Film-Forward

About Benjamin Tran

Benjamin Tran is a Los Angeles–based freelance writer, focusing mainly on film and politics.

    Detainee 001

    Director Greg Barker gives audiences an inside look into the events surrounding American-born Taliban fighter John Walker Lindh’s capture, his trial, and the immense media frenzy and jingoism it catalyzed.

    By |September 9th, 2021|Afghanistan, DVD/Streaming/On Demand|0 Comments

      Not Going Quietly

      With riveting gusto, the documentary highlights the day-to-day challenges of activist Ady Barkan and his wider fight for universal health care.

      By |August 12th, 2021|Documentary|0 Comments

        I Carry You with Me

        Based on a true story, director Heidi Ewing follows the lives of two gay Mexican men across the span of several decades as they find love, endure discrimination, and traverse a dangerous border crossing to start a new life.

        By |June 24th, 2021|GLBT, Indie|0 Comments

          Five Years North

          An in-depth look into the lives of two individuals standing at polar opposites of the Central American migration crisis.

          By |May 27th, 2021|Documentary|0 Comments

            Stray

            Exquisite close-ups offer a glimpse into the souls of man’s best friend as they wander the chaotic streets of Istanbul.

            By |March 4th, 2021|DVD/Streaming/On Demand, Top Picks|0 Comments

              ’Til Kingdom Come

              The symbiotic relationship between right-wing Christian evangelicals and Jewish Israelis is explored with uneven and wishy-washy strokes.

              By |February 25th, 2021|Documentary, DVD/Streaming/On Demand|0 Comments

                You Will Die at Twenty

                Part coming-of-age, part cautionary tale, the vibrant film follows a teenage boy who lives under the shadow of a prophecy: his death at 20.

                By |January 21st, 2021|DVD/Streaming/On Demand, Teen|0 Comments

                  The Reason I Jump

                  An eye-opening experience that gives audiences a window into the minds of kids with autism.

                  By |January 8th, 2021|Documentary, DVD/Streaming/On Demand|0 Comments

                    Farewell Amor

                    A nuanced and penetrating story about an immigrant family from Angola struggling to understand each other after a long absence.

                    By |December 10th, 2020|DVD/Streaming/On Demand, Family drama|0 Comments