Quest

Quest quite literally changed my life forever. It can be used as a guide, a guru and as "medicine" to keep returning to again and again. It's a moral compass for humanity and it brought out the truth in me that was yearning to be unveiled. It's a movie about healing and coming together with love and empathy.

I saw this movie as part of a school event, where the director himself came in to show his film, and talk about it. This is a true story about the director's life, and it holds nothing back from the viewer. It's darkly brutal, but above all, it has a real heart at its core, and a message of empathy that anyone can understand. This is definitely a hard film to watch, but it deserves your full attention.

It was my honor to meet Santiago Rizzo and then to see his movie QUEST. Words can not adequately express the awful beauty of this movie. An unflinching view of child abuse, reality that for many children the streets are safer than their own lives and the gift of love can transform lives. #questthemovie #thetruthalwaysrises #trustyourstruggle

TIM'S TOP 10 RULES TO LIVE BY

Have empathy for everyone.

Put yourself in someone else's skin and walk around in it.

Tell the truth.

You'll have less to remember. You know you never lied and eventually people will trust you.

Be Reliable.

Do what you say you were going to do. Even if it means showing up on time. People will trust you.

Assume Positive Intent.

If they are incompetent, so be it, but it doesn't hurt you to assume they are doing their best.

Be Physically Active.

It's better than any drug. It's fun and can be a boon to your social life. If you are running an errand, walk or ride a bike because you'll feel better. It may not be obvious at first but it adds up.

Just do it.

If the choice is between sitting around and doing nothing or doing something, do something every single time.

Don't blame anyone.

No one is to blame for anything. Only you can change what you do. If you blame someone else, you can't solve the problem. Instead, you are telling someone else to solve the problem. If you don't blame then you will be able to take control.

Your possessions can be replaced.

People are obsessed with their possessions. Letting your possessions control you is a terrible way of living. When you can let them go, you become free. There's little relationship between wealth and happiness.

Carpe Diem.

Seize the Day. Accomplish something everyday. Otherwise you're wasting time. There's always something wonderful to experience. Go do it.

Solve your problems.

Some people like to have problems so they have something to complain about. Don't waste time. It also gives you something to do. Something to strive for.

This film is full of heart, soul and reality. How lucky we are to have shared this world with someone who gave so much and wanted so little. How sad that any child should have a heartbeat without the very basic human needs of love and respect.

Please post the organizations listed in the credits that help children in similar situations.

Here is a passionate filmmaker who gives us a look at the power of a dedicated mentor who looks out for a 'troubled' kid. Looks past all those stereotypes to reveal that what we all really want is connection. And is an homage to the teaching profession and a teacher who refuses to give up when all other adults seem to. A powerful, tense, amazing performance by young Gregory Kasyan as Mills and a frightening, honest portrayal by Lou Diamond Phillips. Best film I've seen all year, and I spend my life studying and teaching film history and filmmaking. A24, pick up this film!!!