After the 2016 presidential election, a young woman moves to Washington D.C. to start what she hopes will be the next American revolution. “The Apocalypse Will Blossom” directed by Courtney Jines is a spirited response to a mixed-up world, notable for its concoction of youthful enthusiasm balanced with dejection. We’re along for the ride as she (played by Jines herself) rolls into town and gets started. Things are looking up at first — she finds new friends and they begin to get organized. But just as soon as the ink dries on the plans for revolution, doubt creeps in. Wherever she goes, she runs into symbols of the opposition, most maddeningly, a couple wearing “Make America Great Again” hats taking a selfie in front of the Lincoln Memorial. It seems hopeless. Presented in black and white with an appealing soft glow (d.p. is Shereen Lani Younes, who directed “Fall” which we recently featured), the film is filled with thoughtful compositions and style. It authentically captures the frustration of young progressives in a time of unrest, but is delivered with enough warmth and wit to tip the scales away from cynicism.

Written, produced, directed, and edited by Courtney Jines. Cinematography by Shereen Lani Younes (also co-producer, co-editor).