by Rosalie Kicks, Editor in Chief and Old Sport

Documentaries are not something I find myself revisiting, but are instead films I turn to learn, gain inspiration, and find ways to better myself. These are four documentaries that I caught during my festival travels that I found are not only worthy of your time, but may in fact change you in the best ways possible.

Looking for more film festival coverage from MovieJawn? Find it here.

Blue Road: The Edna O’Brien Story
Directed by Sinéad O'Shea
Featuring Jessie Buckley, Declan Conlon and Gabriel Byrne
Runtime 1 hour and 39 minutes
Watched at TIFF, now playing online via DOC NYC here, further release forthcoming

“Born with this ability and demon to write.”

Before walking into the cinema to see Blue Road, I had never heard of Irish writer Edna O’Brien, and that my friends is truly a crime.

As pleased as I was to learn about Edna and her work, I found the documentary to leave me feeling bittersweet. So much of what this phenomenal talent has created has been buried, or never came to fruition, due to being held back by a system that, frankly, hates women. It was also clear that if she would have had the right kind of support in her life - specifically from her spouse, Ernest Gébler, I believe she could have done so much more. However, instead of encouraging and being proud of her success, he continued to try to control her. As a fellow writer himself, he was jealous of her achievements and in many ways held her back.

The documentary was completed right before Edna’s death in July 2024. Fortunately, the director was able to speak with Edna prior to her death and the face to face interviews were magic. The film also makes use of Edna’s personal diaries, which were exquisitely narrated by actor Jessie Buckley. These accounts truly were a window not only to Edna’s soul, but proof of how vindictive her spouse truly was. Many of the pages were filled with his own remarks and with her words crossed out. Not only was he reading her personal entries, but he was altering them. It is clear that not only did he not believe in her talent, but he never wanted her to be a writer. This aspect of the movie made me extremely emotional given that I have a partner that not only supports me, but believes in me so much he has encouraged me to pursue my dreams by leaving behind a well paying but unfulfilling corporate career. Without him, I would not be fed, have clean clothes, or a roof over my head.

Since the dawn of time, the patriarchy has attempted to and forcibly kept women out of many facets of life unless it had to do with child rearing, kitchens, or housekeeping. It pains me to think that here in the states we are somehow headed in this direction once more. I am so very happy to know Edna existed. Once the credits hit the screen, I immediately busted out my phone and reserved a couple of Edna’s books and films that were based on her work from my local library. If you decide to check out this doc, make sure to say hi to me when you stumble down the rabbit hole that is Edna’s work.

Children of The Wicker Man
Directed by Justin Hardy
Written by Dominic Hardy
Featuring Tim Plester
Runtime 1 hour and 32 minutes
Watched at Fantastic Fest, no word on the release

“The film (The Wicker Man) fucked up my family…”

Making movies is difficult. Each film that manages to grace the silver screen is, in many ways, a little miracle. A thought that rarely crosses anyone’s minds is: What impact did the making of this picture have on the filmmaker’s family? Justin and Dominic Hardy reveal this truth in their ninety-two minute documentary about their father, Robin Hardy and his making of the famed cult horror The Wicker Man (1973).

I was fortunate enough to catch this documentary at Fantastic Fest and knew I was in for a wild ride when Justin Hardy introed the picture by informing the audience that their father was a sex addict and that he and Dominic (who was also present) were two of many estranged children across the world. Justin emphatically informed us in so many words that he hated The Wicker Man. A movie that many see as the “Citizen Kane of horror”. When their father passed away in 2016, Justin and Dominic were given much of his belongings. However, it was an old screenplay, notes ,and storyboards of The Wicker Man that caught Justin’s eye. Their father’s feature debut was the cause of much emotional and familial strife, particularly to Justin, as by the end of production it would lead to his parents divorce, their bankruptcy, his mother’s alcoholism, and a life filled with trauma.

Split into five acts, this documentary took me on a journey unlike one I have ever been on before. In witnessing the siblings not only share such a personal tale with the viewer, but to allow an inside glimpse of their grieving process, was incredibly brave and touching. Since watching Children of The Wicker Man, I now watch films in a new perspective. The people behind the camera may often seem like Gods, but in reality they too are just people. They have the capability to hurt those that they love, often doing so for the sake of their art.

The Life and Deaths of Christopher Lee
Written and Directed by Jon Spira
Featuring Peter Serafinowicz, Harriet Walter, Juan Aneiros
Runtime 1 hour and 30 minutes
Watched at Fantastic Fest, release is forthcoming

“Please don’t refer to me as the King of horror.”

A puppet of Christopher Lee standing amongst fog sharing with me a sequence of the various ways in which the actor died in film - bombs, snake, shot, stabbed, etc - was enough for me to know I was in the right place. From the opening scene I was hooked.

With his passing in 2015 at the age of ninety-three, this documentary serves as lovely overview of his filmography with a mix of talking heads sharing insights on his incredible life as well as, puppetry, film clips, and photos. I loved learning little tidbits such as his fascination with execution memorabilia, his artistic endeavors in heavy metal music, his work as a spy, his love of J.R.R. Tolkien, and his friendships with Vincent Price and Peter Cushing. His camaraderie with Price and Cushing filled my heart with so much joy, and I can’t wait to seek out some of the flicks they made together that I have yet to see.

For someone such as myself that did not know much about Lee other than his work in Hammer horror films, I think this does a great job of providing a surface level insight into such a remarkable and fascinating person. It is easy to see that he lived a full and meaningful life. I inevitably added numerous Lee films to my watch list after watching the documentary and left with a greater respect for his work. It was also interesting to watch this so soon after viewing Children of The Wicker Man. Lee had such a fondness for that picture in particular saying it was “A brilliant story, expertly told” and that it was one of his favorite movies he made. I could not help but think of the ways in which we all have our own unique experience with a work of art. For avid fans of Christopher’s work, they may not leave learning anything new, but I, however, found this to be a lovely way to introduce new fans to a remarkable person that truly was more than just a horror ghoul.

A Sisters’ Tale
Written and Directed by Leila Amini
Featuring Nasreen Amini
Runtime 1 hour and 32 minutes
First watched at TIFF, release is forthcoming and information available here

“I want to talk to women with my lyrics. Not losing hope is key.”

Many walk through life searching for that “thing” that makes them feel alive. A passion. For some it is an activity such as watching movies, reading books, writing, playing sports, or knitting. The gamut of things that gives one a spark or a drive to wake up each and everyday could quite possibly be anything. For Nasreen Amini it is singing. Sadly, in Iran, women have not been able to sing publicly since 1979. Imagine, not being able to partake in the one thing that gives you the most joy. For me, if I were not able to watch films, write about them, read about them, make them, I would be the living dead. Might as well call the coroner, it is time for the box.

A Sisters’ Tale absolutely moved me. There is a rawness to this documentary due to it being shot by Nasreen’s sister, Leila. With her sibling behind the camera, Nasreen gives a comfortable and uncensored look into her life that I don’t believe would have been the case if this was not a family member. Nasreen is not speaking to the camera instead she is having a conversation with her sister and this makes this film that more impactful.

Despite being up against an authoritarian government, she is finding ways to make her dreams come true through courage, community, and most importantly the bravery to ask for help. When I sat down in the theater, I expected this movie to be a downer, and instead I left inspired. They spent seven years working on the documentary and it was astounding to see the gumption Nasreen had. Even with the setbacks, discouragement (from her own family members), she kept going. This is a reminder that every little step takes you closer to your dreams and if Nasreen can persevere with literally everything stacked against her, there is no reason why I can’t continue to pursue my dreams. Nasreen is an incredible human being and I am so glad to know she exists in this world.