Ferguson: Life Matters is a powerful and thought-provoking documentary that takes a deep dive into the racial and social tensions that continue to plague America, particularly in the aftermath of several police shootings of unarmed black Americans. The film centers around the town of Ferguson, Missouri, the hometown of Mike Brown, an unarmed black American whose murderer has since walked free, leaving the Ferguson Police Department on his own accord. The documentary is guided by a Missouri resident, credited as a student and musician, who addresses what he perceives to be the roots of the problems in the inner city and gives insights on what he and the people around him feel would be appropriate solutions, or at least appropriate viewpoints for assessing the issues.
The film does an excellent job of portraying the complex issues at play in Ferguson and other communities like it. It shows us how deeply ingrained racism is in American society, from the justice system to the media to the everyday attitudes and assumptions of ordinary people. We see how the people of Ferguson are struggling to make their voices heard, to demand justice for the victims of police brutality, and to fight against the systemic inequalities that have held them back for so long.
One of the most striking things about Ferguson: Life Matters is the way it portrays the protests that erupted in the wake of Mike Brown’s death. We see how these protests were not only movements for a solution, but also an opportunity for those who would choose to do the neighborhood harm to do just that through looting and property destruction. A staggeringly small amount of this property destruction is aimed at the police or any external factor perceived to do harm to the people of the community, but is instead directed at local entrepreneurs who have only worked to service the community’s economy. The film highlights the complexity of these protests and the mixed feelings that they inspire in the people of Ferguson.
Another interesting aspect of the film is the way it portrays the different voices that are heard throughout the documentary. Instead of relying on statistics and graphs, the film gives us the opinions of religious figures, local business owners, and even some of our young guide’s friends. While some viewers may find this approach frustrating, it ultimately serves to give a more human perspective on the issues at play. We see how these issues are affecting real people in real ways, and we come away with a greater understanding of why they matter so much.
Overall, Ferguson: Life Matters is an excellent documentary that sheds light on some of the most pressing social and racial issues facing America today. It doesn’t offer easy answers or simple solutions, but it does challenge us to think more deeply about the problems we face and to consider what we can do to make things better. For anyone who cares about justice and equality, this is a must-see film.
