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.
Growing up in the nineties, movies aimed at a melanin audience often featured soundtracks that had to be just as flavorful as the films themselves. This week, for Slow Jam Saturday, I want to take a trip back to 1993 and highlight one of the slow jams from the soundtrack of “Menace II Society”.
Last week marked two significant anniversaries for one of the greatest artists of all time, Mr. Prince Rogers Nelson. It’s only fitting that I show him some love for Second Listen Sunday. The first anniversary was on the 21st, commemorating nine years since his passing. The second anniversary was on the 22nd, celebrating the 40th anniversary of his seventh studio album, “Around the World in a Day.”
One of my most significant decisions late last year was to pledge to Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. At the time of this writing, I am in Atlantic City for my fraternity’s Regional Conference, where I will represent my chapter, Beta Alpha Omega. In that regard, I believe the perfect song for this week’s Slow Jam Saturday is “The Best Man I Can Be.”