Say Her Name: The Life and Death of Sandra Bland

I can't even believe anyone would defend the arresting fascist moron in the video. Failure to signal a land change? OMG, if I were pulled over for that, I would have lost my mind. He just couldn't get over the fact that she wasn't in awe of his small penis, or whatever his problem is. Police who defend this creep only work to further alienate police from the population that are paid to protect and serve. Protect and serve. Didn't see anything approaching that in the repugnant video which clearly show an officer of the law abusing his position to simply mess with a black woman. She was being so incredibly reasonable and anyone who can't see that is a completely unreasonable human being, and I use that word loosely.

Not since "The Thin Blue Line" by Errol Morris have I seen a documentary as insightful and devastating as "Say Her Name: The Life and Death of Sandra Bland." Interviews of family, friends, and law enforcement present a Rashomon range of opinions. Video from the arresting officer's body cam and dash cam document his meltdown in the face of a strong, calm woman.

Though we know the conclusion of this tragedy, it doesn't detract interest from the family's search to disclose the probable cause of Ms. Bland's death. Recollections of her bright personality and community engagement make us feel her absence more keenly.

Directors Kate Davis and David Hellbroner masterfully present details in a clear, logical manner. Conflicting information is laid out for the viewer to consider, though the injustice is obvious. The documentary displays another simple traffic stop resulting in the death of an unarmed Black person in police custody, told unflinchingly.

Really insightful. This doc is asking all the right questions of Americans and our institutions. I found it interesting that Sandra's messages resonate so well with people across races. Her voice calls for friendship across racial divides and a better understanding of each other (as she put it, more black people need white friends and more white people need black friends). I did not find her words or this documentary's purpose was to "incite" but rather to "unite", as she says so eloquently in her online videos prior to her death. I also thought it gave an accurate depiction of the law enforcement involved and did unfairly portray them. We are called to stop and think when we see the video of the police officer removing her from her vehicle, the escalating situation, and her senseless death. Sandra Bland's death is still surrounded in mystery, but she will not be forgotten. I think the title of the film resonates will all humans. If I had known Sandy, I'd like to think we would have been friends.

I am moved by this body of work on Sandra Bland. Her life was not in vain, although I wish she were still here to use that brilliance. I discovered things I did not know. The documentary does present both sides-- no matter where you land on this verdict, the director strived to give the Sheriff & DA a chance to be heard. I, on the other hand, am thoroughly convinced that her death was not of her own volition. The evidence and the video was overwhelming and brought me to tears. My deepest sympathies to her family and thanks to all who participated in the movie. It is worth your time.

Kate Davis and David Heilbroner allowed us to show this magnificent documentary at the DOC WEEK Film Festival at the Martha's Vineyard Film Center in August 2018.

Kate's direction brilliantly incorporates Sandra Bland's video messages, placing them purposefully as bookends for the entire 100-minute documentary as well as scattered within the narrative of the film. Beautifully paced and elegantly edited, Sandra's story is revealed as a combination of mystery and biography.

You'll be thinking about this one for a long time after. In the future, every time you see a protest about police brutality, wrongful death or racial tensions in America, you mind will come back to this one.