Free Film of the Week: June ’22

Fandor Staff,
June 15, 2022

Kicking off this month’s Free Film of the Week for Fandor comes an eclectic mix of titles from all walks of life. Whether it be an emotionally gut-wrenching modern Japanese masterpiece, or a late 80s beauty contest dramedy, Fandor has you covered! This month’s Free Film of the Week titles include:

Message from Hiroshima (2015). Featuring narration by the legendary George Takei, this documentary provides an inside look at the devastating effects of the first atomic bomb dropped, as depicted in testimonials from survivors, and computer-generated reactions of the city and way of life that were tragically lost. An emotionally moving documentary, Message from Hiroshima is now available as one of our Free Films of the Week.

Asako I & II (2018). A modern masterpiece of Japanese romanticism, Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s Asako I & II is a beautifully complex portrayal of the human condition. Originally receiving recognition during the main competition at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival, Asako I & II explores the fundamental meaning of love and companionship, proving to be one of the most emotional viewing experiences of the 2010s. Asako I & II is now available as one of our Free Films of the Week.

I Am the Queen (2010). A documentary film that’s centered around a transgender youth beauty pageant taking place in Chicago’s Humboldt Park neighborhood. I Am the Queen presents viewers with keen insight into youth beauty pageants through a LGBTQ+ perspective. In this documentary, characters of a glimpse of their lifestyle as they prepare to compete against each other. I Am the Queen will be available as one of our Free Films of the Week starting June 20^th.

Miss Firecracker (1989). A late 1980s comedy-drama that features some truly great acting performances from the likes of Holly Hunter, Mary Steenburgen, Tim Robbins, and Alfre Woodard, Miss Firecracker is an endearing examination of an individual’s desire for profound communal recognition. The film follows a young girl in Yazoo City, Mississippi, as she enters a local beauty contest as a means to escape her dreary life, much to everyone’s dismay. A film that will surprisingly resonate with many, Miss Firecracker will be available as one of our Free Films of the Week starting June 27^th.