Seven years ago today, Andrew Bagby passed away.  Why do I care?  I never met the guy or anyone else who knew him.  It's because Andrew's story as told in leading up to and beyond his death isn't so simple.  It's become personal ever since I saw Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father.

It's so personal, I've started championing it beyond the 'go see it' and into the 'must bring it' level.  I want it to play in Austin again. Seeing it once at SXSW wasn't enough.  Those of us fortunate enough to have seen it can't stop thinking or talking about it, and it's been nine months for me.  Everyone I know who saw it was very moved, and not ashamed of their emotional reactions. And we seem to seek each other out. 

It's about family.  And loss.  And legacies.  And justice. It's about the worst and the best of humanity.  It's the story of everyone connected to Andrew Bagby.

But it's not what you think. 

Kurt Kuenne lost a friend and decided to make a tribute to him, and the audio and visual medium of film transcends it's usual limitations and becomes highly experiential for the audience.  It's organic, and plays out as if we're right beside Kuenne as it unfold, not just listening or viewing the story afterward.  Made any other way, it would lose it's impact. 

Most documentaries fail when they can't stay objective.  Kuenne doesn't even attempt it, and that's what makes Dear Zachary work as a tribute, a work of art, and a call to action. 

It's like sitting down for a chat with a casual friend, and the conversation turns to a personal story so moving it feels like you're experiencing it, and suddenly it's a part of you. Your family becomes bigger as your heart breaks.  The world becomes a much bigger place, and you feel connected to everything, and feel the loss of what's missing.

It's best if you don't learn more about the story before seeing it, so I'm not linking to the trailer.  It's a more powerful story if you go in 'cold'.  I'd love to say more, but it would spoil it.

If you aren't moved by Dear Zachary, I question your humanity (or at least the existence of your pulse)   Yes, you will need tissues.  And someone to talk to afterwards.  It's so good, it's 100% fresh according to RottenTomatoes. And currently has an 8.9/10 on IMDB, which is no mean feat.

Which is why you need to see in a theatre.  And why I'm campaigning to bring it to Austin.  It will be airing on MSNBC, but it's not a solitary viewing kind of film.  And Austin isn't one of the few cities it's playing in.  If you're considering seeing it, stop thinking, and just go, if you can.

I contacted a few people today and it's looking hopeful that it may have a special screening, but it wouldn't be until next year.  I'd really like it to get a theatrical run in town (and the other screening, too!).

So here's what I want you to do.  Join the Dear Zachary facebook group, and comment on it, if you simply want a chance to see it in theatres, or if you have seen it, and how great a film it is. And hopefully, both.    Ask for it to play in Austin (or where you are). Speak up, people!  There's a reason why so many people with such diverse taste agree about this film!

(And if you have seen it, do comment on it on IMDB too.  Those do get read by those who can help a film.)