HELL ON EARTH: THE FALL OF SYRIA AND THE RISE OF ISIS (2017)

June 6, 2017

 Greetings again from the darkness. Co-directors Sebastian Junger and Nick Quested previously collaborated on a trilogy focusing on the Afghanistan War, including the Oscar nominated Restrepo (2010). Mr. Junger is also a best-selling author and Mr. Quested (a producer) is an Emmy winner. This time out they focus on the Syrian War, the plight of refugees, and the role of West in creating ISIS.

This is a National Geographic sponsored documentary, and though it’s a bit overly politicized, it’s also an extremely well made, detailed, and informative overview for those looking to catch up on the past seven years in Syria. Some of the front line video is stunning and affecting in its clarity of atrocities. In addition to the clips, pointed interviews with a mixture of types provide information and insight that we might otherwise misinterpret or remain oblivious to. Activists, journalists, refugees, politicians (including the recently dismissed National Security Adviser Michael Flynn) and soldiers all offer perspective on a situation that is difficult for most of us to comprehend.

Understanding the political strategy of President Bashar Al-Assad clarifies what to outsiders made little sense. Rather than allow the reform movement to gain traction, he instigated and encouraged the Civil War within his country – with the plan to have the military crush the uprising and gain power. The decision is difficult to swallow … the leader of a country choosing to slaughter his own people. It also led to what’s known as the Free Syrian Army – a confluence of various groups of citizen militias.

Ensuring this plays like a real life horror film, we see ISIS recruitment videos. These are brutally explicit propaganda with extraordinarily high production value. Beheadings, public hangings and other torture are presented in a manner designed to give hope and power to those who have little hope. It’s terrifying.

We follow the story of brothers Radwan and Marwan and their families as they struggle to survive and escape. It seems to be a call to action for those opposed to accepting Syrian refugees, especially when combined with the filmmakers’ finger-pointing at the U.S. for political decisions that (they argue) led to the strengthening of ISIS. There is also an emphasis on President Obama’s infamous “red line” statement, on which he reneged on his promise to act if chemical weapons were used.

It is fascinating to hear a portion of an interview with Anna Erelle, author of “In the Skin of a Jihadist”. She’s a journalist who risked her life going undercover, and probably deserves her own documentary – though it’s doubtful she wishes to lose what’s left of her privacy. It’s said that a radical movement is formed out of desperation, and with half of the Syrian population displaced, and more than 400,000 dead, desperation seems an understatement. The film is probably the best yet in its depiction of what has happened, but watch out for those puddles of finger-pointing.

 

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Posted by David Ferguson

FIGHT FOR SPACE (2017, doc)

May 17, 2017

 Greetings again from the darkness. Space … the final frontier. Or is it just another political football? Director Paul Hildebrandt examines the space program from all angles: past, present, and future. He enlists experts such as Astronauts Jim Lovell and Story Musgrave, physicist and author Michio Kaku, Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, Norman Augustine (Chairman of the Review of the United States Human Space Flights Committee), and numerous politicians, journalists, and former NASA staffers. Passionate opinions and perspectives fill the run time, as do frustrations and hopes.

In 1961, President John F Kennedy pledged that NASA and the United States would send a man to the moon (and bring him back safely) by the end of the decade. On July 20, 1969 the Apollo 11 crew landed on the moon, and four days later returned safely to earth. The central question being asked by the film is “Why did we stop?”

The Space Race shifted into high gear thanks to Russia’s Sputnik and Yuri Gagarin. It was also responsible for inspiring an entire generation to pursue careers in Science, Technology, and Engineering. Hindsight (and those being interviewed here) tells us that, rather than a visionary scientific research platform, the U.S. space program was actually a “Crisis Project” driven by ego and politics. How else do we answer the current generation of kids when they ask, “Why aren’t we there now?”

Viewing the space program as a marketing campaign to the American public, Mr. Tyson is especially outspoken when he states that the economic and cultural benefits of a true scientific program are beyond argument. GPS and the internet are but two of the transformative developments courtesy of the space program, and proof enough that a more scientific approach could lead to even more discoveries. Instead, it’s pointed out that no scientists were included in the Apollo missions until Apollo 17, the final Apollo mission to the moon with astronauts. This occurred after the significant budget reduction in 1970 that cancelled a couple of Apollo missions, setting the stage for the program to end.

Discussions and criticisms of the Space Shuttle program (described as driving trucks in circles), the Space Station (a $150 billion program with no purpose), the Mars Direct proposal, and the Constellation Program (started by George W, cancelled under Obama), are each given attention and insight. Perhaps it’s all best described by Jim Lovell who states the Russians are the tortoise in the race, while the U.S. simply gave up.

Very few events match the breathtaking majesty of a rocket lift-off. The beauty and power of this engineering marvel generate the wonderment of exploration and discovery. Sadly, most of the triumphs and tragedies of the U.S. space program are little more than entries in a textbook (or website) for today’s kids. The program lacks leadership and vision, and the case can be made that the only hope is with the private sector (such as Elon Musk). The final 10-12 minutes of the film is really a pep talk (Sales pitch? Propaganda?) for an actual scientific space program. This time, let’s hope that rather than political reasons, we go because it’s there!

watch the trailer:

 

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Posted by David Ferguson

I AM HEATH LEDGER (2017, doc)

May 16, 2017

 Greetings again from the darkness. Lao Tzu wrote “The flame that burns twice as bright, burns half as long”. Though the math might be a bit off, that phrase aptly describes the too-brief life and career of shooting star Heath Ledger. As a 20 year old from Australia, his talent seemed to leap from the screen in 1999’s 10 Things I Hate About You. As his popularity soared, so did his commitment to avoid being typecast as the charming and handsome love interest by the desperate directors of every upcoming rom-com project.

It seems inconceivable (that word means what you think it means) that Mr. Ledger only made 15 more movies before an overdose killed him in 2008 (at age 28). Adrian Buiterhuis and Derik Murray co-direct this portrait of the man, the artist, the friend, the father. We see the young Heath, nearly always with camera in hand, flouncing about with his buddies as he seeks his next adventure. The home videos and photos fill the screen with luminosity that we recognize from his movies … the camera loved his face, and he seemed to love everything about filmmaking.

Interviews, often the bane of biographical documentaries, provide a real sense of the admiration and love that Ledger attracted. His father, mother, sister, childhood Aussie friends, agent Steve Alexander, former lover Naomi Watts, and close friend Ben Harper pay tribute not just to the star who burned out too soon, but also the warm-hearted man they all connected with.

The film walks us through some of his key movies: his chance to work with his acting idol Mel Gibson in The Patriot, A Knight’s Tale, his devastating performance in Monster’s Ball, The Four Feathers, Ned Kelly, reminiscing with Catherine Hardwicke on Lords of Dogstown, his stunning turn in Brokeback Mountain, and his final movie The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus with his beloved director Terry Gilliam. Of course, there is also a full segment on his most famous (and his own personal favorite) role as The Joker (a guy with a plan) in The Dark Knight. The role not only won Ledger a posthumous Oscar, it became the most talked about film performance in years.

Even more interesting than the recollections from the various movie sets are the bits and pieces we get of Ledger as guy sharing the journey with his buddies, approaching master status as a chess player, as an artist dedicated to his craft, or as a photographer honing his style (in music videos) in what surely would have been an intriguing path as a director. Director Ang Lee brings us closer to understanding what we have missed out on in regards to Ledger as an artist, and with actress Michelle Williams, the mother of his daughter Matilda, choosing not to participate in the film, we still have the distance between fan and man that allows for due respect.

The documentary premieres May 17, 2017 on Spike TV.

watch the trailer:

 

 

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Posted by David Ferguson

JULIAN SCHNABEL: A PERSONAL PROFILE (2017, doc)

May 11, 2017

 Greetings again from the darkness. Do you believe in destiny? Whether you do or you don’t, it’s difficult to argue that Julian Schnabel was born to be anything other than an artist. Director Pappi Corsicato’s final cut is as much a tribute to an artist he obviously admires as it is a biography of the pajama wearing cultural influencer.

Schnabel was raised in far south Texas, but according to his sister, a difficult child birth in Brooklyn set the stage for his being “special”. In fact, director Corsicato interviews Schnabel’s siblings, 5 of his kids, his 2 ex-wives, art experts and friends, and celebrity admirers like Willem Dafoe, Al Pacino and Bono. These interviews are blended with home movies, personal photographs, and clips of Schnabel working, playing and talking about his work and life.

The constant praise for Schnabel is only periodically sprinkled with minor nicks that are apparent should one read between the lines, but this is meant to be documented proof of a career that exploded after a 1979 show at the Mary Boone Gallery. We hear Schnabel described as a “controversial artist” with no boundaries who sees beauty in places most of us don’t notice.

Even though we get to see quite a few of Schnabel’s paintings, a significant portion of the film is devoted to Schnabel’s work as filmmaker. Special attention is given to his first film Basquiat (bringing an artist’s perspective to the story of the artist), as well as Before Night Falls, and the Oscar nominated The Diving Bell and the Butterfly. Being such a movie fan, I’ve always admired Schnabel’s unusual film work as much as his paintings. It’s so difficult to stand out in either field, but he manages to make a statement in both. He draws a few chuckles when he states that he “had a day job” that allowed him to make movies.

It’s unusual for the subject of a documentary to be listed as Executive Producer on that film, but Schnabel describes himself as having “blind faith” in what he does and his entire professional life has been on his own terms. Director Corsicato uses music quite effectively, though this private portrait never digs too deeply and certainly never comes close to answering what drives an artist – even one who can quote The Godfather.

watch the trailer:

 

 

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Posted by David Ferguson

JEREMIAH TOWER: THE LAST MAGNIFICENT (2017, doc)

April 27, 2017

 Greetings again from the darkness. Maybe the line between megalomania and genius doesn’t exist, or a more likely explanation has the two as mutually exclusive. Director Lydia Tenaglia (an Emmy winner) tackles the profile of ultra-fascinating Jeremiah Tower, one of, if not the first U.S. celebrity chef. Her approach seems to carom between idol worship, psychoanalysis and mythology, often creating a rudderless feeling for viewers – viewers who remain captivated by the man and the story.

Mr. Tower performs voiceover during much of the segment on his childhood, and one of his first lines, “I have to stay away from human beings because somehow I’m not one”, sets the stage for a childhood that explains much. His wealthy parents took a hands-off approach, though young Jeremiah (when not in elite boarding school) often accompanied them on international travels, luxurious Ocean cruises (including the Queen Mary), and first class resorts and hotels. The solitude of these trips invariably found the young boy in the kitchen with food, his favorite travel companion. An evening on a beach with a stranger who is grilling a barracuda provides a particularly harrowing memory, and clearly helps us understand how that 6 year old grew to be an adult who never found a humanistic rhythm with others.

Anthony Bourdain is a producer on the film and also provides commentary throughout. He states “We should know who changed the world”. Specifically he is referring to the pioneers of food, and he puts Jeremiah Tower as high on the pedestal as any. Bourdain, other chefs, Tower’s Harvard friends, and even food critics chime in on the impact of Tower joining Alice Waters at her Berkeley Chez Panisse in 1972. The idealism of the times and the people created a cultural clash that resulted in what Martha Stewart termed New American cuisine, or perhaps more accurately, California cuisine. Some terrific photos and clips of those early days really add an element of depth to an era which is typically lacking in such documentation.

After the split between Ms. Waters and Mr. Tower, his explosion into the global food world occurred with his Stars restaurant in San Francisco in the mid-1980’s. This seemed to be the meld of Tower’s personality, his creative menu ideas, and his quest for the perfect eating establishment, and soon became known worldwide as a must-visit for traveling foodies.

It’s at this point where the timeline becomes muddled – seemingly on purpose by the filmmaker – in an effort to add mystery to what otherwise would be expected erratic behavior from an artist who just can’t be satisfied. Tower’s self-imposed exile leaves his friends befuddled, and we get interspersed shots of him climbing pyramids and cooking in his Merida apartment. Philosophical meanderings are used to fill the gaps. “What are my great expectations?” How could such a genius be expected to live with “the horror of mediocrity”? On more than one occasion, we hear Tower’s life philosophy stated as “I long for the crown, but know the guillotine is close”. This would all seem overly dramatic if it didn’t so perfectly fit the profile of the man. The incomprehensible “comeback” at NYC’s Tavern on the Green after 15 years away, does allow us to more closely view his endless pursuit of perfection, and the price paid for a life of loneliness and ego. True innovators and true genius are often painful to look at once the curtain is pulled back.

watch the trailer:

 

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Posted by David Ferguson

DANGER CLOSE (2017, doc)

April 27, 2017

 Greetings again from the darkness. This is the third in a series of unparalleled looks at war from the front line courtesy of co-directors Christian Tureaud and David Salzberg. Their 2014 documentary The Hornet’s Nest followed war correspondent Mike Boettcher and his son as they covered the most violent era of the Afghanistan War, and 2015’s Citizen Soldier went inner circle with the Army National Guard’s 45th Infantry Combat team in Afghanistan. This time the focus is on the work of war correspondent Alex Quade, a female reporter (yes, her gender is worth noting) who documented missions carried out by Special Forces teams.

Ms. Quade’s interviews with Wendy R Anderson provide structure to the film and a chance for viewers to catch their breath in between combat videos. The interviews allow us to get a better feel for Ms. Quade’s personality and motivation. She states that after being around soldiers in such stressful and life-threatening times, she believes “I have to tell their stories”. These are stories we aren’t usually privy to on network news reports. These situations go beyond dangerous and require courage most of us can’t imagine.

There is some incredible early footage, much shot with night vision, which chronicles a large scale air assault ending in tragedy. The helicopters are being fired upon from ground-based weapons, and one is shot down. We then see how fast the rescue and recovery mission is implemented and how there is no hesitation in going in.

Ms. Quade makes this the personal story for one soldier – Rob Pirelli. She interviews his fellow soldiers, and even visits with Rob’s parents at their home. The film begins in 2007 and goes into 2008 where she tracks the progress of Combat Outpost Pirelli – a home for a Special Forces team.

This is outstanding and eye-opening journalism, and forces viewers to confront the atrocities and always present danger of war. There are times during the interviews where Alex Quade comes off a bit arrogant, but we are reminded of a quote that at times has been attributed to Muhammad Ali, Bear Bryant, and Dizzy Dean … “It ain’t bragging if …” Ms. Quade deserves much respect for her tenacity and bravery for doing what’s necessary to tell these stories.

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Posted by David Ferguson

EARTHxFilm 2017 and CHASING CORAL

April 21, 2017

EARTHxFilm Opening Night – Chasing Coral

 The official Opening Night of the inaugural EARTHxFilm event proved to be an evening of hope buoyed by passion, optimism and commitment. Scheduled in conjunction with the seventh annual EARTH Day Texas, the reception, introductions, and opening film Chasing Coral were held at Dallas Music Hall at Fair Park.

EARTHxFilm President Michael Cain, one of the most influential forces on the Dallas film scene for years, expressed that this is a “gift to the city” from philanthropist and businessman Trammell Crow, and that many worked diligently to bring it all together – including Ryan Brown and Dennis Bishop. Notably, Mr. Cain acknowledged the support of both The Dallas International Festival and Dallas Video Fest. This type of support and collaboration is not typical of all cities, but DIFF’s Lee Papert and James Faust, and DVF’s Bart Weiss are all extraordinary ambassadors for the Dallas film industry, and we are quite fortunate to have them working in our city.

Filmmakers in attendance were recognized, and Mr. Cain said the group ranged from 12 year old first-timers to Oscar winners. His stated wish was for everyone in the audience to become EARTHxFilm missionaries and encourage others to join in. Education is a key focus of the organization, and we were shown about 15 one-minute films created around the idea of nature, conservation, environmentalism, etc. It was a very nice way to kick off the evening and prepare us for the featured screening of Chasing Coral.

CHASING CORAL

 Whether you have spent vacation time snorkeling, watched the National Geographic channel, or even paid a bit of attention during high school science class, you likely have some level of understanding of what a vital ecosystem coral reefs are to Ocean life. Director Jeff Orlowski has a track record of important environmental documentaries with his 2012 Chasing Ice. Both of these movies have been well received at Sundance and other film festivals, as well as by scientific experts.

Mr. Orlowski was contacted by underwater photographer Richard Vevers once the Vevers team recognized the accelerated breakdown of corals as the ocean water temperature rose slightly. The film takes us to such places as The Great Barrier Reef in Australia, the Florida Keys, American Somoa, Hawaii, Bermuda and the Bahamas. The obvious message is that concern exists around the globe, not just in one particular locale.

The film does an excellent job of defining and explaining the importance of coral, and once Zach Rago is introduced, the energy and passion jump significantly. A charming, self-described “coral nerd”, he is also an extremely knowledgeable and committed scientist dedicated to saving this ecosystem that he worships, and he understands the important role it plays to all life.

Little doubt exists that those involved fully believe carbon emissions are to blame for the warming waters resulting in coral bleaching and finally coral death. They also believe that by reducing said emissions, there is still time to prevent the total global coral destruction predicted for the next quarter century.

If the film has any misguided moments, it would be related to the screen time spent on the challenges and frustrations associated with underwater time-lapse photography, especially from a hardware standpoint. As viewers, we are far more interested in the coral endangerment and the photography shots that do exist … especially some of the stunning before/after looks as coral reefs are quickly destroyed.

A trip to the Coral Convention provides us a glimpse at how research and information is shared by those who are working on this and other environmental issues. With limited resources, it’s crucial that access to information is available to those who need it. Finally, the film leaves us with a reminder that forests, reefs, and other ecosystems are all vital to our lives; and while the current path is quite saddening, there is optimism that we have time to stop the damage if we act now.

For more information: EARTHxFilm.org EARTHDayTX.org

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Posted by David Ferguson

BORN IN CHINA (2017, doc)

April 20, 2017

 Greetings again from the darkness. You’d be hard-pressed to name or find anything cuter than a baby Panda, and the folks at Disneynature don’t hesitate in taking full advantage of our affinity for such fuzzy black and white cuddliness. Am I upset with them after watching this documentary? Only because they periodically cut away to a herd of antelope.

This is the next in a line of Disneynature films dating back to 2007 (Oceans, Bears, African Cats) that usually hit theaters in close proximity to Earth Day. This particular screening was also affiliated with the inaugural year of EARTHxFilm, a Dallas-based festival dedicated to all things nature, natural and earthy. Acclaimed Chinese director Chuan Lu and his photography crew take us into some stunning wilderness areas and parts of China that we rarely, if ever, get to see … all to witness intimate wildlife moments in shockingly close proximity.

If what comes to mind are those charming Disney animal features from the 1960’s – the ones that featured the great Rex Allen as narrator, you’re in for a surprise. Hey, I loved Charlie, the Lonesome Cougar and Yellowstone Cubs as much as the next kid, but rolling down a leaf-covered hill with a baby Panda that can’t walk yet is a whole new level of awe. Watching a mother Snow Leopard (what an incredible creature!) hunt so her two cubs can eat takes us to the highest standard of respect and admiration for this elusive species. Heck, even the rebellious Golden snub-nose Monkey teaches us about family and community within the monkey world … and how they don’t appreciate cold weather any more than I.

Director Lu provides a loose ancient Chinese structure to the film by explaining that every time a crane takes flight, it’s believed to be relocating the soul/spirit of one dying being into that of a newborn. The spectacle of watching these creatures majestically soar through the orange-sun soaked sky is merely one of the many breathtaking examples of spectacular photography during the film. We are bounced between mountains and forest and rocky vistas and are taken closer than you’ve ever been to a Great Panda scratching her baby, a Snow Leopard on the prowl, or a monkey rescuing his baby sister from an ominous winged predator. The only downside for grown-ups is the over-narration from John Krasinski, an admitted necessity for the youngsters in the audience who will appreciate the one-liners that go along with the cuteness. In Disney fashion, most of nature’s violence takes place off screen, but what we do see are parts of nature that will amaze.

Be sure to stay for the closing credits for a glimpse at how the photographers managed to get some of their shots – as well as how they sacrifice for their work.

watch the trailer:

 

 

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Posted by David Ferguson

GENERATION FOUND (2017, doc)

April 16, 2017

 Greetings again from the darkness. According to the statistics, I am thankful and consider myself blessed to have found nearly every bit of this film from co-directors Jeff Reilly and Greg Williams (The Anonymous People) to be new information – some of it even shocking. The staggering statistic, one in three U.S. households in America is directly impacted by substance abuse, means that even if you are one of the lucky ones, your community is undoubtedly affected.

The focus here is on Houston and a couple of local communities that are searching for a solution. Treatment centers, recovery high schools, alternative peer groups (APG), collegiate recovery programs … these are some of the approaches that we learn about thanks to the filmmakers.

“Just say No” is a slogan, while this is a revolution aiming to solve a major societal issue. In an effort to change the cookie-cutter approach of rehab and incarceration, community leaders from various walks of life collaborate to make a difference in the lives of kids. It’s a long-term alternative to the stymied War on Drugs.

Statistics are flashed periodically through the film, each with pointed effect on the challenges. We hear from parents who come clean on their own history, while also contrasting the approaches in the suburbs to those in the inner-city. There are many personal stories and intimate footage from support groups and the other organizations, and there is hope in knowing that 36 recovery high schools exist in the U.S. with 7 more being developed. The film exposes the true power of community, and how some leaders understand how crucial it is to help these youngsters develop into productive citizens. For more information, go to youthrecoveryrevolution.org

 

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DIFF 2017: Day Ten

April 11, 2017

The Dallas International Film Festival ran March 31 through April 9 (it will return for its 12th year in 2018)

 This is the end. The final day of DIFF 2017. Despite periodically feeling more like a marathon than entertainment, it’s always a bit sad when the closing credits roll on the festival’s final movie. My tally for this year’s festival is 30 films watched, 14 of which were documentaries. Just like every year, the DIFF programming provided a diverse schedule of films from around the globe, and a deep lineup of documentaries that range from biographical to social interest. For a list of the winners, please visit www.dallasfilm.org Below is a recap of the three films I watched on Sunday April 9, 2017:

FRANTZ

Director Francois Ozon won me over as a fan for life with his 2003 writing-mystery Swimming Pool. His latest stands in stark contrast to that gem, as there are no mind games for the viewer, other than those the characters play on each other. Actually, this is quite a straightforward story of romance, loss and hope; and it’s an example of expert filmmaking from a director in full control of story, setting, character and camera.

It’s 1919 in historic and ancient Quedlinburg, Germany. WWI has recently ended and the loss of her soldier fiancé is still so fresh for Anna (an excellent Paula Beer) that she makes daily treks to lay flowers on the grave of Frantz. She spots an unknown foreigner paying respects to Frantz, and since it’s a small town, the two are soon enough sitting together in the parlor of Frantz’ parents’ house where Anna lives. It’s an awkward encounter between a grief-stricken German family and a Frenchman paying respects to the family of a fallen “friend”.

That these folks are so quick to accept and encourage these recollections of Adrien (Pierre Niney) speaks loud and clear to human nature in times of grief – we desperately cling to any connection, positive memory, or new strand of information. Then again, Adrien’s perspective is every bit as interesting as that of the parents and Anna. He seeks forgiveness and inclusion, yet is unable to come clean on his motives and past.

More human nature is on display as we initially see how the Germans treat the (outsider) Frenchman, and then later as Anna travels to France, we see how the French treat this (and presumably all) German. Anger, mistrust and deceit are ever-present amongst this group of people who seemingly only want a touch of happiness, and it’s fun to note the parallels between the initial story in Germany and the later time in France.

Director Ozon flips between black & white and the periodic use of color when hope and new direction exists. It provides a personal and dramatic look to the film, along with visual clues as to what’s really occurring on screen, and is nicely complemented by the flowing score from Phillipe Rombi (Swimming Pool, Joyeux Noel). Ozon also selects one of Manet’s lesser known paintings, Le Suicide, as a link between the past and the terrific ending that reinforces the movie’s message, “life goes on”.

 

STEP (documentary)

Director Amanda Lipitz proves that a documentary can be both inspiring and sad. She takes us inside the Baltimore Leadership School for Young Women and introduces us to the senior girls on the Step dance squad known as the “Lethal Ladies”. The school was founded in 2009 with the goal of sending every student to college, in spite of the challenges and barriers faced in this inner city community. This is the school’s first senior class, and everyone – students, teachers, parents, administration – is on edge.

Emotions overflow throughout the film. The normal roller coaster ride that accompanies high school girls is somehow magnified when the pressures of becoming the first one in the family to attend college collide with such harsh realities of poor grades, no food in the fridge, no power in the home, and inconsistent support from parental units. There is also the goal of winning the year-end Step competition against schools that have a more successful track record, and who likely don’t face the extremes of Baltimore street violence and poverty that is normal for these girls each day.

Ms. Lipitz’ film, a Sundance award winner, never backs away from the emotion of the moment and yet still manages to maintain the long-game perspective of trying to get each of these students graduated and accepted into college. She dives into the home lives of a few of these girls and though all of the parents want the best for the kids, it’s quite obvious that the type of home support and structure varies widely even amongst these few we follow.

The real beauty of this environment is that the school provides structure, guidance and support all along the way. The Step coach pushes them hard daily towards being the best they can be going into the competition. The girls push themselves and each other, and overcome some personality conflicts, all for the sake of a stronger team. The school principal has one-on-one meetings to light a fire when necessary, and you’ve likely never seen a more dedicated high school college counselor who doles out hugs and motivation in whatever dosage is necessary.

The key message here is that it takes a combination of inner-strength and drive, and a support system of family, teachers, coaches, administrators and friends for kids to have a chance at finding a way to succeed at life … whether that’s at Johns Hopkins or a local community college program. This is a special film with a real-world case study of students looking for a way up, and of those looking to provide the necessary boost.

ABACUS: SMALL ENOUGH TO JAIL (documentary)

We are all sick and tired of the phrase “too big to fail”. The 2008 financial crisis very nearly crippled the United States economy, and regardless of how you feel about the bailout funded by taxpayers, there is no question that some of the participants got off with nary a scratch … and some even received giant bonuses in spite of their fraudulent activities. All of that has been written about and reported on ad nauseam. Highly acclaimed documentarian Steve James (Hoop Dreams, The Interruptors) turns his camera not on “too big to fail”, but rather “small enough to jail”.

The only financial institution to be criminally indicted in the wake of the 2008 crisis was a small community bank in New York’s Chinatown. Thomas Sung founded Abacus Federal Savings Bank and his daughter’s have been running it for years. We learn that Mr. Sung was partly inspired to give up his law profession in order to serve the Chinese community by watching George Bailey (James Stewart) do the same thing in the classic film It’s a Wonderful Life.

Once we see how the 5 year legal process and more than 2 month long trial wrap up, it’s pretty tempting to call this a witch hunt for the purpose of publicity by New York District Attorney Cyrus Vance, Jr. So much of what occurred seems to have been done for the TV cameras and the newspaper headlines … especially the humiliating and public chain gang walk in shackles that, as one journalist pointed out, has never been done before and could not have been done with another minority group. Mr. Vance clearly needed a conviction as a political stepping stone. His biggest mistake was in choosing the wrong target. Of course he couldn’t attack the numerous giant financial institutions based in NYC, but he was unprepared for the fight and backlash that he received due to the Abacus pride and principles, and beliefs in one’s people.

Director James doesn’t focus so much on the incompetence of the DA office as he does the far more interesting bank owners and family members. Their determination and conviction to having run their business in the right way goes beyond inspiration and dips into reverence. It’s not David vs Goliath but it is a clash of contradictory values. It would have been interesting to hear even more from the journalists who covered the process and trial, but we get enough to understand their surprise at how the case was handled by the government.

We depend on our government to do the right thing, and when it doesn’t, we deserve to get angry. This film is one of those that will generate some fiery post-movie discussions … discussions that need to be had.

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Posted by David Ferguson

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