Honorable Mentions….
The Queen of Basketball
A brief documentary paying homage to the remarkable achievements of Lusia “Lucy” Harris in the realm of women's basketball. As someone with minimal knowledge or interest in sports, I found myself deeply impressed by her string of victories, from high school and college championships to taking home the silver medal at the 1976 Summer Olympics and becoming the first woman drafted into the NBA. This documentary, though concise, left me craving more insight into her extraordinary journey. It serves as a powerful testament to resilience, particularly highlighting the challenges faced by marginalized groups, as seen through the lens of a young black woman navigating the 1970s. Through interviews, Harris's humble demeanor, infectious laughter, and unwavering acceptance of life shined through. Thank you, Ben Proudfoot, the Halifax filmmaker, for shedding light on the story of this truly inspirational figure.
The Long Goodbye
As a dedicated admirer of Riz Ahmed's work (including "Sound of Metal," "Nimona," "Nightcrawler," and "The Night Of"), I was eagerly drawn into the captivating chaos of a pre-wedding celebration depicted at the outset of this short film, leading to a shocking conclusion that I dare not spoil. The meticulous attention to detail, evident from subtle foreshadowing to the masterful manipulation of color tones, is truly commendable. Moreover, the film serves as a poignant portrayal of the harsh realities of racism and shedding light on pressing social issues with remarkable insight and sensitivity. Congratulations on your well-deserved Oscar win!
Other movie (in order of preference)
The Tragedy of Macbeth
The Parallel Mother
Lily Lily the Crocodile
Four Daughters
The Worst Person in the World
The Windshield Wiper
The Dress
On My Mind
Beekeeper
Anyone but you