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Kate Bowler’s Full Frame Picks

    Kate Bowler sits in a sapphire-blue armchair in front of a shelf of colorful books.

     

     

    Kate Bowler, PhD, is a four-time New York Times bestselling author, award-winning podcast host, and Associate Professor at Duke University. She studies cultural narratives around success, suffering, and change. Kate’s books include Everything Happens for a Reason and No Cure for Being Human. She hosts the Everything Happens podcast and lives in Durham, North Carolina.

     

     

     

     

    The 27th annual Full Frame Documentary Film Festival features a lineup of 50 films from 30 countries. With so many captivating documentaries in the 2025 lineup, how does one choose their must-sees? We thought having a guide might help, so Kate Bowler is here to share the films she is most excited to see at the 27th annual Full Frame Documentary Film Festival: 

     

    Two smiling people relax on the floor with their dogs.

    Come See Me in the Good Light (Dir. Ryan White)

    “I love stories that hold both the heartbreak and the humor of being human—because honestly, what else can we do?  When I saw that this film was a love story about two poets learning to “navigate life and mortality” I knew it had to be on my list.”

    About the film >>

     

    A person in a dark jumpsuit washes a tractor trailor at night. The scene is partially illuminated by a bright golden light to the right.The Long Valley (Dir. Rodrigo Ojeda-Beck, Robert Machoian)

    “There is something sacred about watching people live their ordinary, complicated, wonderful lives. I’m excited to see it, but also scared, because I think it might force me to contemplate my role in the world.”

    About the film >>

     

    A brightly dressed person in front of a stage looks upward and smiles.Speak. (Dir. Jennifer Tiexiera, Guy Mossman)

    “First of all, I love arguing. Second of all, I think teenagers are some of the most interesting people in the world – if we just let them be themselves. So, a story all about teens learning to develop an argument, craft a story about themselves, and then perform it?! I’M SO IN.”

    About the film >>

     

    A seated older person's forehead is being blotted with a towel, on a film set.Third Act (Dir. Tadashi Nakamura)

    “I think I might be a puddle of emotion after watching this. AND THAT IS MY FAVORITE. Any child courageous enough to document their parent’s struggle with a diagnosis and then create an entire film around it, deserves to be seen.”

    About the film >>

     

    Jacinda Ardern smiles widely to the camera's left. An individual in a suit is in soft focus behind.

    Prime Minister (Michelle Walshe, Lindsay Utz)

    “Being a woman in power is not easy. But Jacinda Ardern makes it look effortless. I’m watching this to steal any and all tips she has about being powerful, kind, and bold ALL AT THE SAME TIME.”

    About the film >>

     

    Ready to make your own picks? Single Tickets go on sale March 27!

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