Quest: The Truth Always Rises

Quest was a film that I saw on a whim at the Gasparilla International Film Festival. It fit into my schedule, and had Lakeith Stanfield in a supporting role, so I decided to give it a shot. I'm so glad that I did.

This film is about so much more than the synopsis would make you think. It's a story that needs to be heard because of how impactful it can be to youth who need guidance. The film is based on true events. It's the semi-autobiographical story of the director/co-writer. The character development in the film is amazing. All of the main cast is given extreme depth and humanity that makes the characters come to life.

I was really surprised to learn in the post-film Q&A that Rizzo was a first-time filmmaker because it is so well-filmed. The cinematography is really beautiful. The framing is excellent and the movements are fluid. The editing is also very good. I also loved the film's production design with all of the graffiti that had to be created for the film. It is designed perfectly to either create an emotional response or deliver the film's messaging. The cast is wonderful, too. The child actor, Gregory Kasyan, who plays the protagonist has a lot of talent. He is able to give the role the humanity it demands. Dash Mihok and Lakeith Stanfield are great in the two mentor roles. Each of them brings their unique qualities to the role, and it works. Lou Diamond Phillips is also wonderful in his role.

Overall, I really loved Quest. It's a great story that needs to be heard. It's a shame that it hasn't picked up distribution yet because it is a wonderful story that needs to be heard by as many people as possible. If you get the chance to see it, I highly recommend it.

Quest quite literally changed my life forever. It can be used as a guide, a guru and as "medicine" to keep returning to again and again. It's a moral compass for humanity and it brought out the truth in me that was yearning to be unveiled. It's a movie about healing and coming together with love and empathy.

This film comes from amazing compassion for how everyone has suffered and deserves a special mentor that heals by seeing the best. It is based on the true story of the first-time producer and director, who was called to share how a teacher/coach who stood up for him changed his life. The young main actor is so real as an abused child with really no choice but to get into mischief. It is heart-wrenching to see his inherent goodness shine through with his younger brother and unlikely friends but only really recognized by his mentor. Appropriately pretty or gritty scenery around Berkeley and witty, touching conversation make the timeless story even more enticing. Recommended for everyone, especially anyone dealing with children or childhood issues.

I saw this movie as part of a school event, where the director himself came in to show his film, and talk about it. This is a true story about the director's life, and it holds nothing back from the viewer. It's darkly brutal, but above all, it has a real heart at its core, and a message of empathy that anyone can understand. This is definitely a hard film to watch, but it deserves your full attention.

It was my honor to meet Santiago Rizzo and then to see his movie QUEST. Words can not adequately express the awful beauty of this movie. An unflinching view of child abuse, reality that for many children the streets are safer than their own lives and the gift of love can transform lives. #questthemovie #thetruthalwaysrises #trustyourstruggle

TIM'S TOP 10 RULES TO LIVE BY

Have empathy for everyone.

Put yourself in someone else's skin and walk around in it.

Tell the truth.

You'll have less to remember. You know you never lied and eventually people will trust you.

Be Reliable.

Do what you say you were going to do. Even if it means showing up on time. People will trust you.

Assume Positive Intent.

If they are incompetent, so be it, but it doesn't hurt you to assume they are doing their best.

Be Physically Active.

It's better than any drug. It's fun and can be a boon to your social life. If you are running an errand, walk or ride a bike because you'll feel better. It may not be obvious at first but it adds up.

Just do it.

If the choice is between sitting around and doing nothing or doing something, do something every single time.

Don't blame anyone.

No one is to blame for anything. Only you can change what you do. If you blame someone else, you can't solve the problem. Instead, you are telling someone else to solve the problem. If you don't blame then you will be able to take control.

Your possessions can be replaced.

People are obsessed with their possessions. Letting your possessions control you is a terrible way of living. When you can let them go, you become free. There's little relationship between wealth and happiness.

Carpe Diem.

Seize the Day. Accomplish something everyday. Otherwise you're wasting time. There's always something wonderful to experience. Go do it.

Solve your problems.

Some people like to have problems so they have something to complain about. Don't waste time. It also gives you something to do. Something to strive for.