There Are Things to Do 2023
Distributed by Good Docs
Produced by Fermin Rojas
Directed by Mike Syers
Streaming, 34 mins
Middle School - General Adult
Activism; Gay and Lesbian Liberation Movement; LGBTQIA+
Date Entered: 09/12/2024
Reviewed by Monique Threatt, Indiana University, Herman B Wells Library, Bloomington, INA beautiful and heart-wrenching documentary short dedicated to lesbian activist, author, lawyer, speech writer and more, Urvashi Vaid (1958-2022). Wow, just wow. This reviewer must be getting too old to review films of this significance. I was in tears at film’s end.
The documentary makes one question and answer, "what makes a great leader?" Some of the greatest people in history are small in stature, such as civil rights activist John Lewis and Urvashi, but their selfless devotion and tireless activism and commitment to equal and social justice for all humans regardless of race, creed, color, religion, or sexual orientation makes them giants -- bigger than life. Their devotion to making the world a better place to live in is indescribable. This reviewer cannot find enough words to sing the praises of like-minded people such as Urvashi. Instead of listing all of her awards and accomplishments here, I strongly encourage others to do like I did and read more about her on Wikipedia, read her books, as well as the numerous articles on how she spearheaded and helped plan the April 25, 1993 March on Washington for Lesbian, Gay & Bi Equal Rights & Liberation with an endorsement from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. Their like-minded purpose and goals further seal the relationship between LGBTQIA+ and civil rights movements.
A longer version of this documentary is available for purchase which includes a recorded 16 minute Q&A. I highly recommend this film for LGBTQIA+ and Gender Studies.
Awards:Audience Award Best Documentary Short, NewFest The New York LGBTQ+ Film Festival; Audience Award Best Documentary Short, Out At The Movies; Best Documentary Short, Unleashed LGBTQ+; Best Short Film, OutReels Cincinnati; Festival Staff Highlight, Davis Feminist Film Festival
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