Disclosure

Directed by Sam Feder

Rating: ⭐️

Ever wonder why the majority of trans representation that we see on screen often ends in violent murder? Why do we see trans women playing prostitutes, but we almost never see trans men playing anything? Can you name more than five trans actors? These are issues that my cisgender privilege has sheltered me from giving much thought to. This incredibly relevant documentary features high-profile trans people within the Hollywood community and interviews them about their experiences working in the media. Many of the stories are the same and shine a light on the one-dimensional trans characters that are often the only visual representation that is shown of this diverse group of people. I can’t recommend this documentary highly enough! These stories need to be told and these stories need to be heard. It’s a relevant watch for pride month 🌈 but it will be just as relevant in the months to come.

Birth of a Movement

Written by Kwin Bader & Dick Lehr

Directed by Bestor Cram & Susan Gray

Rating: 🔥

This PBS documentary sheds light on America’s first blockbuster movie, The Birth of a Nation, and its visionary director D.W. Griffith who pioneered the medium and elevated it to become the poignant storytelling medium that it is today. It is heartbreaking that America’s first hit film was one that tells the romanticized story of the Antebellum south, and how the KKK was a necessary organization to uphold law and justice. Like so many things in our country, movies were born out of racism. Birth of a Movement tells the story of a prominent black leader of the early 20th century, William Monroe Trotter, and his fight to keep this movie from being shown. While their fight for censorship was ultimately unsuccessful, much of the Civil Rights movement of the 1950’s and 60’s can trace its roots back to this pivotal time. If you’re a film lover who believes that Black Lives Matter, this short documentary is a must watch.

Review written by Zianna Weston

Miss Americana

Directed by Lana Wilson

Rating: 🔥

Think you know everything there is to know about Taylor Swift? Think again. This poetically raw documentary pulls back the curtain and gives the audience a glimpse into what it’s really like to be one of the most successful women in the music industry.

This documentary… I would be lying if I said that I didn’t cry and relate to her story in so many ways. Obviously, I am not rich, or famous, or critically acclaimed for my talents. But I am also not publicly demonized when I speak my mind, and not shamed by the media for my appearance and lifestyle. While I may not be experiencing the blessings and curses that come with superstardom like Taylor Swift, I think that all women can relate to her experiences. Find a woman who has never had her appearance negatively commented on without solicitation. Find a woman who has never been referred to condescendingly as stupid when she voiced her political opinions. Find a woman who has never felt that it was easier to silence herself rather than open herself up to possible criticism. I’ll wait… Swift’s struggles are universal, and while these experiences are by no means only limited to women, they are intrinsically layered into our patriarchal society. 

It’s clear that director Lana Wilson’s mission was to show the heart behind Swift’s newfound political voice, and she accomplishes this goal. We see the struggle in Swift’s dichotomy of wanting to be liked yet needing to speak her mind. Much of the documentary is centered around Swift’s creative process and we get to watch the life cycle of writing a song. For all my creatives out there, this is a really fun process to experience as a fly on the wall of Swift’s recording studio. Regardless of your level of knowledge about this acclaimed singer-songwriter, Miss Americana is a documentary about so much more than just music. Miss Americana is now streaming on Netflix.

Review written by Zianna Weston

Crime + Punishment

Directed by Stephen Maing

Rating: 🔥

Crime + Punishment is a documentary that chronicles the NYPD 12, a group of whistleblowers within the NYPD. Although arrest quotas (requiring cops to make a certain amount of arrests and/or issue citations) is illegal, this documentary displays that this practice is still alive and well within the NYPD. This practice disproportionately affects communities of color as the boroughs with the highest crime rates in New York City are full of minority communities. Many police officers refuse to make arrests simply for the sake of meeting their quota. These officers often face retaliation for this choice. Cue the NYPD 12. These 12 brave officers chose to speak out against this discriminatory and illegal practice by opening up a lawsuit against the NYPD.

This documentary does a great job of placing the audience right in the action. There is a lot of footage of the police officers while they’re on duty, and even secretly recorded audio and video footage shot inside the precinct. What you see and hear will blow your mind. Officers being passed up for promotions based on low arrest numbers, a pregnant officer being switched to the overnight shift in retaliation for her performance, and other officers losing their cars, partners, etc. It’s truly tragic to watch the consequences faced by the officers who are standing up for what’s right. I highly encourage everyone to become informed about this issue and learn more about the NYPD 12.

Crime + Punishment is now streaming on Hulu.

Review written by Zianna Weston

Tell Me Who I Am

directed by ed perkins

Rating: 🔥

What if one day you woke up in a hospital and the only thing you remembered was your twin? Tell Me Who I Am is the true story of identical twin brothers who encounter this very scenario. *TRIGGER WARNING* This beautifully told documentary dives into the painful question of the necessity to give back the memories of trauma, or to protect through falsifying the memories of your past. The journey is long for these brothers, and the pain is deep. Can silence allow victims to move on with their lives? Or is sharing their story the only way to heal? I do not have those answers, but I am honored by the raw honesty and the ability to be a part of their journey. Now streaming on Netflix.

Review written by Edie Weston

Miss Representation

written by jessica congdon and jennifer siebel newsom

directed by jennifer siebel newsom

rating: ⭐️

This powerful documentary examines the portrayal of women in the American media. It looks at the harmful stereotypes, lack of complex characters, blatant ageism and objectification, and their direct links to the disempowerment of women. This disempowerment manifests itself in anxiety, depression, eating disorders, body dysmorphia, and more. It’s no secret that these are all incredibly relevant and important issues and I can not recommend this documentary highly enough. It also looks at the harmful lessons that men are taught by the media including toxic masculinity, and the unrealistic pressure to succeed and be emotionally detached. In order to move forward to create a better world, creative people hold incredible power. We can tell stories and play characters that challenge toxic stereotypes and create a dialogue that pushes for equality and the wellbeing of all peoples.

Review written by Zianna Weston

Untouchable

Directed by ursula macfarlane

rating: ⭐️

This documentary tells the story of Harvey Weinstein’s reign of terror and the systems in place that allowed him to get away with sexual assault for decades. If you’re a woman, an ally of women, or a believer in equality and justice, you need to see this movie. If you don’t identify with at least one of the aforementioned categories then you need to seriously reevaluate your life. This documentary did a beautiful job of telling the stories of victims, reporters, and former Weinstein employees, and connecting the dots to show how he was able to get away with this behavior for so long. The subject matter is obviously very heavy, so be prepared for that before you watch it. But the truth is powerful and the more that victims are validated and, most importantly, no longer silenced and discredited, the better equipped we will become as a global community to walk into a future where the behavior of predators is no longer tolerated. I can’t recommend this documentary highly enough. If you or someone you know is a victim of harassment/assault, know that you are not alone and check out these resources for survivors and their loved ones.

Review written by Zianna Weston