This fantastic documentary directed by Abby Ginzberg shares an historic story generations will need to witness. I admire how this documentary focuses more on the current impacts of Barbara Lee. In many documentaries based on a single influential person it is solely focused on the past, while this film is not.
Barbara Lee is currently a United States Congresswoman who has pushed boundaries and broken glass ceilings. This documentary follows the initiatives she stands for and how she has impacted the politics as the 100th black member of Congress.
It is exciting to see so many familiar faces throughout this film, such as, Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) and the late Former Congressman John Lewis. The flow and organization of this film is my favorite aspect. As most documentaries are known to be information heavy I love how Director Abby Ginzberg starts the film off with the most recent endeavors made by Lee. This allows me to see that Congresswoman Lee is still making history and that I am living in it. It is interesting to see how Barbara Lee differs from other politicians, her life in this film is depicted as one large campaign trail to get more people involved in what she is advocating for.
Barbara Lee says the message of this documentary herself, stating, “You have to be true to yourself.” Although faced with so much controversy and hardship throughout life we must, in every circumstance, know who we are and act accordingly. This film is a call to action from all of us who need to take a stand on the issues we care about.
I give Barbara Lee: Speaking Truth to Power, 5 out of 5 stars and I recommended it to ages 7 to 18, plus adults. You can watch Barbara Lee: Speaking Truth to Power on STARZ premiering February 1st.