ScreenFish

where faith and film are intertwined

Slamdance

Slamdance 2023: With Peter Bradley

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“There’s people that paint with colour and it’s called abstract. I don’t think it’s abstract at all. Colour is the most important thing.” – Peter Bradley

Directed by Alex Rappoport, With Peter Bradley is a deep dive into one man’s impact on the history of American art culture. Forging a career in the midst of systemic racism, Peter Bradley helped tear down barriers within the arts industry. Because of his influence and incredible resume, Black artists became more greatly recognized in American culture. Before the age of 35, Bradley’s art kicked down doors of Madison Avenue and was connected with the most powerful art retailers in the world. With Peter Bradley allows the viewer to hear from the man himself of his amazing journey and his incredible impact.

Appropriately, what’s most compelling about With… is Peter Bradley himself. Even in his later years, Bradley remains a compelling person to interview. Wisely, rather than bombard the viewer with his own facts and figures, Rappoport steps back and lets Peter speak for himself. Filled with fascinating stories about his accomplishments and adventures in the arts community, Bradley has a boldness about him that sets him apart from other documentary subjects. In a refreshing twist, Bradley comes across as a man without filters, willing to share his opinions on anything and anyone without afterthought. (For example, he has no issue telling the viewer his dislike of Sir Paul McCartney and his music.) In fact, he even comes across as a man who expectsto have his story told. 

Having spent much of his wealthy, Bradley’s life still revolves around his painting to this day. By allowing Bradley to express himself, Rappoport does an excellent job of giving voice to his process. Bradley is enlivened by his experience of colour. It affects every aspect of his life. From music to nature, Bradley’s world becomes invigorated when he talks about colour and his enthusiasm is infectious.

But the theme of colour also works on a deeper level within this film.

As the first Black art dealer and curator of the first racially-integrated modern art show in America, Bradley’s career in the art world helped change the industry forever. In this way, although he himself would argue that his work had nothing to do with politics, his active presence in the community makes his art was indelibly political in nature. The fact that he was respected by as many as he was helped break down cultural barriers and impact change. (And Bradley has no problem sharing stories about the oppression that he faced due to race.)

Because of this, Rappoport has created a doc that begins with art but reveals that the heart of the story is so much more. And, with his unique way of viewing the world, it’s more than worthwhile spending time With Peter Bradley.

With Peter Bradley is now playing at Slamdance ‘23

Slamdance 2023: The Underbug

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Written and directed by Sujaat Saudagar, The Underbug takes place in India as the country is ravaged by violence. On the eve of its Independence Day, rioters have taken to the street, demanding change. However, in the process, the nation is also being torn apart. Fearing for their lives, two rioters (Ali Fazal and Hussain Dalal) take refuge in an abandoned house but, as they dread the terror outside, soon come to believe that there might also be danger within.

In a number of different ways, Saudagar keeps this film tightly written and executed. Shot entirely within the confines of an abandoned home, Saudagar allows the claustrophobic nature of the film to breathe into its narrative. Everything about Underbug feels confined and Saudagar uses his space to add to the tension. However, at the same time, he also keeps the script firmly under control. Clocking in at a mere 68 minutes, Underbug never feels overblown as it moves along at a rapid pace. As such, the film clicks along with the energy of a one-act play without being slowed down by too many distractions or bloated monologues. 

And this may be its greatest trick. After all, Underbug has a lot to say.

As they hide in the shadows, these rioters are shown to live in a world that’s fighting for freedom… but isn’t entirely sure what it looks like. Torn apart by generational divides, Underbug asks the question of what it means to be truly free in the modern world. Does freedom look the same for the youth of this age as it did for those of Generation X? Are there other factors than simply loosening government-imposed restrictions to freedom? These questions fuel the films conversations about what it means to express independence during a time of constant change.

At the same time though, the film also leans into the fears associated with modern gender politics. Focusing on the tension between its two rioters, Underbug explores multiple issues dealing with the changing face of masculinity. Ranging from the nature of independence to the terror of responsibility, Underbug explores multiple facets and fears that are faced by men. With increasing intensity, the film establishes and exposes the tensions within the masculine soul. In this way, the oncoming horror that exists outside their bloody hideaway becomes less about the riots themselves and more about a changing culture that surrounds them. While the film’s story may focus on the fear of violence, Underbug suggests that one of the greatest struggles for men is altering their own expectations of themselves. After all, what does it truly mean to be masculine in a new (and better) world of equity?

With wit and fire, The Underbug surprises in just about every way. Featuring strong performances and a smartly written script, the film keeps the intensity building but also manages to explore some of our deepest questions about modern masculinity in the process. It’s definitely a bug worth catching.

The Underbug is playing at Slamdance ’23.

Slamdance 2023: Silent Love

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Directed by Mark Kozakiewicz, the new documentary Silent Love begins in a small Polish village after the mother of Aga and Milosz passes away. Alone and hurting, Aga seeks to become legal guardian for her younger brother to help keep the family together. However, in the midst of their legal battle, an unknown piece of Aga’s life is revealed to her sibling when she confesses her love for her partner, Maya. Living in a highly conservative area, the LGBTQ community are viewed as immoral and Aga and Maya have kept their relationship a secret. As Milosz grieves the loss of his mother, the three come together to form a new family that challenges the status quo of this quiet corner of the country.

Directed by Marek Kozakiewicz, Silent Love is an intimate look at the redefinition of family in the modern age. Although the film begins as a story of one woman’s fight to care for her brother, it quickly becomes about much more as it expands its vision. But that’s what sets Love apart. Even though his intent was to focus on the custody battle, Kozakiewicz’s plans change as the story evolves. Suddenly, what begins as one journey splits into two dueling narratives that complement and inform one another in unexpected ways.

Despite the ‘big’ nature of these stories, Kozakiewicz keeps the film feeling small. This is one small family caught in a much larger world, fueled by bureaucracy and toxicity. As such, Silent Love feels like a very quiet film but that’s also the beauty of it. This is a story about a family attempting to come together in a world that threatens to tear them apart. Oppression against the LGBTQ community threatens the unspoken romance between Maya and Aga. Meanwhile, government inquisitions feel as though they could tear Milosz from his home at any moment. Although the odds seem stacked against them, Aga, Milosz and Maya want only to live in peace. 

To them, all that matters is each other.

As he follows their journey, Kozakiewicz captures Aga, Maya and Milosz’ intimate love for one another with grace and humility. With an unflinching eye, he walks with them as they face each moment together (or, at times, apart). In this way, Silent Love becomes a testament to the power of commitment in all relationships, whether romantic or familial. While this type of family structure may not be ‘traditional’ in this corner of the world, their love supports and celebrates each other in the midst of life’s storms. 

And Silent Love calls us to do the same.

Silent Love is screening at Slamdance ’23.

Slamdance 2023: Starring Jerry As Himself

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Directed by Law Chen, Starring Jerry as Himself is a docu-fiction hybrid that tells the amazing true story of Jerry Hsu. Divorced but devoted to his family, Jerry is an honest and hard-working man who wants to do what’s right. However, when Jerry receives a call from the government, he finds himself enlisted to help the CIA bring down a notorious criminal, without the knowledge of his family. As things begin to spiral out of hand, Jerry must work tirelessly to maintain his double life in order for justice to be served.

With intensity and intelligence, Starring Jerry is a surprising and honest journey into the mind of the elderly. Blurring the lines between fact and fiction, Chen shoots his film with the slow-burn intensity of spy thrillers. Missed text messages, secret phone calls and stake outs play out so dramatically that one may forget that this is based on a true story. 

But what’s most amazing about Starring Jerry though is… well… Jerry. 

As a first-time performer, Jerry Hsu does a wonderful job playing himself. While that seems like an obvious statement, the structure of a fictionalized documentary would make it all the more difficult to bring… um… yourself to life. However, Hsu carries himself with poise, enthusiasm and energy. In every moment on screen, Hsu is nothing less than compelling. He is almost instantly endearing and his journey consistently terrifying. There is little doubt that this film is a labour of love from the man and he brings that affection to the screen. 

Without giving too many spoilers, Starring Jerry is a harrowing ride from start to finish. Although the film’s big ‘twist’ might be obvious from the outset, that somehow makes his journey even more terrifying. Despite its heightened spy-thriller set-up, reality sets in quickly for the viewer. The fact that this is also a family affair also makes the film feel honest.

But that’s the magic of Jerry. As he embarks on his adventures with the CIA, our fear is not for Jerry’s life but for his well-being. (If you see the film, you’ll understand the distinction.) His tale is riveting, horrifying and heart-breaking but is also entirely relatable and real. With each unbelievable chapter, the film remains entirely believable and could have been experienced by anyone you know, whether a friend, neighbour or family member. In other words, his story could be anyone’s… and Jerry knows it.

In fact, what makes the film truly special is Jerry’s intent to tell it. To him, this is more than an exciting story of espionage. It’s also an opportunity to help others. With every terrifying moment, his genuine concern shines through. We know that this story is being told not only for his benefit but for ours. 

To say any more would likely be too much information but, suffice to say, Starring Jerry as Himself is a unique film that is sure to stir up conversation afterwards. Although this story is thrilling, the most important aspect for it is the truth that it uncovers and the hope it offers to others.

Starring Jerry as Himself is now playing at Slamdance ’23.