Director JJ Anderson is making a name for herself as a documentary filmmaker with her second feature, “Sacred Soil: The Piney Woods School Story.” The film takes place at one of America’s oldest Black boarding schools and highlights the experiences of several students and staff members. Anderson offers viewers a unique look into the school and its students, showcasing the complex layers of their lives. “Sacred Soil: The Piney Woods School Story” captures young Black students’ emotional, physical, and mental challenges while pursuing an education in America. The film honors the students’ perspectives, providing a vivid and beautiful portrayal of their journeys.
“Sacred Soil: The Piney Woods School Story” is an awe-inspiring documentary that takes you on a journey into the lives of young scholars as they navigate the challenges of academics, social dynamics, and personal growth. The documentary offers intimate interviews with the students, showcasing their daily struggles and triumphs.
The documentary captures the school’s community and camaraderie through captivating footage and compelling stories. It highlights the importance of support and mentorship in the lives of these young scholars and how it can make all the difference. The film also delves into the rich history and tradition of the school, showcasing the legacy of excellence passed down through generations of students. It is a poignant reminder of the importance of education and the power of perseverance in the face of adversity.
JJ Anderson is a talented filmmaker who has already made a name for herself in documentaries, thanks to her unique perspective and ability to tell compelling stories. Her work has been praised for its ability to humanize her subjects and take viewers on an emotional journey. Anderson would be the perfect choice to create a documentary about Teena Marie or Phyllis Hyman. Both of these legendary singers had incredible careers and left a lasting impact on the music industry, but their personal lives and struggles have been mainly overlooked. Anderson has a natural talent for bringing out the human side of her subjects, and she could do the same for Marie and Hyman. By delving deeper into their personal lives and showing their challenges, Anderson could create a powerful documentary to shed new light on these iconic singers.
“Sacred Soil: The Piney Woods School Story” is a must-watch documentary that will leave you feeling inspired and uplifted. It is a testament to the resilience and strength of the human spirit and a powerful reminder of the transformative power of education.
Final Grade: A-
“Sacred Soil: The Piney Woods School Story” is streaming on Hulu now.
Songstress Ashanti was experiencing significant success with two platinum albums at the time of the release of her inaugural holiday project, “Ashanti’s Christmas,” on November 18, 2003. Her label head, Irv Gotti, produced most of the album. This project comprises four original songs co-written by Ashanti, in addition to six cover versions of traditional Christmas standards and carols.
Vocal quartet A Few Good Man contributed two songs to the project: a cover of “Silver Bells” and the ballad “Merry Christmas My Dear,” both of which were produced by Daryl Simmons. Demail Burks, David Morris, Aaron Hilliard, and Tony Amey were the members of the group, and after introducing themselves in the festive video for “Silver Bells,” it was only fitting that they delivered a ballad on the album.
R&B legend Luther Vandross had already solidified his place in R&B when he released his first holiday album, “This Is Christmas. Arriving in stores on October 24, 1995, “This Is Christmas” validates Vandross’s ability to sing anything.