'Bijupirá' Review: The Sea and a Sense of Belonging
The sea provides a poignant life lesson in filmmaker Eduardo Boccaletti's short drama, Bijupirá. Making its World Premiere at the 2025 Avanca Film Festival, Bijupirá is a soulful and meditative exploration of quiet estrangement within a family unit, and the world at large.
Lost at Sea Gives Way for Reflection
10-year-old Tomé (Enzo Gois) spends his days on a small trawler boat with Reinaldo (Heraldo de Deus), a fisherman. Day in and day out, he watches Reinaldo, nicknamed "The King of the Sea," tirelessly chase and catch fish, attempting to evade him. It's a trade that supports his livelihood. One afternoon, Reinaldo catches a small, strange fish called Remora. Tomé is curious about the animal's origins, especially because of Reinaldo's disgust towards it. He tells Tomé it's a useless fish that can't be sold or eaten and is commonly found attached to whale sharks. This sentiment strongly impacts Tomé, as he forms an analogy to his own life by seeing himself as a Remora: parasitic and dependent on Reinaldo as his provider.
After reflecting on his own existence, Tomé makes the drastic decision to get on a dinghy boat and release the rope. He drifts out to sea alone, and the day quickly turns to night. Meanwhile, Reinaldo is unaware of this dangerous and potentially dire situation. Once he discovers Tomé is not on the boat, he panics and desperately tries to find him.
Director's Statement
Says Eduardo Boccaletti: "My films have always sought to portray the feeling of being an outcast. The feeling of seeing things from the outside, a quiet estrangement from a world that feels both familiar and foreign... In Bijupirá, I was finally able to bring these universes together, translating them into images that reflect both the immensity the eyes can see and the depth the characters feel. It is, for me, a redemption and an embrace of the outsider who, at last, finds a place of belonging."
close up of whale sharks
Takeaway
Stunning cinematography by DP Renan Benedito makes for a breathtaking visual experience. The vastness of the ocean is captured in exquisite detail and heightened by the rich, deep color grade. Perhaps the most awe-inspiring shots are the underwater closeups of the whale shark, a majestic creature that commands the screen. Backed by powerful performances by its two lead actors, Bijupirá is an intimate story about quiet encounters that define our existence.
'Seeds From Kivu' Review: A Compassionate Doctor Turns Tragedy into Hope
The award-winning independent short Seeds from Kivu is a small film, but it carries a big message. The first European film screened at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, the Vatican, and the European Parliament, Seeds from Kivu opens our eyes to the horrific and ongoing sexual violence against women in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The result is an explosive exposé that acts as part humanitarian rally cry, and part investigative journalism.
A Compassionate Doctor Turns Tragedy into Hope
Seeds from Kivu focuses on the work of Dr. Denis Mukwege, world-renowned gynecologist, human rights activist, and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, who runs the local hospital. In the opening scenes, several women arrive at the hospital after being gang-raped by local militiamen. Mukwege explains that the hospital opened in 1999 to prevent maternal mortality. However, doctors were noticing that most of the women coming to the clinic weren't there to give birth. Rather, they were suffering from the aftermath of violent gang rapes. He recalls treating patients as old as 80 and as young as 6 months, a horrific statistic that is enough to send tangible chills down your spine.
Not only do the women experience physical torture by their abusers, but a great deal of emotional and psychological torture as well. After addressing their trauma and wounds, which often include a detached uterus and vaginal canal tears, they are confronted with whether to accept the babies they have given birth to as a result of the rapes. It's a heavy dilemma that comes with unimaginable stress and confusion. The main takeaway to this point is that regardless of how they came into the world, these children are the seeds of the future. They bear no responsibility for being born in such a tragic way, but their presence is nonetheless a gift worth honoring.
Risking Lives, On Screen and Off
The filmmakers hope Seeds from Kivu will leave a lasting impact to stop the world from turning a blind eye to the moral, ethical, and humanitarian discrimination happening in the DRC. It's so important and personal to them that they risked their lives to film in an active war zone. Spanning nine years of production to offer a brief insight into this horror, the filmmakers plan to return next year to shoot the feature-length version in the same territory.
Takeaway
Says Dr. Denis Mukwege, “Seeds from Kivu captures the heart of our work at Panzi: restoring dignity, healing deep wounds, and standing with survivors as they rebuild their lives. In a time when conflict is intensifying, this film is a vital call for solidarity and for peace in Congo.” Winner of the 2025 Goya Award for Best Documentary Short Film, Seeds from Kivu is now playing on YouTube. It was first released on November 25th, to commemorate International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.
'In Need of Seawater' Review: Poetry Comes Alive
A good film is not only cathartic to watch, but can also be therapeutic to create. This is no more apparent than in the short documentary In Need of Seawater, a deeply personal look into the life of poet and producer Mark Anthony Thomas. Directed by Richard Yeagley, In Need of Seawater is a moving portrait of Thomas's vulnerability and creative self-expression. Through poignant poetry, Thomas uses his voice to connect with the viewer as he reminisces about being a young black man navigating his identity in this country.
This is America
In Need of Seawater marks the beginning of a trilogy of documentary short films produced and written by Thomas. Filmed within the confines of a small apartment filled with friends, Thomas – nicknamed "The Poet" – reads aloud from the original works he created in his early twenties. Two decades after the release of his book The Poetic Repercussion, described as a lyrical triumph, Thomas recites poems like "Ocean Tides," "Child Support Checkmarks," and "Ink Blot Testing" to a captivating audience. He speaks about various aspects of culture, including nature, love, politics, spirituality, racism, and more. His poems may be derived from past experiences, but it's evident that those early works continue to resonate today.
Poetry Comes Alive in Stunning Visuals
The way filmmaker Richard Yeagley captures this moment is incredibly intimate; it's like we're there in the room with him. While Thomas reads various passages aloud, the documentary cuts to different montages with thematic relevance to the poem being recited. These stunning visuals bring the poetry to life. The incorporation of archival footage adds a backstory that complements his lifelong desire and passion to express himself through words.
Takeaway
Mark Anthony Thomas is a true Renaissance man whose career spans journalism, public service, in addition to his creative work. In this inspiring short documentary, he returns to the poems that shaped his early creativity. In Need of Seawater is set for release on January 10, 2026.
'Rebuilding' Review: The Beauty in Beginning Again
The undeniable parallels between Max Walker-Silverman's Rebuilding and the catastrophic events that took place in January 2025 can be described in a word as existentialist. The Palisades and Altadena fires ripped through communities with reckless abandon, leaving a trail of destruction, heartache, and tears in their wake. But from the rubble emerged a sense of community and optimism that continues to defy expectations. In his follow-up to A Love Song, Walker-Silverman returns to the familiar genre of quiet drama in Rebuilding, opening in Los Angeles on Friday, November 21st.
From Death Comes Rebirth
Starring Josh O'Connor as Dusty, a divorced and introverted cowboy, Rebuilding takes place during the aftermath of devastation. The sound of burning embers and images of trees charred to their core evoke a visceral unease. Homes are in stages of demolition, and what was once a small but lively community has now been abandoned. Dusty finds himself in despair, forced to live out of a FEMA camp after his ranch went up in flames. Instead of tending to his horses and maintaining his ranch, he lives out of a government-owned micro trailer in the middle of the desert, where the ceiling barely clears the top of his head.
Dusty has lost a lot, but not everything. His ex-wife Ruby (Meghann Fahy) and their young daughter Callie-Rose (Lily LaTorre) offer physical and emotional support, which is invaluable. Dusty's relationship with Ruby is empathetic and good-natured, a sign of their true character. Outside of this untraditional dynamic, Dusty's spirits are lifted by the local community who also reside at the FEMA camp, and specifically, the sweet-souled Mila (Kali Reis). The group's bond of togetherness offers a poignant reminder that from death always comes rebirth.
Lingering in the Stillness
Rebuilding plays like an aesthetic companion to Kate Beecroft's East of Wall, a fellow desert drama that rings with humanist truths. The authenticity in the script that translates to the screen is largely due to Max Walker-Silverman's stoic yet tender vision. He doesn't rush through the quiet moments, instead choosing to linger on the in-between. As Dusty, Josh O'Connor's performance is a steady force, drawing us into his pain and ultimately, his gratitude. The acoustic soundtrack by composers Jake Xerxes Fussell and James Elkington complements the film's Southern roots. It reminds me of early Bon Iver, which is always lovely.
Takeaway
Breathtaking scenery and strong performances make Rebuilding a sensational watch. Leaning more introspective and meditative than most modern-day releases, Rebuilding is also a nice reminder that slowing down is a crucial, and often overlooked, joy of life.
'Christy' Review: A Subpar Retelling of a Knockout Story
Filmmaker David Michôd's docudrama about the famous boxer Christy Martin hit theaters last week, and its journey from TIFF darling to social media punching bag devolved quickly. Still, much like the film's titular protagonist, Christy isn't going down without a fight. Starring Sydney Sweeney, Christy tells the true story of one woman's battle for victory within the boxing ring while simultaneously fighting to reclaim her identity outside of it.
The Biggest Fight Lies Outside of the Ring
Christy Martin's (Sweeney) rise to fame as the most successful female boxer of the '90s wasn't without its setbacks. Growing up in a small town in West Virginia, Christy – nicknamed the “Coal Miner’s Daughter” – is plucked from obscurity once she catches the attention of trainer and manager-turned-husband, Jim Martin (Ben Foster). Christy's incredible strength and ability to outperform her counterparts are unlike anything Jim has ever seen. His dreams for Christy's future become his sole focus, which eventually creates a rift in their already fraught relationship.
An important characteristic to note about Christy is that she is queer. Before leaving West Virginia and entering the elite boxing world, she had a romantic relationship with another woman. This, however, is not considered acceptable by her family or management. As Jim so eloquently summarizes early on in their professional relationship, "Nobody wants to see a butch girl fight." Determined to win while avoiding social stigma at all costs, Christy suppresses her true identity and morphs into a figure who is unrecognizable by her former self. Ignoring her instincts, she agrees to marry Jim. The manager/husband dynamic works for some time, but Jim's controlling and manipulative behavior continues to worsen the more successful Christy becomes. She eventually realizes that the biggest fight lies ahead of her, and that is going against her husband.
A Phenomenal Story That Falls Flat
Balancing two themes, one of a rising boxing star and the other a domestic abuse victim, requires very delicate storytelling. Writer/director David Michôd attempts to nail this balance, but the film ultimately ends up lopsided and flat. Removing two or three boxing montages from the final cut would potentially have allowed time to dive deeper into Christy's internal struggles. What we have instead is a status quo and paint-by-numbers feature that lacks electricity and memorability. With a lengthy two-hour and fifteen-minute runtime, the film could have also benefited from a pared-down score. Sweeping and triumphant music is best used in select scenes for the highest emotional impact, but Christy suffers from using the score as a crutch.
Takeaway
Does Christy need over two hours to tell this story? No. Will Sydney Sweeney be anywhere in the conversation for Best Performance, like once alleged? Again, no. What Christy does offer audiences is a traditional biopic about an inspiring woman who defied the odds, yet unfortunately, it didn't come close to matching Christy's fiery persona.
'Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk' Review: The Ultimate Conversation
Among the buzzy titles in the Cannes Film Festival lineup this year, one independent film stood out from the rest. Documentarian Sepideh Farsi's Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk became front-page news when the main subject of her film, photojournalist Fatma Hassona, was tragically murdered just one day after receiving news that the film would screen at the festival. Fatma's shining spirit and irrefutable legacy will now live on posthumously in Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk.
Giving a Voice to the Victims: Capturing Daily Life During Wartime Gaza
Opening in Los Angeles this Friday, Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk offers a firsthand account of life under siege in Gaza, as experienced through the eyes of 25-year-old Palestinian photojournalist and poet Fatma Hassona. Captured through video calls, many of which suffer from poor quality, Fatma speaks candidly with director Sepideh Farsi as she recounts the horrible atrocities occurring daily on the streets of Gaza. Given the consistency and proximity of bombings, every interview and meeting with Fatma is a miracle. A talented photographer, Fatma shares some of the visceral and emotionally wrought photos she has captured over the months, each one more devastating than the next.
Watch the trailer for Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk here.
On April 15, 2025, Sepideh unknowingly had her last conversation with Fatma. In a somewhat meta moment, Sepideh shares the news that the film will be playing at the Cannes Film Festival. Fatma's excitement is undeniable, and she enthusiastically tells Sepideh she plans to attend. At 1:00 am the following morning, Fatma and six members of her family were killed as they slept by a targeted Israeli airstrike on their home.
A One-of-a-Kind Piece of Cinema
Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk is unlike any other documentary you'll see this year. The simplicity of the edit and overall production stands in stark contrast to the heaviness and importance of the subject matter. A seasoned independent documentary filmmaker, Sepideh Farsi breaks the fourth wall in her telling of Fatma's story. There are no bells and whistles, no fancy Hollywood magic; just a powerful story from a compelling narrator. By approaching the film in this way, Sepideh – knowingly or not – levels the playing field in terms of attainability and access. This film proves that anyone can make an impactful movie, regardless of budget.
Takeaway
Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk is the closest first-person POV possible to Gaza's frontlines. Through intimate and vulnerable conversation, Fatma heroically gives audiences a new perspective on the endless cycle of violence in her city. This is essential viewing, not only for its timely message, but also as a heartfelt tribute to a young woman who deserved to live her life to the fullest.
'White Agbada' Review: Answering the Call of One's Ancestors
There are times when a supernatural sighting may be just the thing to effectively snap one out of a downward spiral. This is true in writer/director Lande Yoosuf's short film, White Agbádá, an intimate look at a woman striving to reclaim peace in her life. The film recently made its World Premiere at the 2025 Woodstock Film Festival.
The Unconventional Path Towards Healing
The film begins with the dictionary definition of the word "agbádá". Most likely a foreign word to many, the meaning translates to a prestigious, traditional robe worn by men in West Africa. Many wearers of the garment also belong to spiritual communities. This information sets the scene for what's to come when we meet Ibironke (Idara Victor). Ibironke is a Nigerian-American woman stuck in a cycle of self-destructive habits. With unemployment paperwork cluttering her living room, the lack of urgency to recalibrate her life is obvious.
After turning down her sister’s plea to join a spiritual family trip to Nigeria, Ibironke spends a day running errands. While out, she runs into some fellow Nigerians, whose presence offers a subtle reminder of her heritage and the importance of embracing her community. But her downward spiral isn't finished yet, as Ibironke continues to engage in an affair with her soon-to-be-married business partner. It is then that Ibironke has a surreal vision of a cloaked man in her room. The experience freaks her out enough to finally take action by kicking her situationship out of both her bedroom – and her life– for good. It also acts as the catalyst for accepting her sister's invitation for a spiritual trip, hopeful that this will be the necessary change to better her life.
Director's Statement
"Loosely inspired by my own struggles—with food addictions, fruitless relationships, and ill-fitting therapy—it reflects the integrated path to healing I only discovered once I embraced my ancestral lineage from Yorubaland, Nigeria. This film asks what it means to be a first-generation American, balancing two identities whose values often collide. Many of my peers have chosen assimilation, yet I see how that void of unanswered questions persists. For me, the “call” to return to my Yoruba roots grew louder the more I resisted, until I could no longer ignore it."
Takeaway
Running 12 minutes long, White Agbádá is a solid output by filmmaker Lande Yoosuf. The material is cerebral and spiritual, yet accessible enough to relate to and empathize with. High production quality and a strong performance from lead actor Idara Victor ground this supernatural drama in reality. The quietly dramatic score by composer Dolapo Akinkugbe also plays nicely against Daniel Patterson's cinematography.
'Dangling Carrot' Review: The Messiness of Millennial Dating
Looking for love in the city that never sleeps is a Herculean feat, as seen in filmmaker Taylor Ghrist's feature film Dangling Carrot. Ghrist writes, directs, and stars in this complicated story about a young man searching for love in all the wrong places. This dramedy isn't afraid to get graphic as it dives deep into the messiness of the NYC millennial dating scene.
The Downside of a "No Strings Attached" Dating Scene
Taylor (Ghrist) is a queer, sober, and unemployed millennial who is always searching for the next guy. He should be job hunting, but instead is app-swiping. Our introduction to Taylor is extremely memorable, as we see him servicing random men for the thrill of it. It's obvious that this type of one-sided sexual behavior is demoralizing for Taylor, but it's become a pattern he seems to not be able to break. Throughout the film, Taylor meets up with a variety of men. Two of them initially stand out as decent guys with long-term potential; however, Taylor quickly learns that both are emotionally unavailable. Adding to his spiraling situation, these relationships also threaten to derail his mental health and sobriety.
A Big Story Told on a Micro Budget
Dangling Carrot is full of raw and intimate experiences between our protagonist and his dates. Conversations quickly turn into graphic, physical acts that always leave Taylor feeling empty. It's sad to see how this cycle continues to destroy what little self-respect he has left, but nevertheless, we continue to root for him to find his strength and confidence. Filmmaker Taylor Ghrist channels a Sean Baker-type of energy with the raw subject material. Aiding in this is the electric score by composer Donald Cumming.
Director's Statement
Says Ghrist, "An urgency following multiple heartaches, a frustration with sex culture, and a much-needed self-introspection was the advent for Dangling Carrot. In a sense, it’s my New York City love letter for the times we live in and an unabashed depiction of a young gay man’s life, mostly sourced from experiences of my own, while not entirely factual. I have always struggled to connect with many gay characters in cinema, and thought writing my own experience would not only be cathartic but be a great film.
As a gay man myself living in Manhattan, I have always had a puzzling relationship with sex and, yes, my own gay identity and connection to other men... In a way, Dangling Carrot is a (late) coming-of-age story that touches upon these subjects. My intention is to portray a certain millennial ache where it’s so easy to meet people but so hard to get to know someone, especially in a city like New York."
Takeaway
Regardless of sexual orientation, Dangling Carrot offers a universal statement on the importance of human connection and the lengths some go to attain it. In today's world of growing isolation, it resonates now more than ever. The film made its World Premiere yesterday at the Downtown Festival in New York City.