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Ruby's Choice (2022)
8/10
Important and heartfelt story, with brilliant acting and directing
23 March 2022
Saw US premiere screening of this Australian film at SBIFF, and was fortunate to have the opportunity to hear from the Director/Producer Michael Budd (who also had a small part in the film - look for him!), and Jane Seymour (the "Ruby").

The film provides a glimpse into daily life and the impact of Alzheimers on families, and on those experiencing dementia. Beautiful acting by three generations of strong women, with Jane Seymour as Ruby, her daughter, Sharon, played by Jacqueline McKenzie, and her granddaughter Tash, played by Coco Jack Gilles. Coco gives an exceptionally powerful performance, and we very effectively see the declining mental health of her grandmother through this teenager's eyes, coincidentally as their relationship and bond grows.

Elements of humor keep the film from being depressing, bringing appreciation and hope into the story. And it was great to hear that 50% of the profits from the film are going to the Dementia Foundation for Spark of Life, an Australian-based charity.
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9/10
Well-executed atmospheric Estonian short
20 January 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I was quickly drawn into this short, with the roaming camera bringing me into the seemingly remote, abandoned, and decrepit stone home in the woods. I wanted to know more...about the story being shared, and about the old man shown silently in different postures around the house and land. What was real? What was the truth? What was the actual ending for each of the men whose lives were touched upon? I only wish I hadn't experienced a power outage preventing me from experiencing the end of the film; I am left with unanswered questions and unease...
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Collision (2019)
9/10
Powerful film
25 January 2020
Wow...just walked out of screening at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, with a tight stomach and tears in my eyes. The acting leads (Nikolaj Lie Kaas, as Leo) and Cecille Stenspil, as Olivia) and supporting leads (especially the young daughter Liv) all delivered strong performances in this intense drama packed with relationship challenges and tragedies on several levels. I smiled, I grimaced, I cried...and I wished for some peace in these lives experiencing hope, sadness, hurt, and loss...
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