By Mark Saldana
Rating: 4 (Out of 4 Stars)
Filmmaking and videography has become a family tradition in Sasha Joseph Neulinger’s family for a few decades now. It began with Sasha’s father Henry who has a career as a film producer/videographer. At home, Henry definitely bought into home video movement when he purchased his first personal camcorder and VCR. Through the years both Henry and Sasha fell in love with the idea of recording family events and making fun videos.
Sadly, though, making movies and videos was not the only tradition occurring in Sasha’s family, and these traumatic experiences have left him forever changed. There is light at the end of the dark tunnel, however, as proven by the details shared by Sasha and the loving members of his immediate family in the documentary Rewind. Director Sasha Joseph Neulinger courageously shares his sad and horrific story by interviewing his parents, sisters, law enforcement, therapist and legal representation. These are the people who helped get Sasha through a grueling and disturbing childhood nearly destroyed by sexual abuse by multiple members of his extended family. Sasha also retraces his painful steps forward by revisting old home videos, the very personal video diaries he made, as well as therapy journals and artwork he made as a child.
This powerful and emotional documentary is a must see for parents or any adults considering parenthood. It serves as painful cautionary reminder that abuse more often than not begins in the home and gets committed by family. Rewind will be available on VOD starting May 7, 2020 and will also air on Independent Lens on PBS on May 11, 2020.