The magic of cinema lies in its ability to transport us to places we’ve never been, introduce us to lives we’ve never lived, and help us see ourselves in stories that seem, at first glance, entirely different from our own.

This was my experience this past week at the Palm Springs International Film Festival. Of the 158 films from 71 countries, I chose to see 15 of the independent, small budget films, most of which are looking for a distributor.  Four films really moved me…

• The Way, My Way
• Bob Trevino Likes It
• The Last Journey
• Paper Flowers

Each of these films, based on true stories, moved me to tears—not just because of their heartfelt narratives, but because they all delivered profound messages that lingered long after the credits rolled. While each story was unique, common themes emerged, offering powerful reminders about time, connection, and the resilience of the human spirit.

1. The Way, My Way: The Transformative Journey

This film follows the journey of a young man who sets out on a spiritual pilgrimage (El Camino de Santiago) to honor his late father’s dying wish. Along the way, he meets fellow travelers, each with their own personal struggles, and discovers unexpected connections and healing.

This film reminds us that sometimes we must lose ourselves to find ourselves. Through its characters, I was reminded of the healing power of shared struggles and the strength we gain by leaning on others.

Its message is clear: Transformation often requires vulnerability. It’s not about where the path leads but about the courage it takes to walk it.

2. Bob Trevino Likes It: Family Beyond Blood

When a young woman in her 20s searches Facebook for her estranged father, she mistakenly connects with a childless stranger who shares his name. Despite their lack of blood ties, the two form an unexpected and transformative bond.

In this witty and touching story, she discovers that family is not just the people we’re born to but the connections we make along the way. Her surprising bond with a stranger challenges traditional notions of family and shows us that love and understanding transcend biology.

This film left me reflecting on the unexpected relationships in my own life—those moments when strangers became friends and friends became family.

3. The Last Journey: Rekindling Zest for Life

Swedish filmmaker Filip Hammar surprises his 80-year-old father with a heartfelt road trip to the French coastal town of their family holidays. Through revisiting cherished memories, the journey becomes a poignant exploration of life, family, and the enduring bonds between father and son.

The poignant road trip in The Last Journey is more than a journey through picturesque landscapes; it’s a journey back to joy. The father-son bond and their shared memories highlight the fragility of time and the importance of holding onto the moments that make life meaningful.

The film’s mix of humor and tenderness reminded me how deeply I value memories—and how vital it is to create new ones before it’s too late.

4. Paper Flowers: Cherishing Every Moment

At just 22 years old, Peace Corps volunteer and USC graduate Shalin Shah faces the devastating news of a terminal illness. Instead of succumbing to despair, he crafts a viral manifesto encouraging people to live each day with purpose and gratitude, transforming his personal tragedy into a global movement of inspiration.

What would you do if you had six months to live?  His story is a testament to the impact one person can have when they choose to focus on hope rather than despair.

Watching this film was a humbling reminder of life’s brevity and the importance of making each moment count.

 

Thematic Threads: What These Films Taught Me

As I reflect on these four films, I see a tapestry woven with three powerful themes:

1. Legacy and Connection: All films explore relationships—whether familial (The Last Journey), communal (Bob Trevino Likes It), or global (Paper Flowers) – and the transformative power of human connection.

2.  The Value of Time: Whether it’s making the most of six months (Paper Flowers), reawakening passion (The Way, My Way), or celebrating cherished memories (The Last Journey), the finite nature of time is a central theme.

3.  Inspiration Through Adversity: The characters’ struggles remind us that hope and beauty can arise even from challenging circumstances.

Why These Stories Made Me Cry

I cried not because these stories were sad but because they were so profoundly human. They reminded me of my own relationships, my own struggles, and my own joys. Each film offered a mirror, reflecting truths about the human condition—our shared desire to be seen, to connect, and to leave a legacy.

These tears were not just an emotional reaction; they were catharsis—a release of gratitude for the moments that matter and the people who make life worth living.

Bottom line: The Power of Storytelling

As I left the festival, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for these filmmakers and their stories. They reminded me of something essential: It’s not the budget of a film or the grandeur of its production that makes it impactful; it’s the heart at its core.

These four films left me with more than tears—they left me inspired to cherish my moments, nurture my connections, and face life’s challenges with courage and hope. That, to me, is the magic of great storytelling.