25 must-see films playing at this year’s AFI Fest

Blowin’ Up

What’s the story?: A documentary looking at the lives of sex workers and the New York prosecutors helping to change the way they’re treated in criminal court.

AFI Fest has an amazing lineup of documentaries every year, many of which touch on topical events. This year sees several looks at either political corruption or feminism, starting with Stephanie Wang-Breal’s Blowin’ Up. Sex workers are often prosecuted as criminals despite being pulled into the work against their will. It’s a controversial topic that not many movies have attempted to tackle, and Wang-Breal has an interesting take, focusing on a group of prosecutors attempting to help rehabilitate them. The documentary sounds fascinating as can be, and couldn’t come at a better time considering the ups and downs women have had over the last year. Wang-Breal’s last feature, I Love You, Mommy received a grand jury prize at AFI Docs previously.

Blending the difficult world of law, social commentary, and feminism, Blowin’ Up looks to give many people food for thought. Wang-Breal is just one of several talented female filmmakers getting showing their work at AFI Fest this year.