Parkland Rising

This is a moving film that doesn't flinch from the grim reality of how gun violence is shaping a generation of young people. And the good news is that these young people aren't yet beaten down by the system and have the guts to fight back. A tear jerker for sure, but inspirational in the end.

Never before have I seen a more 1 sided film which cheery picked and greatly distorted certain facts, while completely ignoring the endless facts that don't fit their narrative. Lying is defined as, "The intent to deceive". It's not an exaggeration to say the film makers are either completely ignorant of basic counter narrative truths, or they're lying. There's no third choice. This was poorly written, poorly directed and 100% ideologically driven.

I saw this film with my 14 year old son at the Woodstock Film Festival. It resonated so deeply for us both. From the terrifying and chaotic moments of shots fired and frantic 911 calls, to the mobilization of the survivors and family members of the Parkland shooting, this important documentary galvanizes all who see it to join in the mission for sensible gun laws. Utterly heart breaking, yet deeply inspiring. Parkland Rising documents the transformation of the Margory Stoneman Douglas students from survivors to activists. They are fierce and undeterred by the status quo. "The young people will win. The young people will always win."

This film is a powerful look at an incredibly important movement at an incredibly important moment. The interview segments are chock full of dedicated people from all walks of life who are tirelessly-and rightly-keeping our country's gun violence problem in the fore of public consciousness; they offer by example numerous actionable steps every one of us can take to effect real change. The film's riveting footage of these advocates calmly holding open discussions with anti-gun control protesters is nothing short of riveting, and may be seen as a roadmap for engaging in difficult, but necessary, conversations.

In light of the recent disappointing, Democratic-majority VA state senate vote on bump stocks, high-capacity magazines, etc., it's clear we've got a long way to go, and this work is more vital than ever. Parkland Rising is not just a sleekly presented and deeply moving document of this effort, but an inspiring call to action for anyone who still feels a civic duty in these fractured, trying times.

A reminder of the preciousness of life. Of love. Of family. The thread that binds is. The power of a voice. The healing that comes with time, with support, with the embrace of a nation. Watch Parkland Rising, now.