Author: Dayna Hagewood

Dayna graduated from Rutgers University in May of 2019 with a degree in English and Cinema Studies and a concentration in Creative Writing.
Dayna loves working with FF2 Media because writing about film harmonizes her greatest interests and allows her to participate in showcasing women artists doing amazing work. As a writer, film buff, and avid cross-stitcher, Dayna appreciates that FF2 carves out a space for women artists in an industry so unwilling to lend one to marginalized groups. She is proud to aid in creating and facilitating that necessary space.

‘Intelligent Lives’ demonstrates amazing ability of the disabled

Intelligent Lives (directed by Dan Habib and co-written by Jody Becker) is an inspiring and informative documentary about three intellectually disabled young adults making their way in the world despite the myriad of challenges that face them every day. (DLH: 4/5) Review by FF2 Intern Dayna Hagewood Intelligent Lives begins with actor Chris Cooper discussing… Continue reading ‘Intelligent Lives’ demonstrates amazing ability of the disabled

‘Letter from Masanjia’ exposes harsh reality of Chinese labor camps

Letter from Masanjia (co-written by Leon Lee and Caylan Ford and directed by Leon Lee) is an exposing documentary about the labor camp brutality experienced by Sun Yi and other practitioners of Falun Gong. The film mainly follows Sun Yi’s struggles and his attempts to live a normal life after the torture, despite constant pursuit by… Continue reading ‘Letter from Masanjia’ exposes harsh reality of Chinese labor camps

‘Inventing Tomorrow’ inspires, delights and succeeds

Inventing Tomorrow (directed by Laura Nix) is a heartwarming and inspiring documentary about the power of the next generation to address and tackle the major environmental issues that plague our world. The film follows 16 and 17-year-olds from Hawaii, India, Indonesia, and Mexico and gives them a platform to share their research, aspirations, and journey… Continue reading ‘Inventing Tomorrow’ inspires, delights and succeeds

‘Skate Kitchen’ fails to do female skateboarders justice

Skate Kitchen (written and directed by Crystal Moselle) follows a close-knit New York City female skateboarding clique through their lives of tricks, drama, and freedom, using mostly non-actors. While Skate Kitchen‘s premise and backstory are indeed valid and promising, the portrait ultimately falls short of successfully capturing these powerful women’s stories. (DLH: 2.5/5) Read FF2 Media’s… Continue reading ‘Skate Kitchen’ fails to do female skateboarders justice

‘Never Goin’ Back’ hilariously and astutely captures female friendship

Never Goin’ Back (written and directed by Augustine Frizzell) is an intense journey through diner work, accidental drugs, multiple robberies, and the remarkable friendship between two young girls struggling to make it to the beach for a weekend off. (DLH: 4/5) Review by FF2 Intern Dayna Hagewood While the underlying circumstances of Never Goin’ Back are surely… Continue reading ‘Never Goin’ Back’ hilariously and astutely captures female friendship

Generation Wealth mirrors excessive qualities of subjects

Generation Wealth is Lauren Greenfield’s latest photo essay, documentary, and personal memoir that studies our culture of excess and our vicious obsession with all things money can buy. (DLH: 3/5) Review by FF2 Intern Dayna Hagewood Generation Wealth begins right in the thick of ultra decadence and extreme wealth, and even compares our current economic state… Continue reading Generation Wealth mirrors excessive qualities of subjects

‘What Will People Say’ is an excellent depiction of cultural conflict

What Will People Say (written and directed by Iram Haq) beautifully and tragically captures the struggle of a Pakistani family’s attempts to cling to traditional culture while reaching for a better life in Norway. (DLH: 5/5) Review by FF2 Intern Dayna Hagewood What Will People Say begins appropriately tense and fast-paced, as Nisha (Maria Mozhdah) —… Continue reading ‘What Will People Say’ is an excellent depiction of cultural conflict

Constructing Albert succeeds in aesthetic, fails with interiority

Constructing Albert (directed by Laura Collado and Jim Loomis) examines the current hardships and successes of Chef Albert Adrià and his multi-restaurant ownership, and features some of the most visually exquisite cuisine to hit the big screen. (DLH: 2.5/5) Review by FF2 Intern Dayna Hagewood While it is certainly a pleasure to see Adrià’s impressive food… Continue reading Constructing Albert succeeds in aesthetic, fails with interiority

‘Woman Walks Ahead’ and takes a backseat in this 1800s biopic

Woman Walks Ahead Michael Greyeyes and Jessica Chastain

Directed by Susanna White and written by Steven Knight, Woman Walks Ahead is a historically inspired biopic about widowed painter Catherine Weldon’s attempts to capture Sitting Bull on canvas in the midst of the Sioux fighting for their land. (DLH: 3/5) Review by FF2 Intern Dayna Hagewood At the start of the film, Catherine Weldon (Jessica… Continue reading ‘Woman Walks Ahead’ and takes a backseat in this 1800s biopic

Unhappy couple reaches breaking point in ‘Middleground’

Written and directed by Alisa Khazanova, Middleground illustrates the fragility of reality in a sparse and eerie style that follows an unhappy couple through their temporary surroundings at a business conference. (DLH: 4/5) Review by FF2 Intern Dayna Hagewood The first scene opens with the restaurant and bar that the majority of the film takes… Continue reading Unhappy couple reaches breaking point in ‘Middleground’

‘The Texture of Falling’ riddled with poor logic and half-assembled relationships

Written and directed by Maria Allred, The Texture of Falling is an attempted dramatic thriller detailing the confusing and muddled life of Louisa, an aspiring filmmaker, who also struggles with the personal relationships in her life. (DLH:1.5/5) Review by FF2 Intern Dayna Hagewood While it is clear that The Texture of Falling — written and directed… Continue reading ‘The Texture of Falling’ riddled with poor logic and half-assembled relationships

MARY SHELLEY (2018): Review by Dayna Hagewood

Directed by Haifaa Al-Mansour (who co-wrote the screenplay with Emma Jensen), Mary Shelley is a literary period piece recounting the legendary story of Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin’s late teenage years, leading up to the creation of her famous masterpiece, Frankenstein. The film circles around many of the prominent literary figures of the early romantic period in… Continue reading MARY SHELLEY (2018): Review by Dayna Hagewood

RBG (2018): Pro Review by Dayna Hagewood

Directed by Julie Cohen and Betsy West, RBG recounts both the professional and personal aspects of legendary Ruth Bader Ginsberg’s lifelong legal fight for equal rights and justice in an inspirational and heartwarming documentary that will have you laughing, crying, and ready to re-tackle the world. (DLH: 5/5) Review by FF2 Intern Dayna Hagewood While… Continue reading RBG (2018): Pro Review by Dayna Hagewood