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Oualid Mouaness' debut film "1982" is a beautifully blended coming-of-age tale that follows the 1982 invasion of Lebanon as seen through the eyes of a schoolboy who tries relentlessly to announce his love to a classmate on the same evening that disaster strikes. Mouaness, who in addition to directing, wrote and produced this film, which is unlike any other in its ability to draw emotion and suspense with the subtlety and grace of a true auteur. With exquisite performances from Mohamad Dalli (Wissam) and Nadine Labaki (Yasmine), this script becomes a story that is as palpable as it is entertaining, consistently delivering on effective blocking and delivery that progresses the film organically. As effective as the dialogue and action are, however, I would be remiss not to mention what is possibly the film's greatest strength, its silences. Mouaness strategically injects the action with silences that elevate this film to a new level of excellence, drawing out each interaction and allowing the impact of this event to fully wash over the audience. "1982" is one of the finest contemporary examples of narrative cinema, and one that will continue to push the envelope of what it means to be a filmmaker.

The Revolution Generation: How Millennials Can Save America and the World is Joshua and Rebecca Tickell's latest masterpiece, and one that does not miss a single beat. Guided by the eloquent voice of narrator Michelle Rodriguez, The Revolution Generation takes you through a comprehensive rollercoaster of American history, showing how this history has informed the present and will inform the future. Through a lens of history's cyclical nature, it highlights the future's dependence on our youth and promotes their incredible potential to effect change through contemporary avenues. This stance is effectively reinforced through sobering and fascinating testimonies from activists Corbin Bleu and Shailene Woodley, who are repurposing their influence to inspire tremendous progress. Whether it is mental health advocacy, civil rights, or environmental conservation, The Revolution Generation makes it crystal clear that everyone has a voice and the ability to fight for what they believe in - making it one of the most important films of its class.