Educational Media Reviews Online

This documentary-feature by filmmaker and step-brother, Robert Greene, is a personal diary and journey of 18-year-old Kati Genthner as she prepares to graduate from high school and make decisions that will affect her future. Growing up in rural Alabama, Kati is a typical teen whose life revolves around her 21-year-old boyfriend James, best friends, and shopping at the mall. She is optimistic that she can talk James into leaving Alabama to start a new life with her as she attends Johnson & Wales University in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The film documents Kati and her friends three days prior to graduation, the day of graduation, and a more in-depth look at her relationship with James. She is insistent and persistent to talk James into moving to North Carolina. James appears to be a sensitive and loving boyfriend who hopes to be a successful musician. However, he still lives at home with his parents, and on several occasions, expresses doubt about the move. Justifiably, both Kati’s and James’ parents also express reservations about James’ plans to move to North Carolina. As with most 21-year-olds, he is torn between advice from his parents, pursuing his dreams in Alabama, and starting a new life with Kati in a new state.

The documentary is interspersed with footage, shot by Robert, of Kati when she is eight-years-old. We get a glimpse of a very intelligent child with many talents. She loves school, writing poetry, singing, sharing her diary, and innocently talking about boys and other matters of interest to children at that age. It is not clear what motivates the filmmaker to videotape Kati at an early age, but the footage and backstory adds depth to her character. We want to believe that she is mature and responsible beyond her years, and that she is going to do well at university.

Sadly, after graduation, James reveals that he will not be immediately following Katie to university but makes a commitment to join her in two months. Katie dejectedly leaves behind James and her high school chums. Three months after graduation, Kati reveals that she is pregnant. The news devastates this reviewer.

The New York Times and New York Magazine selected Kati with an I as their Critic’s Pick. It is a story that speaks to the every generation of graduating teenagers who, with all the best intentions, are uncertain of the future. It is an excellent resource for educators in gender studies, and sociology. The music compliments the story, and the cinematography is great. I highly recommend this film for high school, public, and academic libraries.