New Movies: Feel Like Ghosts (2022) by Kali Baker-Johnson

"Feel Like Ghosts (2022)": A Verité Snapshot of Teenage Life in Pandemic Miami

Description: Kali Baker-Johnson's "Feel Like Ghosts (2022)" is an intimate verité drama that offers a window into the lives of a group of teenagers navigating adolescence in Miami during the unprecedented times of the pandemic. The film provides a naturalistic look at their everyday experiences, exploring universal themes of love, loss, identity, and the anxieties of an uncertain future, all filtered through the unique lens of a world fundamentally altered by a global health crisis.

Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt19844970/

Link Review: https://filmthreat.com/reviews/feel-like-ghosts/

About movie: http://www.kalibakerjohnson.com/feellikeghosts.html

Link to watch: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Feel-Like-Ghosts-Kali-Baker-Johnson/dp/B0D9X1NC13 (UK)

Detailed Summary: Set against the backdrop of Miami during the pandemic, "Feel Like Ghosts" immerses viewers in the world of a group of teenagers. The film adopts a vérité style, focusing on their authentic interactions, conversations, and daily routines as they grapple with the challenges and changes brought about by the pandemic. Through intimate observations, the film explores their budding relationships, the experience of loss in various forms, their evolving sense of self and identity amidst isolation and disruption, and the pervasive uncertainty surrounding their futures. The narrative unfolds through a series of interconnected moments, capturing the subtle shifts in their emotional landscapes and the ways they find connection and navigate the complexities of coming of age during a truly unique historical moment. The film aims to be a sincere and moving portrayal of a generation shaped by the pandemic.

Plot Summary:

• The film follows the everyday lives of a group of teenagers in Miami during the pandemic.

• It uses a verité style to capture authentic interactions.

• Themes of love, loss, identity, and the future are explored.

• The teenagers navigate the challenges and changes brought by the pandemic.

The plot is a slice-of-life portrayal focused on the emotional and social experiences of teenagers during a specific historical period.

Director's Vision: Kali Baker-Johnson directed and wrote "Feel Like Ghosts (2022)." His vision for the film was to create an authentic "snapshot" of what it felt like to be a teenager during the unique and challenging period of the pandemic. Baker-Johnson aimed to explore the specific ways the pandemic impacted their relationships, mental health, and sense of self. The choice of a verité style was deliberate, intended to prioritize a sense of realism and focus on the genuine interactions of the characters. The film also features a score of original music by Miami-based artists, which Baker-Johnson utilized to enhance the sense of place and time, contributing to a powerful and moving portrait of a generation coming of age in a changing world.

Themes:

• Adolescence in Crisis: The central theme is the experience of growing up and forming identity during a period of global upheaval and uncertainty.

• Impact of the Pandemic: The film directly explores the various ways the COVID-19 pandemic affected teenagers' lives, including social isolation, changes in routine, and anxieties about the future.

• Love and Relationships: The film delves into the development and navigation of romantic and platonic relationships during a time of limited physical connection.

• Loss and Grief: The theme of loss is explored, potentially encompassing the loss of normalcy, opportunities, and perhaps even loved ones.

• Identity Formation: The challenges of the pandemic likely force the characters to confront questions of who they are and who they are becoming.

• Uncertainty of the Future: The film captures the anxieties and unknowns faced by young people looking ahead in a world that feels less predictable.

Key Success Factors:

• Timely and Relevant Subject Matter: The film directly addresses the recent and universally impactful experience of the pandemic, particularly its effects on young people.

• Authentic Verité Style: The choice of a realistic, observational approach can resonate with audiences seeking genuine portrayals of human experience.

• Focus on Teenage Voices: Giving a platform to the perspectives and experiences of teenagers during this time is a valuable aspect of the film.

• Sense of Place through Music: The use of original music by Miami-based artists contributes to the film's atmosphere and cultural specificity.

Summary Short: A verité drama offering an intimate look at Miami teenagers navigating love, loss, and identity during the pandemic, directed by Kali Baker-Johnson.

Awards and Nominations: 2 wins & 2 nominations, American Black Film Festival

Critics Reception: Comprehensive critical reviews for "Feel Like Ghosts (2022)" from major film publications are not widely available based on the conducted searches. However, the film's reception at the American Black Film Festival was clearly positive, as evidenced by its awards.

• Film Threat: In a brief review on Film Threat, the film is described positively, with the critic stating, "The characters are credible, and the ease with which Baker-Johnson navigates, conveying their experience, gives the viewer an extraordinary level of confidence in the film. It's clear that you are in good hands. The film wraps around us like a good sweater." This suggests an appreciation for the film's authentic characters and confident direction.

• ABFF Awards: Winning both Best Director and Best Screenplay in the Narrative Feature categories at a respected festival like ABFF indicates that the film was well-regarded by the festival's jury, suggesting strong direction, writing, and overall artistic merit within the context of the festival's programming.

Overall Critics Reception: While a broader critical consensus from a wider range of reviewers is not extensively available, the film's success at ABFF and the positive mention from Film Threat are strong indicators of a favorable reception within the independent film circuit at the time of its premiere.

Reviews: Detailed reviews from film critics in major publications are limited. The most significant indicators of the film's reception are the awards it received at the American Black Film Festival and the brief positive review found.

• Film Threat: As mentioned in the "Critics Reception" section, Film Threat offered a positive take, highlighting the believability of the characters and the director's skill.

• ABFF Recognition: The awards for Best Director and Best Screenplay serve as a strong form of positive review from the American Black Film Festival's jury.

Overall Reviews: Based on the available information, the film was well-received at its premiere festival, particularly for its direction and screenplay, and received at least one positive review from a film website covering independent cinema.

Production: "Feel Like Ghosts (2022)" was directed and written by Kali Baker-Johnson. The film was produced by a team including Joshua Jean-Baptiste, Jonathan Burnett, Alexa Cort, Victoria Martell, Rebecca Claire Price, and Michael Thomas Santos. Executive producers included Aaron Samuels, Jonathan Brown, Robert Johnson, Jeff Kranzdorf, Rob Muraskin, Jake Rhodes, Stephen Sanches, and Mark Stern. Production companies involved were FilmGate Films, Talking Elephant Productions, and Third Horizon Media. The film was shot in Miami, reflecting its setting.

Production Companies:

• FilmGate Films

• Talking Elephant Productions

• Third Horizon Media

Theatrical Release: "Feel Like Ghosts (2022)" had a release in the USA in 2022. Details regarding the scope and nature of this theatrical release (if any) are not clearly provided.

Why to Recommend This Movie:

• Authentic Portrayal of Pandemic Teen Life: Offers a potentially genuine look at a specific and impactful historical experience for young people.

• Verité Filmmaking Style: Appeals to viewers interested in realistic and observational cinema.

• Exploration of Relevant Themes: Tackles universal teenage issues within the unique context of the pandemic.

• Miami Setting and Soundtrack: Provides a strong sense of place and features local artistic talent.

Why to Watch Movie:

• If You Lived Through the Pandemic as a Teenager: The film may offer a relatable and reflective viewing experience.

• Interested in Social Commentary through Personal Stories: The film uses individual experiences to comment on the broader impact of the pandemic.

• Appreciate Naturalistic Performances: The young cast is praised for their authentic portrayals.

• Enjoy Films with a Strong Sense of Place: The Miami setting and soundtrack contribute significantly to the film's atmosphere.

What Movie Trend film is Following: Pandemic Cinema / Slice-of-Life Drama: The film is a clear example of a movie directly engaging with the cultural and social impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, fitting into a trend of films reflecting on this recent global event. Its verité style also aligns with slice-of-life independent dramas focused on everyday experiences.

What Big Social Trend is Following: Examining the Impact of the Pandemic on Mental Health and Youth: The film directly addresses the significant social trend of understanding and discussing the effects of the pandemic on the mental well-being and development of young people, highlighting the challenges they faced during this disruptive period.

Final Verdict: "Feel Like Ghosts (2022)" is a sincere and well-intentioned film from debut director Kali Baker-Johnson that offers a poignant, albeit somewhat disjointed, look at the lives of Miami teenagers during the pandemic. While its verité style may lead to a less traditionally structured narrative, the film finds strength in its authentic performances and its ability to capture the emotional nuances of adolescence amidst unprecedented circumstances. The film serves as a valuable snapshot of a specific moment in time and the impact of a global event on a young generation. For viewers interested in realistic portrayals of teenage life, the effects of the pandemic, and independent cinema with a strong sense of place, "Feel Like Ghosts" offers moments of genuine connection and reflection, making it a film worth considering, particularly for its cultural relevance and authentic approach.

Recommendations for Film Makers:

• Find Authentic Voices and Stories: Kali Baker-Johnson's focus on the real experiences of teenagers during the pandemic highlights the power of drawing from authentic voices and timely events.

• Embrace Stylistic Choices that Serve the Narrative: The verité style, while presenting challenges, was a deliberate choice to enhance the film's sense of realism. Filmmakers should consider how form can support content.

• Utilize Local Talent and Setting: The film's use of Miami-based artists and its specific location contribute significantly to its atmosphere and authenticity.

• Be Mindful of Narrative Structure in Observational Films: While authenticity is key in verité, considering how to create a compelling narrative arc or through-line can enhance audience engagement.

Recommendations for Movie Industry:

• Support Films Reflecting Recent Global Events: Encourage and distribute films that engage with significant recent events like the pandemic, as they offer valuable cultural and historical perspectives.

• Provide Platforms for Verité and Observational Cinema: Ensure that there are avenues for distribution and exhibition for films that utilize non-traditional narrative styles.

• Recognize the Importance of Stories About Youth and Mental Health: Support films that explore the challenges and experiences of young people, particularly those addressing mental well-being.

• Highlight the Cultural Specificity of Films: Promote films based on their unique settings, local talent, and cultural perspectives.

• dynamics to attract audiences interested in thought-provoking dramas.