Moses

Moses is a deeply moving documentary and a fascinating story of human nature. It's beauty and complexity. Moses proves that humans can shine in the darkest places and when life hits hardest. Great pictures and music. Well paced storyline and unexpected turns of events keep you engaged. Overall a very satisfying experience for the eyes, ears, mind and heart. Watching all this as a documentary and knowing it actually happened and is part of San Francisco's every day life makes it even more impactful and interesting. You will cry and you will laugh too. You'll walk away a better human afterwards.

I saw this film as part of the 27th United Nations Association International Film Festival in SF. The screening was sold out, so I was fortunate to get to see it.

This movie is many things -- it is the story of a film maker who in recording his subject, changed his subject's trajectory. It is the story of a musician who became a homeless drug addict -- a kind of person who all too often tends to be viewed as less than human -- viewed through an entirely human and compassionate lens. It is the kind of story humanity needs more of honestly. The ending feels miraculous.

Mini rant here: homelessness is a manufactured problem. It doesn't have to be this way.

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.

I saw this film as part of the 27th United Nations Association International Film Festival in San Francisco, at a sold-out screening. I got to meet a few of the people who participated in the film, friends and family of the film's subject, which made it an especially poignant experience. However, I feel that anyone who sees this movie will come away having learned important things, not just about homelessness and addiction, but also about humanity in general. This is an incredibly beautiful story; harrowing at times, but filled with lovely arcs and resolutions, lovingly and compassionately recorded and shared by Guijarro. If you loved the character of "Bubs" on "The Wire", you will appreciate meeting and spending time with 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.