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