Dear Zachary

USA, 2008, 95 min

Dear Zachary, the documentary film by Kurt Kuenne, received a standing ovation at this year’s Calgary Film Festival. Swollen eyed audiences hailed the film post-screening for being remarkably moving, powerful, and thought provoking. After seeing the film you’ll be left to wonder how the tragedy projected on screen could possibly be true; but sadly, it’s a recount of actual events.

The film plays out as a video scrapbook commemorating the life of Andrew Bagby, a doctor whose life was brutally ended by a former girlfriend, who, unknown to Bagby, was pregnant with his child. Friend and filmmaker, Kurt Kuenne, decided to travel the globe and interview Bagby’s friends and family to provide his son, Zachary, an image of the father he’d never get to know. There are a handful of shocking moments and unimaginable twists in the film that will make you think both about tragedy, and the Canadian judicial system.

As well as being emotionally stimulating, the film also explores the many flaws within our legal system including bail reform. This defect in our system allows accused criminals, like Bagby’s ex, to be released on bail, and in this case, grant them custody of a child. Andrew Bagby’s parents are outspoken about the issues presented in the film, and struggle for justice and custody of their grandchild, Zachary.

Dear Zachary is a film, with many complex layers, that by the end is sure to leave you emotionally drained and questioning the state of our legal system. The standing ovation was well deserved.