We Are Columbine

We Are Columbine is an emotionally raw and gut-wrenchingly powerful documentary which debuted in 2018. Directed by Laura Farber, a survivor of the 1999 shooting at Columbine High School, the film ingeniously blurs the lines between personal narrative and investigative expose as it tackles the complex, profoundly sobering themes of mass shootings, student trauma, and the long-term effects of such tragedies on survivors and their communities.

The film explicitly concentrates on four survivors - Gustavo D'Arthenay, Jaimi Norden, Amy Over, and Zach Martin, all of whom grant viewers an inside look into their personal experiences and journeys to resilience. Each brings a different perspective, sharing their unique stories about life before, during, and after the fateful incident that forever changed their lives and altered the course of American history.

Gustavo D'Arthenay is a young African-American man who foregrounds his narrative on the difficulties of being a minority not only in his school but also in a country that is still grappling with racial issues. Zach Martin tells a tale of becoming a beloved school principal years after being a victim of one of the most horrific high school shootings. Jaimi Norden revisits her path to becoming a nurse, partly influenced by her firsthand experience, which showed her the fragility and value of human life. Amy Over stands as a poignant symbol of resilience, openly discussing how she navigates her life as a survivor.

We Are Columbine takes on the haunting echoes of the terrible event by immersing viewers into the environment that facilitated such a horrifying incident. Farber's documentary jogs the memory by using original surveillance footage and 911 recordings. These heartrending images and sounds are juxtaposed with video material of the tranquil, seemingly shy suburban neighborhoods. The stark contrast makes the events even more unimaginable and horrifying, stirring an emotional response from the audience.

The documentary also does significant justice to the communal aspect of this personal tragedy. It incorporates interviews with law enforcement officials, school teachers, and parents who were indirectly affected by this tragedy but bear the scars nonetheless. Their testimonies give a voice to the often overlooked victims of such catastrophes, namely those who carry the unseen psychological scars of bearing witness to violence.

Be it the reflections of the survivors or the interviews with other members of the community, the documentary pays attention to the aftermath of the massacre. It underlines the importance of healing, community-support, and resilience, reminding us that the impact of such horrifying events extends far beyond the physical and immediate. Farber highlights the continuous overcoming and bravery of these individuals — a testament to human resilience and survival instinct despite the haunting past.

One of the remarkable elements of We Are Columbine is its ability to navigate the often confusing waters of memory, trauma, and healing. The film explores the concept of memory in a thought-provoking manner, prompting viewers to think about the role memory plays in shaping a person’s relationship with trauma. Using animation with watercolor aesthetics, it offers a visually creative narration of the survivors' memories of the event.

Another valuable aspect of the documentary is its exploration of fragments of happiness even amongst immense tragedy. The documentary gives viewers glimpses of humor and hope - be it the resilience of the survivors, their subsequent achievements, the spirit of community – all of which serve to remind that even amidst horrifying circumstances, the human spirit can find a way to push through.

We Are Columbine holds an exceptional place in the genre of documentaries. It is is not just a film but a tribute; not just an insight, but a deeply felt narrative; not just a blend of images and sound but a labor of love that respects memory and highlights hope amidst harsh realities. This is a film about survivors – their journey from tragedy to recovery, their relentless spirit, and their unyielding strength in the face of adversity.

Whether you are looking for a documentary that provides a heartfelt, profoundly personal exploration of one of America's most heart-rending tragedies or are simply interested in witnessing the triumph of the human spirit, We Are Columbine is an essential watch.