GEN_: A Feel-Good Doc About Healthcare Accessibility
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the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, while known for its captivating documentaries, offers a diverse selection of non-fiction films that go beyond the usual glitz and glamour. From smuggled films from Russia to documentaries exploring Chicago’s vibrant musical scene, the festival shines a light on various social issues.However, one film stands out for its powerful and relatable exploration of a topic that resonates across political divides: healthcare.
Gianluca Matarrese’s *GEN_* , delivers a moving portrait of Dr. maurizio Bini and his work at his fertilization and gender-affirming care facility in Milan. Matarrese adopts a fly-on-the-wall approach, capturing patient consultations, medical procedures, and staff interactions with a subtle intimacy. The effect is mesmerizing, blurring the lines between observer and participant, drawing us into the raw emotional landscape of these individuals seeking transformative change.
“We hope everyone who wants to get pregnant gets pregnant, we hope everyone who wants their body and governmentally recognized name to match how they see themselves finds the resolution they deserve,” whispers the film, echoing the hopes and dreams of those seeking Bini’s care.
Dr. Bini emerges as more then just a skilled medical professional; he’s a beacon of empathy and courage. Navigating a conservative Catholic country increasingly restricting access to certain medical care, Bini pushes the boundaries of the law in his unwavering commitment to his patients. “Bini isn’t just an empathetic, charismatic force, but a courageous one; his conservative Catholic country is cracking down on who can get what kinds of care, and Bini is willing to stretch the laws to the point that they snap,” the film observes.While *GEN_* delves into a subject that may personally resonate with some viewers more than others, its emotional power transcends any pre-existing biases. The film’s minimalist aesthetic and focus on Dr.Bini’s character make him the undeniable star. His soft-spoken yet charismatic demeanor, coupled with his genuine warmth and curiosity, make him a figure we are eager to root for.
In a world increasingly hostile to those seeking healthcare, his unwavering compassion is a balm for the soul. As he navigates the complexities of patient needs, ranging from hopeful mothers seeking fertility treatments to adolescents grappling with their gender identity, bini embodies the very essence of human connection and care.
The film culminates as a reaffirmation of the transformative power of medical intervention,offering a rare and precious glimmer of hope in an otherwise chaotic world. As one commentator notes: “As he juggles everyone from older hopeful mothers to adolescents still figuring out their gender identities to construction workers insistent on rattling the walls while his team painstakingly attempts to perform microscopic injections, Bini is worth rooting for throughout.” in a world increasingly hostile to those needing medical care of any kind, he’s always saying the right things with the same kind of eccentric warmth that makes Orna Guralnik from HBO’s *Couples Therapy* such a watchable screen presence,”
*GEN_* is a testament to the power of individual dedication and the profound impact one person can make in the lives of others. It’s a reminder that even in the face of systemic challenges, compassion and empathy can prevail, offering a beacon of hope for a more inclusive and equitable future.
Sundance 2025: Films to Watch
The Sundance Film Festival is back, bringing with it a roster of films that promise to both entertain and provoke. From intimate portraits of love and loss to explorations of the complexities of modern dating,this year’s lineup offers something for everyone.
One film that is sure to resonate with audiences is
Come See Me In The Good Light (C+)
. This documentary follows spoken word poet Andrea Gibson as they grapple with a terminal cancer diagnosis.Their partner,fellow poet Megan Falley,offers unwavering support as they navigate the emotional rollercoaster of life and death. As director Ryan White’s lens captures Gibson’s powerful poetry readings, the film delves into the depths of their relationship and the worldwide experiance of confronting mortality. While the film’s theme of heartbreak is undeniable, Gibson’s resilient spirit and Falley’s steadfast love offer a glimmer of hope amidst the sadness.
The director’s choice to focus on Gibson’s poetry is intentional. “When Gibson and Falley are just being themselves around each other,” White notes, “the little prickly things about love emerge more beautifully than in the breathy beats of these voiceover readings.” These intimate moments, alongside Gibson’s raw ’roid rage stemming from their treatment, reveal the complexity of their love and connection, surpassing the sometimes overly sentimental nature of their work. The film also offers a glimpse into the American healthcare system, highlighting the emotional and financial toll of chronic illness.
“Just brushing against this system is enough to salt your reluctant tears with rage,”
The Dating Game (C-)
takes us on a journey into the chaotic world of online dating in China. Director Violet Du Feng focuses on a group of men who have placed their hopes in a flamboyant dating coach named Hao. Hao espouses a classic pickup artist mentality, encouraging his clients to use negging, ignoring, and outright manipulation to attract women.
While Hao’s methods are questionable, the film shines a light on the desperation these men feel in a hyper-competitive landscape. The men, “a little older, a little more awkward, a little less refined, a little broke,” yearn for connection and see Hao as their last hope. Amidst the superficiality,moments of genuine emotion emerge as the men reveal their vulnerabilities and dreams of finding lasting love.
the Sundance 2025 lineup promises to provide a unique and thought-provoking cinematic experience.
The latest wave of documentaries explores a variety of fascinating themes, offering intimate glimpses into global events, personal struggles, and the evolution of music. Two films delve into the cultural heartbeats of iconic genres: Electronic dance music, specifically its progenitor, House music, and its trajectory, get dissected in Move Ya Body: The Birth Of House , (C-). Director Elegance Bratton ( the Inspection) offers viewers rare access to pivotal DJs, musicians, LGBTQ+ pioneers, and influential figures of the vibrant Chicago South Side scene. However, despite compelling insights into House’s origins, the film meanders through its evolution, leaving viewers yearning for a deeper exploration. Certain past gaps and allusions to legal issues surrounding exploited artists suggest that deeper, potentially controversial, stories might be veiled behind legal complexities, adding an element of intrigue to the narrative.
Even though the pulsating soundtrack of iconic House tracks enhances the viewing experience, “move Ya Body” feels fragmented, as if missing crucial pieces of its story. Perhaps legal restrictions prevented full exploration of artists’ exploitation, or perhaps a tighter narrative framework was missing. The resulting feeling leaves a sense of incompleteness, despite its infectious soundtrack. “Move Ya Body” feels curiously detached from House’s inherent connection to marginalized communities, specifically the LGBTQ+ and Black communities who pioneered its raw, uninhibited sounds.
Turning from electronic dance music’s beginnings to geopolitical turmoil, Mr.Nobody Against Putin (C+) offers a chilling look inside Russia during wartime. Through clandestine footage shot over two years by pavel “Pasha” Talankin, the film portrays his change as his once-rebellious students, who embrace rock music, piercings, and colourful expressions, are slowly indoctrinated into fervent nationalism. Filmed primarily by Talankin, an elementary school teacher turned reluctant chronicler, this documentary provides intimate access to Russia’s shift towards authoritarianism. Director David Borenstein attempts to weave narrative threads, sometimes feeling strained or incomplete. Nonetheless, “Mr. Nobody Against Putin” poignantly captures a nation’s descent into hatred and violence.
Ultimately, the strength of both documentaries lies in their intimate perspectives, exposing hidden corners of cultural phenomena. While one reveals the pulsating roots of dance music, the other sheds light on a chilling reality within Russian classrooms.
Coexistence,My Ass!: One Woman’s Stand-Up Comedy Journey Through Israeli Conflict
Noam Shuster-Eliassi’s film,*Coexistence,My Ass!*,stands out amidst the often-predictable narratives surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Told through the lens of stand-up comedy, the film offers a unique outlook on a deeply complex issue.
Shuster-Eliassi’s comedic journey unfolds against the backdrop of a society grappling with profound divisions. Her upbringing in Neve Shalom, an intentional community of Israelis and palestinians, instilled in her a belief in coexistence. However, as she navigates the political landscape, she witnesses firsthand the hardening attitudes and escalating tensions that permeate Israeli society.
Filmed over a significant period, including the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the devastating events following the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, *Coexistence, My Ass!* captures a nation grappling with a sense of growing unrest and disillusionment. Shuster-Eliassi’s own experiences mirror this sense of displacement, as she witnesses even her liberal family and friends turn against her for questioning her country’s actions.
While shuster-Eliassi’s stand-up routine, the heart of the film, is interspersed with moments of genuine humor, it also reveals the weight of her personal struggles. Director Amber Fares masterfully weaves together Shuster-Eliassi’s comedic observations with poignant moments of introspection, creating a layered portrait of an artist confronting both personal and political turmoil.
Despite the limitations of using a single perspective to address such a complex issue,*Coexistence,My Ass!* serves as a powerful call for dialog and understanding.Shuster-Eliassi’s courage in using humor to tackle difficult topics encourages viewers to confront their own biases and engage in a more nuanced conversation about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
How does the film use humor to address the serious and ofen divisive topic of the Israeli-palestinian conflict?
“Coexistence, My Ass!” Offers a Fresh Perspective on the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict Through Stand-Up Comedy
Director Amber Fares’ film, Coexistence, My Ass!*, follows stand-up comedian Noam Shuster-Eliassi’s journey navigating Israeli society’s complex political landscape.
Shuster-eliassi’s upbringing in Neve Shalom, a community fostering coexistence between Israelis and Palestinians, instilled in her a belief in peaceful solutions. However, her experiences reveal the growing divisions and hardening attitudes prevalent in Israeli society.
I spoke with Fares about the film’s unique approach to tackling a deeply sensitive issue.
Archyde: Your film utilizes stand-up comedy as a lens to explore the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Why did you choose this unconventional approach?
Amber Fares: Stand-up comedy is inherently personal, raw, and frequently enough tackles societal issues head-on. We wanted to showcase Noam’s unique perspective, her struggle with finding humor amidst the turmoil, and her journey of confronting challenging truths about her country. Comedy, despite its lightness, can be incredibly powerful in exposing uncomfortable realities.
Archyde: Noam’s journey unfolds against the backdrop of significant events, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent Hamas attack. How did these events influence the film’s narrative?
Amber Fares: These events amplified the sense of anxiety, division, and disillusionment already present in Israeli society. Witnessing how these events impacted Noam personally, seeing her grapple with shifting perspectives within her own family, added another layer of complexity to the film.
Archyde: Critics often argue that focusing on a single perspective limits the scope of understanding a complex conflict. What’s your response to this?
Amber Fares: While we acknowledge the limitations of presenting a single perspective, we believe Noam’s voice, her experiences, and her humor offer valuable insights into the lived realities of Israelis grappling with the conflict. Our aim isn’t to provide definitive answers but to spark conversation, empathy, and understanding.
Archyde: What message do you hope audiences take away from Coexistence, My Ass!?
Amber Fares: Ultimately, we hope the film encourages viewers to engage in more nuanced conversations about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, to challenge their own biases, and to recognize the humanity in individuals on all sides.comedy, in its ability to make us laugh, cry, and reflect, serves as a powerful tool for fostering empathy and understanding.
