional ride and forces us to process so much, especially in our youth. For in that moment, we face so many hard facts regarding mortality, and this is so complex and so powerful, that even the world of creative storytelling struggles to put to screen or paper what that is like.
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But now and again, you run into stories that do in fact, get it right and really express the gravitas of that moment and what we actually go through when we face this and a short feature in that vein just so happened to screen at the Austin Film Festival this year, in The Death of James. Which is a story that introduces us to a man named Kevin who is at a crossroads. For his beloved ferret, James, who he has owned for ages, is terminally ill and Kevin doesn’t know what to do. For he’s never faced death in this manner, especially when it comes to a pet that he utterly adores. So, he calls in his good friend/roommate Ellery to help him figure out how best to put James down, and how best to handle the reality… that death is inevitable.

Which brings forth, a stunning exploration of that moment. For both Kevin and Ellery are stunned by the state of James and the fact that one way or another, he will no longer be in their lives. Which prompts them both to ponder upon life, the nature of death, of how we should face it and the fact that we must. That leads, to some powerfully philosophical moments from this duo. Wherein they speak frankly about such matters and the very things we fear and must process and they of course, struggle with it. Because that is so much to process in a short time, and it speaks to how unprepared we are for the end. Courtesy of what it produces from us emotionally. But more so because we simply have not a clue what we are supposed to do when death comes for someone we love or a pet we adore.

Simply because this feature points out, that we don’t talk about such matters. That somehow the endgame for our life is taboo in nature and we should ignore such thoughts. But this feature also correctly points out, that we should instead, embrace such discussions, especially with people that matter. So that we can safely process our fears and get them out into the open and to also… properly grieve when the moment does come. Because understanding of death or no, the end is still loss, and loss hurts, and we have to deal with those emotions accordingly. And yet, there are still more amazing lessons to be found here. Since this story also explores, that we can process all of this with humor if it helps, or in whatever manner helps relieve the ache that is upon our very soul.

All of which makes… for a beautiful and moving short feature. One that is grounded in reality. Since Sam Chou, the director, and Ellery Vandooyeweert, the writer… lived this long ago and felt a need to share this with everyone, and the end result… is magnificent. In fact, this film and its creative team deserve a round of applause for using animation to tell this story. Since it allows for the lessons and subject matter to be absorbed a little easier, and it is a truly important film. For this is the kind of story that all should watch, to learn an important lesson or reaffirm what they already know about death, and how it truly is on the horizon. But that we shouldn’t fear it. We should instead find value in the moments available to us and cherish the memories of those who leave us behind, be them a beloved aunt, or a furry friend that brought us joy.

One unfortunate truth regarding stories that explore what life is like when we are in the midst of healing from trauma and loss, is that they are just… too perfect in nature. Think about it for a moment. Because so many of those stories feature people who yes, suffer and feel real pain over losing a loved one or by experiencing stunning trauma, but make their way back to the light in a supremely fast manner. As though pain from something such as that is fleeting in nature, and that with a good support network and some positive thinking and a handful of therapy sessions, anyone can overcome their pain and be whole again, just like that.
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But all that does is propagate the long standing and incorrect belief that we can just power through grief and that it is fleeting, and well… such storytelling decisions also cheapen the truth about grief and offer little to those who are eager to feel seen or find a sense of guidance. Which people do look for from tales about grief. But that is starting to change, for a great deal of creatives are coming to realize the disservice such stories offer the audience. So, we are now seeing movies, books, and shows that inform us that grief is hard and that it rips our lives apart and that there is a long road back from it, and that sometimes… we don’t get the chance to properly heal. Because life goes on when we lose people and sometimes… we are the glue that holds together a family and stopping to weep just isn’t in the cards. Not to mention, these new stories are even showcasing how we fail sometimes at healing and at life.

If anything, all of these elements are top of mind today, simply because a powerful and moving feature that recently screened at the Austin Film Festival, quite frankly, offers up the finest exploration of grief to date on screen, and Color Book accomplishes such a stunning feat, by introducing us to a widower named Lucky. For his wife recently passed away under tragic circumstances, making him the single parent of his son, Mason. Who also happens to be a child with Down syndrome, and well, in the days that follow her passing, Mason and Lucky struggle badly. To the point where it seems as though what lie ahead is nothing but sorrow and dark days. But the chance to buy a car and head to an Atlanta Braves game, so Mason can enjoy his first ever Major League Baseball game, might help their mental health. Provided of course, they can overcome the surprises that await them on their way to the city.

All of which brings forth… a genuinely jaw dropping exploration of grief. Because not only does it show the outright devastation one experiences in those early days when death has come with a raw sense of realism that will make anyone who has lost a loved one, uncomfortable… but it explores every corner of those moments. Of how we are distant from the world, of how we struggle to get going and how… we have no choice but to move forward when so much is upon us. Because Mason needs his father, and food has to be put on the table and that pushes Lucky to his breaking point in this story. Where he fights hard to maintain patience with the world and his son, and everything in between and all of that… is so shockingly accurate, and the wonder of this film doesn’t end there. Because it also explores, how alone we feel with the world on our shoulders, and how parents in this moment feel akin to a failure.
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Because the struggle and the pain, slows us down, makes us late, leads us to bad decisions and mistakes, and kids don’t fully understand that, and all a parent can feel… is awful. For we expect the world of parents and look down upon human moments because we think sacrifice is all that matters as a parent and sometimes, a parent just cannot, especially when it comes to emotions, and yet… this movie still manages to offer up more impressive elements. Because we would be remiss to not point out that this film features a Black cast, and that’s something film still struggles to make happen on a consistent basis, and of course… it also explores experiences that can come forth for a parent raising a child with Down syndrome. That’s important to point out because this film presents that in a supremely respectful and positive manner, and that isn’t always the case in film, and it is refreshing to see people with Down syndrome respected and represented here.

In the end however, this story is more than a journey through sorrow and pain. It is also about… the beauty we miss while we’re grieving. Of the special moments we share with our family while we hurt and how those… actually manage to heal us just a little bit. Because they remind us to cherish life, to cherish what we still have, and while we won’t think upon that until after we’ve healed, it’s wonderful to see that on display in a film that is quite frankly… perfect. For this is the kind of movie cinema was made for. Since it offers us a compelling and powerful story we can relate to on some level, it features characters that feel real, and we can connect with and most of all, it moves us. For this magnificent feature will make you smile, make you cry and stay with you for a long, long time. Thanks to amazing performances from William Catlett (Lucky) and Jeremiah Daniels (mason), equally amazing direction from writer/director David Fortune, and a plot that truly informs us of how hard life can be when we lose the people, we love the most. While also reminding us… that what we still have in hand is worth fighting for.  

It is definitely safe to say, that addiction is showcased in a horrific light in popular media, and it makes sense as to why. Because it is at its core, destructive in nature. For addiction breaks down a person’s body and makes them a shell of themselves, where they can only function with their poison of choice flowing their veins. Plus, it does make people do some wild and terrible things. Hurtful things, even, that put fear into those they love, and their actions also offer up heartbreak. So, it stands to reason that creative minds would show the worst aspects of this affliction, in the hopes that people get help for their loved ones, if they are starting to abuse a substance or to keep people away from drugs and alcohol altogether.
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While that is of course, an impactful way to show us that drugs are a terrible choice and that addiction is scary in many ways, there are some real issues that accompany that particular portrayal of addiction. In that, it tends to demonize those who suffer from it, and transforms them into monsters, and while they might be monstrous when they are drunk or high… in between those moments they are a tortured soul, one deeply attached to booze, and heaven knows what for reasons we don’t understand. But we should. For addiction sometimes goes beyond the science of genetics and there is instead a psychological root cause at play that has broken this person and forced them to turn to substance abuse, and the sooner we explore that… the better. So, that we can get those folks the right help instead of shunning them.

If anything, the importance of discovering the root cause of an addiction is top of mind today, simply because a drama that screened at Dances With Films explored just that, and that makes Moonwater an important film. One that introduces us to a man named Pete, who is not in a good place. For Pete is an alcoholic and his life has fallen to pieces because of his drinking. To the point where has no one to talk to, for he’s even pushed his only brother away. So, he lives in his late father’s cabin, away from the city. Where he drinks his days away and waits for the end. That is, until he discovers something from his youth. Specifically, the still his father used to make moonshine long ago and seeing it and remembering what it meant to his dad inspires Pete to try and enlist his brother’s help in bringing it back to life for one last batch of moonshine, which he hopes… will somehow heal his soul.

Which at first glance, appears to be a plot akin to Leaving Las Vegas. Wherein Pete will lie and cheat and do what he must to rebuild the still to give him all the booze he needs to drink his life away, in the literal sense. Something his brother Thomas accuses him of. But it goes deeper than that. In fact, it all relates to the root cause theme at hand. For we learn, through tender moments in this powerful drama, that the death of Pete’s dad, and his relationship with alcohol, are much to blame for Pete’s current state of affairs. For he has not reconciled his grief, and he sees alcohol as the only way to reclaim any memory or feeling of his father. So, he drinks to both numb the pain and feel something over what he’s lost and that makes for a powerful feature for certain.
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One that truly does showcase how people abuse substances, in this case alcohol, to cope and heal over emotions they cannot reconcile. Or to quell the power of old traumas or to regulate a mental health imbalance by fighting chemicals with chemicals. That means, they aren’t monsters to be feared, but broken individuals. Who are crying out in a strange way for help, for peace, and thankfully… this film tells us what we should do with such knowledge. In that, we should offer grace in that moment, and kindness, regardless of what’s happening. It doesn’t mean we have to forgive or let the past go, since that has weight and consequences to bear. But in that moment, giving them that, and helping guide them to what will heal them, will accomplish wonders and potentially save a life and give them a second chance. Granted, that’s not a guarantee, for one must want to change… but it does give them a fighting chance and sometimes… that’s all a shattered soul might need.  

All of which brings forth, a stunning motion picture. One that finally looks at addiction in an incredible manner. Since so few stories in this vein explore the cause of addiction, nor do they really look at the lasting impact of substance abuse. Since we are privy to moments where Thomas expresses what Pete’s drinking has done to the family, and we even see what impact it’s had upon his friendships and relationships. Which gives rise to a vastly different type of film about addiction, one that is both sorrowful and hopeful, and is refreshing in nature. Since it doesn’t close out with a fallen monster consumed by the substance that promised so much. It instead gives us an ending as close to real as possible, and it stays with you for a long time. For this tour de force of a story, really does prompt us to look at addiction in a vastly different light… one that projects an ounce of real hope.

It is definitely safe to say that the world of startups is in utter turmoil right now. Especially when it comes to tech startups. Because so many are trying their best to put together the next great product that will influence humanity in some form or fashion for the next seventy years, so that the company in question and those who helped give it rise, will be in the same discussions as Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, and Mark Zuckerberg. But alas, it just isn’t happening. Because so many startups are burning out quickly, or they are mired in scandals and lies that are putting founders desperate to be on the digital version of Mount Rushmore, behind bars.
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All of which leaves us everyday people out there wondering, what the heck is happening in these places? Because in many ways, they are following the same paths as the greats. They’re coming to life in a garage or a basement, they’re offering something that motivates people to believe in them and invest in them. But they just keep petering out, and well… there are reasons for that. The kind that are starting to come to light since we are starting to hear more and more stories from people that worked in some of the places that failed and through storytelling. Since some who had their own brushes with the tech startup industry are ready to recreate that environment. To showcase the truth, and to perhaps… inspire change.

In fact, a story in that vein recently screened at Dances With Films and that makes The Coder, quite the important short feature. Since it plunges us into the heart of a tech startup. One that deals in the ultra-hot world of cryptocurrency, and it is doing far better than most. But despite having customers, and a cash flow and success… this company stands on the brink. For its top xoder, Mary, is not well mentally. In part because she’s working too many hours. But also, because the CEO of the startup is a Grade A, Dude Bro, A-Hole. One that demands the most of his coders and his team plus more, and well… a simple bug in the code and a coder that cannot take this level of pressure and abuse anymore… might bring this whole startup down.

Which is the perfect way to explore how the big problem with new tech startups, is that they are a hybrid work environment of sorts. Wherein they embrace the innovation and guerilla nature of what came before, while injecting the worst aspects of modern work culture into their environments. Giving rise to companies that do indeed look toward tomorrow but treat their people like garbage and are filled to the brim with egotistical idiots that are less concerned about changing the world are just eager to be featured on the 30 Under 30 list. Which gives rise to real understanding for the audience, the kind that makes utter sense because only ego could bring down something helpful and that does make for a fascinating story that explores so much more.

For it also ponders deeply upon, the toxic nature of the modern workplace. How it sees exhaustive work and hyper loyalty as the bare minimum now, and how people are a product to upper management and not a resource. Which allows for the audience to relate to this film and care about Mary, because we’ve all had a taste of that nonsense and despise it, and those elements, which come courtesy of some real-life experiences from writer/director Will Crouse, make for one compelling and intense feature. For this one really does draw you in and it puts you on the edge of your seat. Thanks to a magnificent story about the state of the union of the modern workplace and the tech startup movement, and how it will all continue to crumble until ego and demand are removed from the equation.

It is definitely safe to say, that we are living in supremely unique times when it comes to the retail and shopping environment. For over the past few decades, we’ve seen businesses that have been around for ages, disappear from the landscape. Some of it has been related to economic woes, since Circuit City and Borders were casualties of the Great Recession, while so many others have faltered of their own accord. Unable to adjust to the changing landscape of retail, much of which has related to the surge of online buying that now takes place in the world, and of course, it would be foolish to not point out that big retailers coming into smaller communities and squeezing out the little guy has led to a huge impact upon local shops, and this of course, has brought forth great worries from so many analysts.
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After all, those stores are sitting vacant and empty, and while some communities have re-purposed them and re-developed them into so much more, many have not. Giving rise to fear of a real estate crisis for retail, and of course, worries about the economy, and well… for lack of a better phrase… who cares? Because what we often forget about, is that store closures and the end of businesses both big and small, have a far greater impact on the community they serve. For people lose their jobs, and often times, a valuable service to a particular area is gone forever, and that has a huge impact on people, and that is what we should be concerned about when it comes to the changing face of retail. Thankfully though, there are creatives that recognize this and are making a point to showcase the human impact of store closures.

In fact, a documentary entitled, The Last Book Sale, explores such matters, and it recently screened at the Austin Film Festival and what it had to showcase, was quite powerful. For this particular film takes us to San Antonio, wherein we step inside Half Price Books on Broadway, as they prepare to close down for good. Which gives us an up-close look at the final days of a closing store, complete with reaction from the employees and the loyal customers that helped to support this place. Which reveals that so many customers in this story have used this location for ages on end and have made it part of their routine, and now their habits will be interrupted by the closing, and their lives, will be changed. Since they relied on this place for product and sometimes a quick bit of cash from the buybacks performed here. Not to mention, you see the wear and tear on the employees, and the emotion that comes forth when a place they’ve worked to maintain begins to fade into memory.

All of which informs us that there is so much more to a store closing, courtesy of a story that paints a complete picture about what this location means to the local community, and that the closing of Half Price Books will harm everyone, really. Plus, this documentary deserves a round of applause for going even deeper on such matters by also showcasing how this is more than a job for these employees. It is their livelihood, and they care about it. And how a casual purchase or drop off/buyback at a place like Half Price Books means the world to people. Since there are patrons who found joy in sharing stories they had finished with others and used their original purchase to find joy by escaping into a story. Which adds incredible depth and meaning to this story and leaves the audience wondering… how then do we prevent this?

Well, there’s a complex answer to that question. But what it boils down to, is that we have as a culture, bought into the narrative that only the price matters, and that if we aren’t getting the best deal, then that business is failing us. But what we have forgotten in a narrative driven by profit and greedy shareholders, is that businesses DO provide more than hot deals and killer steals. They give people jobs that can become careers and can ignite a passion, and they do contribute to the community with the sales taxes they collect, and when it comes to small businesses, they are a huge part of the community and part of a way of life. So, the time has come to reset the narrative a demand the shopping experience and environment that benefits all, instead of just CEOs and money-grubby shareholders. But while we wait for that shift, we can celebrate this amazing tale, one that at least starts the conversation, courtesy of a powerful story that finally showcases the real impact upon a community when a valued business is gone forever.

One particular surprise that we run into in adulthood, is how hard it is to make new friends. Which one would think would not be the case. After all, we’re adults now. So, we know how to talk to people and engage in conversation, wherein we can discover one another’s likes and dislikes and see if by chance… we can be friends. But alas, our inner friend circle is smaller in adulthood, and it really is quite the bear to make new ones and well… it’s hard for us to figure out why. So, we have tendency to ponder deeply upon what’s wrong with us and how perhaps we can be more open and friendly, so that we can attract those all-important new pals.
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After all, friends can enrich our lives in so many ways. Especially if they grow to be close friends, those ride or die buddies that will be with us through thick and thin. But while it can indeed be a bear to make friends, to the point where we think upon how we can be better… what if… we are not the problem? What if there are other issues that are at play here, some that are out of our control when it comes to making friends? Well, it just so happens, that a short feature that screened at the Austin Film Festival, ponders upon those very questions. Which makes Hi, Friends! a supremely poignant film that really dives deep into some factors about friendship we haven’t given much thought to.

A feat that it accomplishes by dropping us into the heart of New York City on one fine day. Wherein a loving couple have joined a massive group for a good ol’ fashioned picnic. One designed to help everyone get to know one another in a relaxed setting, so all can become closer friends and really bond in this moment. But alas, this picnic turns out to be an outright disaster. Because it doesn’t take long for egos to come into play as some try to take control of the day’s activities to give them what will please them, while others just plain make the whole event as awkward as it gets, giving rise to a stressful day that truly does inform us… that sometimes… adulthood is to blame in our friendship failures.

Because we are so self-aware and cognizant in adulthood that we know what will work for us from a friendship standpoint. Which we base on past experiences and that prompts some poor behaviors from us. The kind where test people quickly when we meet them and write them off if they don’t suit our needs, and that’s not helpful. Plus, we tend to test boundaries and push people to see how they will respond in an effort to have them pass another test, and that too is not helpful in the slightest. Not to mention, some people just try too hard and flat out make it weird in the not fun way, and all of those elements are showcased in a matter of minutes, as is in many ways… the solve to making friends in adulthood.

In that, we have to drop the expectations, games, and the façade we sometimes put up, and just do it like we did when we were kids. Where we just approach one another honestly and earnestly and hang out and have fun and see if a bond forms. But until then, our adult thinking will get in the way, and that truth makes for a fascinating feature. One that is handled in a comedic and twisted manner courtesy of Wheaton Simis' amazing script and direction. But that is the best way to hammer home, that we are often our own worst enemies, and if we could just get out of our way for a few minutes… we might have exactly what we want in this life, when it comes to the new friends we seek.

When we think of the theater, we think of the experience. Of how much fun it is to dress up a bit and enjoy a fine dinner before settling in to enjoy a lovely play. One where we will be whisked away to another world by talented actors that give us quite the moving show, before heading home for the night, pleased at our experience, and well… it makes sense as to why that is all we think about. For we only know what we see in front of us, and haven’t a clue that behind the scenes, putting on a play is a massive undertaking. For the light must be right, everyone has to work seamlessly together to make sure every moment is pulled off correctly, and we definitely don’t see how much work the actors put into getting this just right.
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Because many consider theater to be acting at its purest. Where a thespian must lose themselves in the moment, and for proof… just listen to the industry’s greats. For so many will speak to how they cut their teeth on theater and learned their craft with every repeat performance of the play they were in. Which means that above all, plays mean the most to the actors that take the stage. For it is their lifeblood, and it is the moment in which they truly get to shine, and it could get them discovered and onto movies and television and well… this is top of mind today, simply because a short feature that screened at the Austin Film Festival, expressed that meaning to the audience. Which makes The Understudy a fascinating film.

For this particular tale introduces us to an actor named Tom who would love for his chance to be in the limelight. But he is but the understudy to the star of a hit play. A star that never misses his call time and that means that Tom can only dream of the moment when he can step out onto the stage and wow the crowd with a meaningful performance. But on this fateful day, with his granddaughter no less, the call comes through. For the star won’t make it, and well… that prompts Tom to bring his granddaughter along to prepare for the biggest night of his life. Where he will finally take the stage and relish in pure acting the and the wonder of the crowd. Provided of course… he can get over his nerves and that the chaos that has resulted from an interrupted norm, doesn’t cause any hiccups in his push to slip into character.

Which is… the perfect way to explore the power and the wonder of acting and of theater. Since this fast paced short really does go behind the scenes to show how a play comes together and the insane amount of work that goes into that. But more importantly, through some fine acting from Tom Rooney, who plays Tom, we learn about the majesty and the power of the craft. Of what it means to actors and how much effort and care they put into preparing for their role, in embodying the character and that alone… leaves the viewer in awe. For we learn here that that dedication is epic in nature, and that a dedicated actor will stop at nothing to make sure they are ready to put on the show of a lifetime and tap into something few of us understand.

All of which brings forth, just a compelling and engaging feature. Because once the call comes through, you are glued to the screen. Thanks to fast paced direction and fine writing from writer/director Peter Pasyk and through Tom’s riveting performance. For you feel as though you’re there, in the thick of it and celebrating in the awe of a life changing moment for Tom, and that’s special and it is all handled in a ‘less is more’ style. One that doesn’t require thought, it just requires you to open your heart and feel the moment. Which in many ways, makes this a cinematic play of sorts, one that boldly takes us behind the curtain, to discover the passion that goes into creating a singular, powerful moment, on our night out.

If there is one particularly strange mantra that the modern world still holds to, it would have to be that each of us should suffer in silence and solitude when life is getting us down. Likely because there is still the belief that the only way out in this life, is through. So, if we lower our head, keep our mouth shut and just power forward, we’ll be all right in the end. But that truly is a strange line of thinking. Because, while some folks can in fact, handle tough times in that manner, not everyone can. For some people feel quite burdened by tough times and need to talk it out or at the very least, get their frustrations off of their chest.
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But that too, is denied often. Because that’s also somehow taboo, and even seeing a therapist to vent is looked down upon because of our silly views regarding mental health. Which leaves one to wonder, how then… do we abandon such silly lines of thinking? How do we create a world where it is okay to vent and okay to speak to our struggles? Well one fine way, is through storytelling. Because the right kind of story can showcase the safety that comes with a risky idea or how much it can help someone and well, as we enter this new age where more people are asking such questions, more stories are popping up that explore the answers. Such as a short feature that screened at the Austin Film Festival, Two Cents & A Footlong.

Which this feature accomplishes, in a simple manner. For this particular tale opens up in the middle of the night at a twenty-four-hour sub sandwich shop known as Subclub. Wherein a sandwich jockey named Lenny, must steel himself to deal with what looks to be an annoying customer. For an insomniac named Rodger is now in the restaurant to get his favorite sub and nothing but sour words pour out of his mouth, and he harbors an attitude that screams trouble. But as Lenny builds Rodger’s sandwich, and offers courtesy to Rodger and his musings, something incredible happens. In that, these men bond and discover that speaking to their troubles might offer them more than they could have imagined on this lonesome night.

Which is… the perfect way to explore that central theme. In fact, it’s a stroke of genius that this story opens up with irritation and how we perceive venting and frustration. Since it sets up a special emotional journey. One that outright showcases the sour mantras we hold to as a society and how much it hurts people. Since Rodger is clearly flustered when it seems, at first, the conversation is falling upon irritated ears. But soon, Lenny’s kindness and the chance to learn more about what he is going through and what Lenny, and a random customer are carrying in their souls… allows for this feature to become more about how and why it is so important that we start to listen to one another and take to heart the importance of letting people vent and speak to their pain.
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Because it can truly… make a massive difference in their lives. Because when we carry such stuff around, eventually it strangles us and leaves us gasping for air. Plus, it consumes us and makes us invisible to others as we hide and sulk. But we need people, and we need that air. So truly, hearing about how someone’s day is going and actually offering genuine care regarding that answer, or hearing about their pain or what scares them… is a shocking cure for what ails us. And it does help us to go on and fight that good fight. Because we feel validated and we feel seen and not so alone, and all of these elements make… for a stunningly powerful feature. One that truly explores the power of kindness and the moment.

Which is something we absolutely should start thinking about in this life, because we truly don’t know what anyone is going through in the moment, nor do we fully understand how being kind really does make a huge difference in people’s lives. Because sometimes, that boost means everything, and it is just a delight to see that message and that truth come forth in this short feature. Since it does teach us in all the right ways and should hopefully inspire change in so many to just do what Lenny did here, and it also doesn’t hurt… that this is sold in a realistic manner. Because the setting feels real, the moment authentic, and the performances truly draw us into this refreshing story about how quickly our world could change… if we all just took a minute of our day to share in an experience with a stranger.

It is definitely safe to say, that we are living in troubling times. After all, the fate of the planet is up in the air thanks to endless debate on how best we should tackle climate change, and that’s getting mucked up further by people who think science is subject to opinion. Not to mention, there’s an odd anger rising up in the world. The kind that has brought forth old haunts we thought we either conquered or were on our way to conquering and that’s got us in an uneasy space. Where we don’t know what the world will look like tomorrow or what the new guard with old ideals will try to impart upon us when they take charge and well, what’s truly scary… is that it seems no one is coming to help us.
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For these dark horizons are being met with a lot of silence, and the heroes we turned to in the past, simply don’t exist anymore. So, who then, will help us when the going gets tough? Who will be the hero we need in that moment? Well, likely everyday people. Which is a thought that seems outlandish at first, because we don’t think of everyday citizens being the people to rise up for what’s just, and be the voices and soldiers needed to combat the ugly of the world. But everyday people can be up to that task, and for proof… look no further than the past. For time and time again, regular folks with nothing to lose but everything to gain by standing up for what’s right… have accomplished wonders, and it just so happens that a documentary feature, explores how an everyday person can transform into the hero the world needs in Norita.

For this particular story, which screened at the Austin Film Festival this year, explores the life and times of Norita Cortiñas. Who in the 1970s was an everyday woman living in Argentina. Wherein she was raising a family and enjoying the wonder of that, but her life changed drastically in 1977. For her son went missing, courtesy of the new government that took over through a coup d’etat and went after people it believed to be enemies, and well… Norita wanted answers. For her son was unjustly whisked away, and she wasn’t the only one that suffered through that, and the lack of answers, and the disgusting behaviors of this new regime, prompted her to help form the Madres of Plaza de Mayo resistance movement. To stand against the rotten regime before them through protest, and rebellion and everything in between… to make their world better.

Which brings forth, a fascinating story that few of us know, but should. In part because we need that kind of inspiration right now, but also because… Norita’s story is an important historical tale. One that chronicles an incredible fight against a ruthless regime, and it is a story that captivates. Since this documentary chronicles every detail of this harrowing period of time. Of the fear that washed over Argentina when these disappearances began, and the hope that Norita’s organization inspired since they were indeed fighting back and doing their best to expose the gross nature of the crimes of the ‘government’. But while it is indeed fascinating to learn about this madness, what’s more important, is that we learn so much from Norita’s story and fight for justice.
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Simply because, we see firsthand, how adversity transformed this everyday woman into a real freedom fighter. Of someone who was unafraid to stand against an evil and use her voice to inspire others to join her in the fight and well, what that teaches us is incredibly invaluable. In that, we far too often put the fate our nations and its salvation into the hands of others who may be unprepared to maintain it. So, it is, and will forever be, up to the people to keep it free and keep it just. For it is the people that matter more than the bloated politicians that make promises or hunger for power, and the sooner we realize that the sooner we will find comfort in our worries. Since such lessons remind us, we have more power than we think, and we can indeed make an impact and be the hero we seek.

All of which brings forth, a stunningly powerful documentary. One that is deeply relevant and deeply inspiring. Because it is just incredible to know that this everyday housewife, was able to transform herself into a freedom fighter. Someone that people admired and rallied behind and who, made a stunning impact in the world even after the fight was over. Because that’s what heroes do, they move onto the next just cause and well, that truly makes for a magnificent and uplifting story, one that we need in this world right now. As we continue to look for guidance, on how best to handle a world where close-minded crooks are seizing control and are eager to demand that we roll over and accept their awful agenda.

If there is one particular type of movie that we all love watching this time of year, it’s the holiday movie. Simply because, they do indeed add to the wonder of the season, courtesy of stories that celebrate the wonder of love, and giving, and they all deeply explore what togetherness, and kindness can do for us during the season. All of which lifts our spirits up and brings us joy. But while we do enjoy these movies, they do come with their own set of drawbacks. After all, they are in essence, peak escapism storytelling and truly ignore some of the realities of the season. Which while helpful in some respects, can be of concern for others.
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Because we also turn to entertainment to inspire guidance, to reaffirm and feel seen, and since the holidays are in fact, just another period in our lives with pretty decorations, more and more… audiences are demanding that we see the season in a more realistic light. So that these movies offer up just a touch more meaning than they have in recent years, and perhaps do a better job with representation since they tend to feature predominantly white casts, and well… the industry is answering. For we are starting to see holiday films that do indeed reflect real life and offer up beautiful messages beyond, everyone needs love during the season, and it just so happens that aspireTV is now home to one that absolutely needs to be celebrated. For Nochebuena is one of the most refreshing holiday films to hit the airwaves in years.

A feat this film accomplishes through its story. For this particular tale introduces us to a man named Junior who is seemingly living his best life. After all, he’s living in the big city, he has an amazing job where he is treated with respect and valued, and it is Christmastime. Wherein he will get to return home and see his old childhood friends Jennifer and Mel and spend time with them and just enjoy a low-key holiday. But the return home proves to anything but relaxing. Mainly because, a return home also means reflection. Reflection upon the mother he lost not too long ago, and reflection upon paths not taken. Since he and Jennifer have always enjoyed incredible chemistry but never committed to one another, and that means this holiday season… Junior will have to face his past and his emotions at a time when so much is going on around him.

Which is… the perfect way to offer up a different kind of holiday feature. Because this one, is deeply grounded in reality. Since it explores how the holidays are a time of reflection where we don’t just look at our wins and think ahead, but where we think about… everything. Our wins, our failures, the people we’ve lost along the way and whether or not we are on the right path. Not to mention, it properly reflects how this can be a difficult time emotionally when we have lost someone we love dearly and of course… how difficult a time it is, period. Courtesy of moments that we can all relate to, such as Junior’s struggles with grief and his struggles with his romantic feelings toward Jennifer, and the best part is, it uses the best aspects of these films, to help us find guidance on how to resolve them in our own lives.
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Since we are treated to lessons that speak to how we make peace with loss, how we claim that which we’ve always wanted and so much more. For this is a story designed to explore… how we give ourselves… the gift of happiness. Which is what we are all searching for during the season, and that makes for a satisfying story that inspires and also… offers up representation like never before. Because this does focus on Latino/Latinx culture as well, if the title did not clue one in, and that makes for some magnificent moments as well. The kind that showcases how Latin Americans celebrate the holidays, and more importantly, it puts Latin Americans on screen, via characters that do indeed reflect the world and also feel real since they aren’t written as stereotypes or jokes, and that’s wonderful to see take place here.

Because that’s how people from all walks of life should be presented in film and television, because we are just people that celebrate the holidays slightly differently but go through many of the same things and that makes this… a holiday masterpiece, really. For this film really is that next generation of holiday features. One that presents the holiday in a far more realistic and relatable light than other features and that’s courtesy of Director Adam Lopez’s magnificent vision, and the cast’s fine work in selling the moments we all deal with in some capacity during the holidays, and that’s what we really need from these features. A world where we can escape… but can also work out what we need to, alongside people that either reflect us or reflect our lives.   

Watch ‘Nochebuena’ on aspireTV during the following dates:

12/24/24 12:00 PM ET       
12/25/24 6:00 PM ET       
12/26/24 4:00 PM ET       
12/26/24 10:00 PM ET       
12/29/24 4:00 PM ET