Moses

Rediscovering Humanity: A Journey Through Moses

Moses is a powerful, moving documentary capturing the journey of a musician who, after a promising career derailed by addiction, spent two decades homeless on San Francisco's streets. Directed by Francisco Guijarro, the film highlights Moses's rare gift for connecting with strangers, turning brief interactions into moments of recognition and visibility. When a student filmmaker offers him the lead role in a short film, Moses embarks on a path of rediscovery, reconnecting with his music, past, and sense of self. Filmed over 15 years, Moses is a testament to resilience, human connection, and transformative power of truly being seen.

I watched Moses at the UN International Film Festival in San Francisco, and I must say it completely changed my view on the city and the people in it. In my opinion, it's a film that just sticks with you... not because it's trying to be dramatic, but because it's a real life being shown.

Fran does an incredible job of telling Alvin's story with so much honesty and heart. The film doesn't just 'document' his day to day life... it introduces you to the true reality of it, showing his struggles, regrets, and hope in a very personal way - unlike anything I've seen before. This movie is not just about the hardship some people endure, but about the hope of love! The real possibility of redemption and love, even when it feels like life has passed.

I can't recommend Moses enough. It's not just a great documentary but for me it's a reminder of hope and the fact that 'not all is lost'.

It's not every day that you get to witness someone's journey across 15 years, especially when that someone is as unforgettable as Moses. This film broke my heart and put it back together again. Hopeful, inspiring and deeply felt, I found myself in awe of the narrative's twists and turns, as well as its refreshingly inventive moments - fictionalized scenes and musical performances are artfully woven into the storyline, creating a sense of connection and hope that lingers with me still. This film is a testament to resilience and a reminder of how the process of filmmaking itself can be a conduit for healing and transformation.

The problem with so many films focused on issues of homelessness and struggles with substance abuse is the degree to which they flatten the characters into servants of social messaging. If you think you know what this film is about based on brief descriptions, prepare to be surprised.

When you meet Moses and the people in his life, you're given the opportunity to experience the full spectrum of humanity. It does not preach and it does not pull its punches. The film is a continuous unfolding, defying traditional narratives of suffering and redemption.

Add to this it's beautifully shot and edited, and captures San Francisco and the Bay Area as it has changed over time. Through Moses' eyes, you might just the city in a new way.

Francisco Guijarro's "Moses" is hands down, the best film about homelessness I have ever seen. Pursuing his subject, Moses, for over 14 years, Guijarro paints a heartbreakingly compassionate portrait of a man broken by addiction but never without hope and joy. Moses' humanity will make you think twice about your next interaction with a homeless person. His charisma and dignity steal the show and Guijarro's gentle presence in the film is rarely seen but always felt. Moses the film is a labor of love that has it all. Not only the rise and fall, but the slow hard work of forgiveness and redemption. Bravo!!!