Watch Awakening: After Parkland
- 2018
- 17 min
The documentary film Awakening: After Parkland depicts the aftermath of the tragic shooting that occurred on February 14, 2018 at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. The film features a group of students who survived the shooting and who went on to question the system that allowed such an event to occur, while demanding change and justice.
The film focuses on a group of students who organized themselves and started a nationwide movement to promote gun control and put an end to gun violence. The group, which includes Sawyer Garrity, Cameron Kasky, and Alex Wind, among others, began this activism with the intention of honoring their murdered classmates and taking a stand to prevent future tragedies like the one they had experienced.
Throughout the film, the students are portrayed as resilient, powerful, and inspiring individuals who have taken it upon themselves to face the issue of gun violence in America head-on. They are shown as normal teenagers who were thrust into a situation that changed their lives forever. The film also depicts the students dealing with grief, trauma, and survivor’s guilt as they begin to grapple with the reality of what had happened to them and their community.
The documentary shows the students participating in numerous rallies and events across the country, where they have the chance to discuss their experiences and share their thoughts on the issue of gun control. They meet with policymakers, lobbyists, and activists, engaging in heated debates about various policies and laws. The students’ determination, passion, and resilience are highlighted in each of these encounters, as they work tirelessly to ensure that their message is heard.
Throughout the film, the documentary crew portrays a range of reactions from politicians and activists alike. Some are sympathetic to the students’ cause and eager to work with them, while others are openly hostile and dismissive of their efforts. These scenes illustrate the profound political polarization surrounding gun control legislation.
The film’s cinematography and sound are effective in capturing the emotions of the students and their struggle to find a voice after experiencing such a horrific event. The audience witnesses the students wrestling with their emotions as they try to reconcile their trauma with the demands of the national spotlight. The documentary captures the optimism and hope of the students, as well as their anger and frustration.
The movie is powerful and emotionally charged, as it shows the raw emotions and determination of the Parkland students. It is both deeply sad and remarkably hopeful. The filmmakers make a deliberate choice to focus on the stories and experiences of the students, and to depoliticize the issue of gun violence as much as possible. They want the audience to see things the way the students see them, from their perspective.
Overall, Awakening: After Parkland leaves a lasting impression on the viewer. It is a powerful tribute to the students who have become the face of the fight against gun violence in the United States. The film is a testament to their ability to turn tragedy into action, and it shows us that even in darkness, there is always hope.