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 

There was a time in American history, where certain topics would silence a room. For instance, speaking about the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community would be met with silence, as would challenging how one handles their mental health. Not to mention, if one were to bring up sex and their sex life that same silence would fall across the room. Because America’s strange relationship with religion and the puritan concepts that arrived with the passengers of the Mayflower, have persisted through most of its history and brought forth a real sense of taboo on those very topics. But thankfully, we have made progress.
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For one can now talk about their sexual preferences and even enter into same sex marriage. Not to mention, we are finally talking about mental health on a regular basis, and we can indeed discuss sex and sexuality in general. But even then, we still have so far to go. Since some close-minded buffoons think that love should be restricted and the old mantra of ‘just push through’ still applies for fixing our mental health and of course…  some still cringe when sex comes up, and well… all of this has to stop. In part because it is 2024, but also because keeping topics such as these taboo causes more harm than good, and perhaps the time has come to showcase what kind of harm it can cause, to inspire change.

One way we can accomplish that, is through storytelling and it just so happens, that a short feature that screened at the Austin Film Festival, takes the time to offer up that kind of examination in Dirty Towel. Which is a story that introduces us to a girl named Charlie who receives some very harsh lessons from her mother. In that, mommy dearest, makes it clear that sex is a gross act that Charlie should never take part in. Simply because it makes her gross in her own right, akin to a Dirty Towel that no one will ever want again because no one wants to be around a woman that chooses such a hideous act, and those words hang with Charlie and haunt her deeply. Especially years later, after she has sex for the first time, leaving her to wonder what future lie ahead now that she’s committed what her mother has told her… is an ultimate sin.

Which is… the perfect way to explore how trying to keep certain topics taboo, can indeed cause incredible harm. Because truly, Charlie struggles with a supremely natural act here, all because of her mother’s words. Because we value what mom and dad have to say and if they tell us we will be forever sullied by an act such as sex, we will believe them, and that’s wrong plain and simple. Because it is downright abusive and traumatic and it does no good for anyone and can in fact, become generational in nature. Since the right individual will carry that lie on and that is one big reason why taboo persists. For we pass it down from generation to generation. 
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That of course, begs the question, how then do we shatter it, and the answer to that is explored here as well. Since there comes a point where Charlie speaks to how sex is natural, healthy, and should not be something we are ashamed of. So, choosing to break the cycle is a great place to start, and education is key as well. Since really, we fear what we don’t fully understand and well, a fair number of people don’t understand their sexuality or their sexual desires and education would indeed help them understand and normalize such matters, and really, that’s the key to breaking so many of the taboos we harbor in society. Because knowledge truly is power.

All of which makes for an incredible feature. For this film manages to cover all of that in a matter of twelve minutes, and its majesty doesn’t end with its intelligence. For it features some fine performances as well. With Emma Parks leading the charge as Charlie, since she sells the confusion and the shame her mother brings down upon her in a hyper realistic manner. Speaking of mom, Laura Coover is a revelation as Elizabeth, courtesy of moments that also feel akin to interactions and conversations we’ve had with our mothers. Truly, all of these elements combine to bring forth a supremely important movie. Because it finally takes a big problem to task in a frank manner that stays with the audience, and that’s a good thing. For it is high time we break the taboo cycle so everyone can live their life in peace and harmony.

There is a prevailing belief in our world, that in order to truly impact change and inspire others, we first… have to be in the public eye, and then we must inspire incredible change in society. Which will allow for us to be remembered for generations on end, and praised and believed in after our passing, and it makes sense as to why we hold to that. For history is made up of amazing individuals that did indeed stand tall before us and before adversity, and pushed the world to be more, to be better, to change with the times. And these are the folks we read about in the history books, and quote and speak of often, because they truly made the world a better place, and the vast majority of people out there… would love to do the same.
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But what’s fascinating about this belief, is that it is woefully incorrect in so many ways. Because we don’t have to be famous to make an impact in this life. Nor do we need to change laws and speak to seas of crowds to inspire people to be better, to be more. We simply need… to be good people. Good people with conviction that opt to chip away at barriers and do the right thing always because it is the right thing to do. For that too, can take people to task and leave them wondering if they’re doing enough in this life or if they can be part of something more, and if they create impact upon others, and for proof that this is the case… then look no further than the powerful new documentary, To Myself, With Love: The Bessie Stringfield Story.

Which is a story about a woman named Bessie Stringfield. Who people still continue to honor, long after her passing. For she inspired people to live life to the fullest and to live without fear, all because… she chose to rode motorcycles. Which is a statement that some will raise an eyebrow over. Because how the heck can someone riding a motorcycle inspire others? But that’s the thing, the details matter in her story. For Bessie was an African American, and in the 1930s… she wanted to ride bikes. Which in that era, was not something an African American did. But she didn’t care, she wanted to live free and enjoy the world, and she did. In fact, she rode across America, multiple times even, and was a civilian rider in the Second World War and she became an icon. Since she faced amazing challenges in chasing her passion… and she changed the world in doing so.

For this documentary correctly points out, that being bold and decisive in wanting to ride as far the bike could take her… broke down walls and was daring in its own right. Because the wanton racism that existed then (and sadly, still exists today), always put her at risk. In fact, the documentary recounts a few close calls she had with white men that didn’t care for her carefree nature and hobby. But she faced that bravely, always, and that is inspiring, since it motivates one to stand against that kind of hate. Oh, and she of course… motivated people to get on motorcycles and enjoy their wonder. Which is no small feat either, since they have their own stigmas about them. But there are groups now that ride in her name, and so many wish to a live a life like hers. One full of bravery and strength, and that makes her a hero for certain, one that has inspired unique change in so many.

But even that, doesn’t speak to someone that is ‘everyday’ of sorts. Because she had an audience, she had and has followers and people speak of her often. But thankfully, the documentary takes the time to explore Bessie’s life and times. So that we see, the regular person behind the icon. For we learn about her marriages, her losses and her wins, and her upbringing. All of which informs us, she experienced ups and downs like the rest of us and she was indeed a good soul that would always do the right thing. Which showcases, an everyday woman that found a way to be extraordinary and did her best to really get her message of bravery out. Not through speeches, or television interviews. But through her actions and interactions, and that… is what makes this story so beautiful and inspiring.

Because if Bessie can turn everyday decisions and desires into dreams for others and inspire others to be brave and be more through her raw passion… so, can we. So, what then is stopping us… from doing what so many of us want to do? Which is to make the world a little better, to leave behind a legacy, and that’s why Bessie’s story needs to be told and why this documentary needs to be seen. For it is a true hero origin story, one that lifts your spirits up and reminds you of our limitless potential when we apply ourselves to what matters to us in this life, and what happens when we are good and kind to one another. And that is the kind of inspiration we need right now, and it is magical to know that one woman’s passion for motorcycles, can provide us with what we need.

We live in a supremely unique era when it comes to fame and fortune. Simply because, in this day and age, anyone can become rich and famous, seemingly overnight, and it doesn’t take a whole lot to make that happen. You just need a good phone, the internet, and a hook. One that is either something new or something that builds upon something someone else has done, and with a little patience and dedication, you’ll be a star on social media and earning your way to grandiose fame in no time. Which is amazing, because this path has given rise to so many voices that would have gone unheard in the old era, where there were more gatekeepers to the world of fame of fortune.
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But what’s fascinating about this, is that one’s time in this new spotlight can fade as quickly as it started, in large part because of the lack of gatekeepers and shepherds. Because agents and managers can in fact, help people create sustainable content that allows for them to never fade, and having gatekeepers about can keep them from making foolish decisions or career ending ones. But alas, that just doesn’t exist, and plenty of folks lose what they had quickly because of stale content or bad moves, and having the dream of being the spotlight ripped way can impact a person greatly and perhaps drive them to desperate measures to reclaim what they seek. As to how bad that could get, well that is explored in The Ego Death of Queen Cecilia, a fascinating feature that screened at the Austin Film Festival this year.

Wherein we are introduced to a woman named Cecilia, who is not happy with her life in the moment. Simply because it wasn’t that long ago, that she was the queen of YouTube. In fact, she was known as Queen Cecilia, and she was truly the toast of the town. But somewhere along the line, her views dropped, the money and the attention dried up and she found herself struggling to maintain. To the point where she sold off assets, sold her house and moved into an apartment she hates. Wherein she tries desperately to revitalize her career whilst working side jobs she also despises. But there is a silver lining. For with a little cash, she can retain the services of an individual that can rehab her online presence, and well… she’s so desperate and so eager to be back at the top of social media… that she’s ready to blackmail a former classmate turned drug dealer to get the money she needs. A decision… that will make her struggles all the more difficult when his boss discovers what she is up to.

Which is… the perfect way to explore the central theme. Because truly… Cecilia is a broken individual. One that really did get drunk off of fame and wants it back badly, and sinking to poking about with drug dealers is quite the low. Because they’re not people to be messed with, in any capacity, but that’s how bad she wants this, that’s how bad she needs that money and that leads to a harrowing journey where her morals are tested, and that explores that under the right circumstances, how people will do whatever it takes to be in the spotlight. Oddly enough… that exploration leads to some amazing commentary regarding fame. The kind that speaks to how we have made it a true obsession in the modern world. Which in turn allows for this story to go deeper with its commentary and explorations. Since it also ponders upon, why this kind of fame is such an obsession.
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Because think about it, so many want what Cecilia has, and so many want to be the next YouTube star. But why? Why is that the ultimate goal and this film correctly points out that for a fair number of people, it’s about being seen at last. At finding worth through the roar of applause and legions of fans that adore them. Which is expressed through small moments with Cecilia. Since she is oft offended by people who no longer remember her from ages ago and how she constantly hangs onto those moments, and the horrors of losing her fan base. Which in turn, allows for the film to outright inform the audience… that the why should be something deeper, something more powerful. It should be because you want to entertain or want to tell stories and enrich other’s lives through your talents. Because being famous just isn’t enough and solves nothing. Which makes this a poignant and powerful feature, one that is supremely creative and engaging.

For the worst-case scenario that Cecilia goes through, makes for an engaging ride, one where you learn to care about Cecilia and her well-being, and her journey also allows for the messages to be easily digested. Because this one has a lot to say about fame and fortune, and the state of the world of the self-made star and well, it’s about damn time a move pondered upon such matters. Because the world is simply obsessed with likes and clicks and the next hot thing, and sadly… so many want to be that… to just have their moment. Which makes this a brilliant film, one that is an absolute must-see. Since it features a refreshing and original plot that is moving, and intense and stays with you long after it comes to an end. Thanks to its powerful commentary regarding a complex wish that so many harbor.