Programmers' Picks: Kathleen Mullen on SIFF 2025
Seeds
Enter into the realities of Black farmers in the South. Meet their families, elders, and the people they work with to make ends meet when their livelihoods are on the line. I appreciated the observational insider’s view by director Brittany Shyne of the fight for their rights and the daily joys they find as a community.
Know Her Name
Uncover the stories of these visionary women in cinema and explore the effects of historical amnesia, revealing how sexism and racism have shaped the industry. Despite their groundbreaking work, many of these women directors, both past and present, remain absent from cinema’s legacy!
Jean Cocteau
Jean Cocteau’s writing, loves, and vision come to life in this unique exploration of the influential avant-garde French novelist, poet, filmmaker, and artist. Narrated by Josh O’Connor, this stunning work captures the essence of this artistic master’s life.
Drowned Land
Colleen Thurston traces the history of how the Choctaw Nation's land has been gradually stripped away, intertwining it with her own family’s fascinating story. As a new bill is signed to divert the Kiamichi River in Oklahoma, her family and the river’s community become unexpected activists, fighting to protect their homes.
Come See Me in the Good Light
Poet Andrea Gibson inspires me with their words and their courage for life in this timely documentary that chronicles the relationship between them and their poet spouse Megan Falley in the face of Andrea’s incurable illness. A must-see.
Between Goodbyes
Experience the emotional journey like I did of a mother and daughter reunited after discovering each other, spanning from the Netherlands to South Korea. Part of the over 200,000 Korean children adopted internationally between 1950 and 2020.
Baby Doe
These harrowing and sympathetic stories of young women in the US who, unaware of their pregnancies, face devastating outcomes—whether their babies naturally pass away, or they are accused of “murder” and sentenced to prison. This documentary moved me.
Sally
Be inspired by Sally Ride’s focus and determination to be the first woman in space. Her partner of 27 years describes their life together and the struggles they had as Sally remained closeted for life because of the real fears of homophobia ruining her career. Sally’s incredible journey to space is lovingly highlighted.
Billy
This powerful documentary explores the complicated friendship between Billy and director Lawrence Côté-Collins as she visits him in prison. Through his personal videos, she uncovers his undiagnosed mental illness, revealing an intimate and emotional story.
Monk in Pieces
Meridith Monk’s use of her unique voice is like no others. Influential to both David Byrne, and Björk who famously covered Monk’s “Gotham Lullaby,” Monk was awarded the US National Medal of Arts, and in this insightful documentary you understand why.
