Out of the 19 films I saw at the festival, these are simply the narrative features that I connected with the most. There are dozens of other films and documentaries that are exciting, revolutionary, and absolutely deserved of your time. Think of these as my personal greatest hits of my time at the festival, and the films I recommend the most.
They Fight is a really special film that tells the true story of a man recently released from prison facing his demons and finding his purpose as a youth boxing coach. The director Sheldon Candis was an absolute delight to see speak, and he has such a great outlook on cinema as a form. Using film as a way to uplift and inspire instead of perpetuate tragedy was a special and unique outlook that I really really appreciate. There's also some of the best child acting I've seen recently in a film, with a pair of performances that are so full of life and truth. They Fight is a special and triumphant film that you'll be able to see soon on July 17th on Hulu.
1. Ponderosa
Ponderosa is so awesome.
Every single performance in this movie is comedic genius and profound tragedy all wrapped into one. Set against the backdrop of a crushing suburbia complete with chain restaurants, miles of the same house, and the steady sound of the highway, the film gets to the heart of where America is sitting culturally, and captures a sense of alienation that I think a lot of people can relate to.
Ponderosa is deeply sad, scary and so so funny. Heightening the cultural absurdity of this nation to a hyperbolic boiling point, the film is an incredible ride that leads you to the answers with a map that makes no sense whatsoever.
2. Via Negativa
The cast and crew of Via Negativa attending the premier.Photo by Cindy Ord on Getty Images
The film is a captivating, thoughtful journey across the American Midwest that asks questions of faith, purpose, and identity. Set against the backdrop of the delightful Americana of roadside attractions and beat up old diners, we follow Dan as each stop on his drive further tests and interrogates the life he has built for himself as well as the construction of the church and the faith he has in it.
Via Negativa is a somber, sensitive, and powerful meditation on faith and forgiveness that transforms and strikes the audience with every step on its idiosyncratic road trip towards an answer we have yet to find.
3. The Long Haul
The cast and crew of The Long Haul attending the premier.Photo by Arturo Holmes on Getty Images
The two words that I have to describe this film are Margo Martindale. Her performance in this is one of my favorites of the whole year. It is easily one of the realest performances I have ever seen. Despite living nowhere near the American west, or interacting with long distance truckers, I feel like I have met her before. She radiates a warmth, a sadness, and an honesty that is so remarkable. It's a phenomenal performance.
I absolutely love the visuals as well. There's such a warm softness to every single frame of the film. The way the western landscapes are photographed throughout are just so captivating. Shot like a postcard, and written with the sadness you find on the other side, The Long Haul is a beautifully human experience that everyone will connect with.
4. The Leader
The cast and crew of The Leader attending the premier.Photo by Dia Dipasupil on Getty Images
I'll be brief as a lot of my thoughts are written here, but I was absolutely blown away by this film. Michael J. Gallagher handles a massive, complicated story of tragedy, indoctrination, belonging, and faith in his exploration of the Heaven's Gate cult.
I had a wonderful experience at the 25th Tribeca Festival, and I hope you all enjoy the movies as much as I did. There's a special future in the industry, and all of these films represent a movement coming forward that I am every excited for.
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