Under Our Skin

"Under Our Skin" is one of the documentaries I had the opportunity to see during the DIFF. The film took an in-depth look at Lyme disease, a tick-borne illness with a range of symptoms and health consequences ranging from fatigue, to severe neurological damage/failure. The film explored the controversial concept of "chronic Lyme disease," and the paralleling ambiguity and inconsistencies present in both the disease itself, as well as the medical community’s attempts to treat it. "Under Our Skin" also looked at the interrelated nature of the insurance industry and medical community, and the subsequent treatments that are either denied or made available based on their ability to benefit. It did an excellent job of presenting useful, applicable scientific information/breakthroughs, as well as the moving personal narratives of several Lyme disease sufferers and their loved ones. "Under Our Skin" received the jury award of best documentary feature at the festival, which in my opinion was well deserved. This film was absolutely incredible, and by far one of the best documentaries I have seen in a long time.

Trouble Sleeping

During the DIFF, I was lucky to see several amazing films. Initially, I only really planned on watching one to fulfill the assignment for our class, but after watching the first, it didn't take long until I was a film festival junkie. I had an absolute blast, and I'm actually really excited for next year!

The first film of the festival that I watched was part of the features, and was entitled, "Trouble Sleeping." The film chronicles the lives of a group of refugees in Edinburgh, and the love, struggles, secrets, and joys they experience as they continue their pursuit for asylum. I loved this film for many reasons, but most notably because of the beautiful way in which the culture of the refugees was interwoven into a place in the world very different from their own. Nothing about these people appears unnatural or unrelatable, and every character appears to have some element to their person that speaks to the human heart of every walk and background. I would definitely recommend this film to anyone with a love and fascination about the world beyond their own.