Directed by Tonya Papanikolas

Warning – This review contains spoilers.

From the Dust tells the poignant story of Anastasia, a woman who embarks on a journey of healing after a traumatic discovery in her marriage. Through the art of pottery, Anastasia finds a way to rebuild her confidence and self-worth after the emotional scars left by her husband’s betrayal. Watching this documentary, I was struck by how effectively it captures the process of personal recovery, showing how something as simple as creating art can become a lifeline in the aftermath of such intense pain.

The narrative is deeply personal, and the documentary does a beautiful job of drawing the audience into Anastasia’s emotional world. I was particularly moved by the way she shared her story with such honesty, describing not only her trauma but also her gradual rediscovery of herself through pottery. It’s not just about the act of creating something—it’s about the empowerment that comes from doing something for oneself, especially when life feels like it’s falling apart. I found Anastasia’s journey compelling, and I believe many audiences will connect with her story of resilience and self-reclamation.

Technically, the documentary is solid. The lighting, sound, and editing were all handled well, ensuring that Anastasia’s story was front and center without distractions. The cinematography particularly stood out to me in the way it captured the pottery process, highlighting the tactile nature of the art form. The shots of Anastasia’s hands shaping the clay mirrored her emotional recovery, a subtle but effective visual metaphor that really added depth to the film. While there was nothing groundbreaking in the technical aspects, everything came together smoothly, allowing the emotional heart of the film to shine through.

For me, From the Dust felt both intimate and relatable. Although I haven’t personally experienced the kind of betrayal Anastasia did, the universal themes of healing and rediscovery resonated. The documentary is an emotional watch, and I believe many viewers, particularly those who have faced similar challenges in their own relationships, will find it moving. The documentary avoids falling into melodrama, instead offering an authentic portrayal of a woman who is simply trying to find her way back to herself after being shattered by betrayal.

In summary, From the Dust is a thoughtful and moving documentary that explores how art can become a powerful tool for healing. Tonya Papanikolas crafts a sensitive and relatable portrait of a woman finding her strength in the wake of deep emotional wounds. With its strong visuals and heartfelt narrative, the film is likely to resonate with audiences who appreciate stories of resilience and self-discovery.

Directed by Caroline Boyd

Warning – This review may contain spoilers.

A Life of Intent: Growing Desert Roots takes us through the journey of Shelly, a nature photographer who found solace and meaning in her art after a traumatic brain injury at 19. Shelly’s story, set against the vast and serene landscapes of the Southwest, is both inspiring and moving. I felt drawn into her process of healing and self-discovery, especially as she uses photography to navigate the challenges brought on by her injury. Her resilience shines through and I couldn’t help but admire her determination to live a life filled with purpose.

The documentary beautifully weaves together breathtaking visuals of the desert with Shelly’s personal narrative. The cinematography is one of the film’s strongest points—capturing the Southwest in all its splendor, with vibrant shots of nature that contrast with Shelly’s more intimate still photography. The juxtaposition of these large-scale live images with her personal photographs gave me a deeper connection to her story, highlighting the power of nature as both a subject and a source of healing. However, there were moments where I felt that the visuals didn’t fully align with the dialogue, which left certain scenes feeling somewhat disjointed.

Caroline Boyd’s emphasized Shelly’s transformative journey and the healing power of nature. This theme is apparent throughout, though there are moments where the editing and sound design could have been tighter to create a more seamless flow. The scene where Shelly speaks about the tree for example, felt a bit forced and I would have liked to see that story unfold more naturally. Still the overall message of the film—resilience through creativity and connection with nature—came across clearly and left me reflecting on how we all find ways to cope with life’s challenges.

Now onto the technical side. The cinematography is a highlight of the film, especially in the way it captures the beauty of the desert and Shelly’s connection to it. The background music complemented the visuals well, heightening the emotional impact without overwhelming the story. I found that the editing could have been stronger in certain parts, as some scenes didn’t flow as smoothly as others, particularly when the focus shifted between Shelly’s personal story and her professional work as a guide. I also noticed that while Shelly’s monologue was touching, it had to do a lot of the heavy lifting to convey the film’s deeper themes and it felt like the narrative was leaning too heavily on her words instead of letting the visuals tell more of the story.

A Life of Intent: Growing Desert Roots is an inspiring exploration of Shelly’s journey toward acceptance and healing through photography and nature. Its heart is in the right place, and Shelly’s story is one of courage and resilience that will resonate with viewers. The documentary effectively shows the power of art as a tool for personal growth and reminds us of the beauty that can be found even in the most challenging circumstances.

This documentary offers a reflective and heartfelt look at one woman’s journey to reclaim her life after trauma. The emotional depth and breathtaking visuals make it an inspiring watch. Audiences who appreciate the intersection of nature, art, and personal resilience will connect with Shelly’s story.

Directed by Kip Andersen and Chris O’Connell

Warning – This review may contain spoilers.

Join the Club follows the life of Dennis Peron, a prominent figure in both the LGBTQ+ community and the fight for marijuana legalization in America. Set against the backdrop of the AIDS epidemic in San Francisco, Peron transitions from being the city’s biggest pot dealer to a key advocate for medical marijuana. After the death of his lover, Peron realizes that cannabis is not only a recreational drug but a form of medicine that could provide relief to those suffering from HIV and AIDS. In response, he opens the Cannabis Buyers’ Club, a vibrant five-story dispensary that becomes a symbol of hope, activism, and community. Despite law enforcement’s multimillion-dollar investigation into the club, Peron sets his sights on a larger goal: writing a groundbreaking political initiative to legalize medical marijuana in California.

The documentary excels in its ability to humanize Dennis Peron’s activism and passion, uncovering a lesser-known but critical chapter in the history of marijuana legalization. It blends personal narrative with historical context, allowing viewers to fully understand how the AIDS epidemic served as a turning point for cannabis advocacy in America. The inclusion of archival footage, interviews, and vibrant visuals of the Cannabis Buyers’ Club creates a dynamic and immersive storytelling experience. Peron’s journey from pot dealer to political activist is presented with clarity, showcasing his transformation as both personal and political. The film also highlights the intersection between the LGBTQ+ community and the fight for cannabis legalization, giving audiences a glimpse into the queer history that fueled these societal changes.

Join the Club is technically superb as well. The cinematography captures both the emotional intensity of Peron’s story and the broader socio-political atmosphere of the time. The use of lighting, especially in interviews, adds a sense of intimacy to the personal stories being shared. Archival footage of protests, legal battles, and the daily life inside the Cannabis Buyers’ Club provides historical depth, while the pacing of the film keeps the viewer engaged throughout. The sound design, including music and background audio, complements the documentary’s tone, making key moments more impactful. Editing choices, particularly the blending of past footage with present-day interviews, help maintain a seamless narrative structure, while showcasing the emotional and historical weight of the story.

The documentary also benefits from the strength of its subjects. The interviews, particularly with those who knew Peron personally, as well as medical marijuana advocates, add layers of authenticity and emotion. The audience is able to witness firsthand the impact Peron had not only on marijuana legislation but also on the lives of countless individuals suffering during the AIDS crisis. This sense of personal connection is a significant part of the film’s success, allowing viewers to feel emotionally invested in Peron’s mission.

Join the Club is a well-crafted and engaging documentary that uncovers a vital piece of American history. The film’s message of resilience, hope, and activism resonates deeply, especially in its portrayal of Peron’s determination to create a better world for those affected by HIV and AIDS. With its strong technical execution, compelling narrative, and historical significance, audiences will likely find Join the Club both educational and emotionally moving. It is a tribute to Dennis Peron’s legacy and a reminder of the power of grassroots activism.