As the year comes to an end, I’ve been contemplating the films I saw this year that have stayed with me. I’m hardly a film critic, and certainly many of you will disagree with or even detest my choices. What I think is more important is encouraging friends and strangers to watch more film!

“We are put on this planet only once, and to limit ourselves to the familiar is a crime against our minds.” – Roger Ebert

France (2021), dir. Bruno Dumont

Without a doubt, this was the film that kept turning over in my mind since watching it early this year. I’m in a significant minority as many critics and most audiences found it tedious, simplistic, and shallow. What I saw was a film exploring the spectacle of modern reporting, celebrity, and our deep desires to not only construct narratives, but attempt to find faith in them.

No Bears (2022), dir. Jafar Panahi

An brilliant film by the indomitable Jafar Panahi that unfolds on so many levels that I can’t possibly list them – ultimately this film dives into the immeasurable power and danger of images.

Vagabond (1985), dir. Agnés Varda

It took me until 2023 to finally watch this film by the great Agnés Varda. The tragic story of a young vagabond in southern France. I don’t know if I can say anything else about it other than recommending you watch it.

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