Wildcat is an incredibly moving documentary by Melissa Lesh and Trevor Beck Frost that brings us on an exploration into the harsh Peruvian jungle, where coined as “lost souls” can find salvation and connections can be made in the most unexpected ways.
Raising orphaned ocelots is a big feat and for Harry Turner, it’s nature’s prescription to help him cope as he returns home from Afghanistan with the shadows of severe depression and PTSD following him. Meeting ecologist and PhD student, Samantha Zwicker, who is the co-director of Hoja Nueva, an NGO in the Peruvian Amazon. she is drawn to helping the broken, clearly not without its consequences. Both their passion to raise orphaned wildlife gives them purpose, and for Harry, a reason to live.
The sacrifices and solitude that comes with choosing to live in the Amazon though is very intense and we get to experience Harry and Samantha’s vulnerabilities and strengths, as a couple and as individuals.
This film is very character-driven, which packs quite a punch, without losing focus on many important messages throughout, including mental health. We get to witness all the emotional highs and lows which explain a lot about why Harry and Samantha felt drawn to dedicate so much of their lives to rehabilitating wild animals, as well as working through their inner demons towards a path of healing.
The documentary is depicted in a very intimate way that also explores interspecies bonds in profound ways, the impacts of deforestation and the complex pet trade that can dramatically change the course of our lives.
Wildcat shows us the fragility of life. The ability to overcome struggles that may seem insurmountable at times, only proves that we are always stronger than we think.
💜Learn more about the Hoja Nueva's rewilding center & Emerald Arch
When I heard about the movie, Running with Speed, the little girl inside me wanted to know more about this secret (well not so secret anymore) society of gamers that defy the limits of what can be accomplished in a virtual world.
Narrated by the internet legend and video game historian Summoning Salt, this documentary directed by Patrick Lope and Nicholas Mross follows a niche community of gamers from all walks of life called Speed Runners. They are dedicated to breaking the fastest records in video game play and determined to find the most intricate glitches in video games that most of us would probably never accomplish in our lifetime. Clearly a lot of energy drinks are consumed.
I wouldn’t consider myself a gamer, although many years ago, I did find joy investing time in the Mortal Kombat after long shifts at work and Sonic the Hedgehog games. My brother was ridiculously talented at video gaming and could solve levels like a pro. I also dabbled in Mario Bros, although I wasn’t quite skilled enough to ever save the lovely Princess Peach, but I did come close.
Now for nostalgia. Playing Bubble Bobble and Impossible Mission on the Comm64 was bliss, as well as Choplifter. Let's not forget Zork for a little role-playing action either.
Like anything, there is a dark side to gaming, in particular when one gets into speedrunning that can become an unhealthy addiction and obsession that is explored briefly from the perspectives of some of the top gamers that were part of the documentary. There are struggles of where to draw the line at a career vs a hobby. Sometimes those lines are blurred and real vs user generated identities get so enmeshed that it causes confusion and serious consequences.
However, this doc really highlights a lot of the positive aspects of gaming culture, which include a community of passionate gamers who to this day, still cheer each other on during the most fierce competitions. There are also some incredible ways that gaming marathons exploded into a life-giving movement to raise money and support charitable organizations.
While I may never actually create an account over on Twitch, which is a live-streaming gamers haven, I do have a new-found appreciation and high level of respect for the art of gaming. Game on!
💜Check out Games Done Quick which has raised over 43 million dollars for charity. It is currently the largest individual fundraising event globally for both Prevent Cancer Foundation and Doctors Without Borders USA.
Gear up to get those wind in your sails, as True Spirit is an Australian gem that you shouldn’t pass by. Directed by Sarah Spillane, this film is based on the real-life story of teenager Jessica Watson (played by Teagan Croft), who at 16 became the youngest person ever to sail around the world alone.
The movie is gripping and if miracles do actually exist, Jessica is living proof of surviving some of the roughest waters and storms that mother nature had in mind for her during her 210 day journey.
Jessica’s bravery and stamina allows for us to really see her maturity even at such a young age, as well as the wonderful unwavering support of her family. Also what is so special about the film is Jessica’s connection with her sailing coach, Ben. It turns out that Ben actually represented a team of people in real life, but the depiction is really heart-warming in the film.
Along with the emotional depth of the film, the accompanying soundtrack is pretty awesome too, especially with “I Made It” performed by the Australian singer, Tones And I.
💜Check out Jessica's website here to read more about her adventures
The Lost King, directed by Stephen Frears is a story that needs to be heard and who better to star in this than one of my favourite actresses, Sally Hawkins. She plays the role of Philippa Langley (known for her real life discovery and exhumation of Richard III), a woman who deals with an invisible illness (ME/CFS) that makes her feel just that, invisible. In work, she is overlooked and often ridiculed, and home life is chaotic, trying to juggle life’s expectations.
After seeing a live production of Shakespeare's Richard III, Philippa finds herself quite defensive of what many believe to be a historical villain (or was he also an unsung hero?). As an amateur historian, she heads down an uncertain path to find Richard III’s remains, where she believes he is located under a car park in Leicester.
The film is really thought-provoking on its own, having a sleuth-like British feel, and the rooting for the underdog scenario. Another great role is Steve Coogan, who plays the ex-husband who is more on the skeptic yet supportive side. Although divorced, we still see the love that can remain between two people. The pace of the movie is a bit rocky at times, but it's not boring in the least. Despite controversy over many inaccuracies and a potential lawsuit brewing from many in academia over the film, the heartfelt message of one woman’s quest to succeed on her own terms is evident.
Now, despite knowing very little on the subject of Richard III, it was quite a surprise, but a pleasant one, that a very complex yet misunderstood condition called ME/CFS (a condition that is quite varied from person-to-person, and I have silently dealt with for many years) was mentioned in this film. It deserves more attention so funding and research can be spent to help patients lead higher quality lives and maybe even someday find a cure. It made me feel inspired to continue my pursuit to live a fulfilling life despite my limitations and ill-informed assumptions that others believe about me.
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