Say Her Name: The Life and Death of Sandra Bland

Interesting documentary but after watching this all I could think was that the family just couldn't accept the fact that their daughter committed suicide. Suicide has such a negative stigma that family members just don't want to accept as reality. Even after an independent autopsy they still refused to accept reality and needed someone to sue to be compensated.

The traffic stop escalated very quickly and never should have never ended that way. But to accuse the police and jail employees of a huge conspiracy to kill Sandra because she was a huge successful "activist" is just absurd. To think she was Epsteined before Epstein is irrational, illogical and plain comical.

If it wasn't for the ludicrous conspiracy theory this documentary would have been far better.

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.

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.

This case breaks my heart and makes me feel sick. This documentary was hard to watch but important to look further into this case. I don't think we'll ever get answers unfortunately.

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.