“Julia’s Stepping Stones” is a documentary about Julia Reichert directed by Steven Bognar and Julia Reichert.
Netflix’s short documentary “Julia’s Stepping Stones” offers a brief yet poignant look into the life of filmmaker Julia Reichert. At 72, Reichert reflects on her path through life, providing viewers with a unique perspective shaped by decades of experience.
The 30-minute film, directed by Reichert herself, eschews a detailed chronological account of her life in favor of highlighting her role as an activist. It touches on her formative years in university, but more significantly, it explores her involvement in revolutionary movements focused on women’s liberation, racial desegregation, and the empowerment of working-class people in politics and society.
Reichert’s narrative in “Julia’s Stepping Stones” is succinct, avoiding intricate details and instead concentrating on the activist aspect of her life. She discusses how she strived to bring issues of equality to a broader audience, making these topics more universally accessible through her work.
Interestingly, the documentary doesn’t dwell on Reichert’s cinematic achievements, such as her Oscar win for Best Documentary. Instead, it provides insight into her personal side and her reflections on her life’s journey as an activist.
Released two years after Reichert’s passing in 2022, “Julia’s Stepping Stones” serves as a tribute to a remarkable woman who dedicated her life to advocating for fundamental rights through the medium of film. It offers viewers a chance to understand the motivations and experiences that shaped Reichert’s nearly five-decade-long career in cinema and activism.
Where to Watch “Julia’s Stepping Stones”
