Dear Zachary: A Letter To A Son About His Father is a heartbreaking and powerful documentary film that retraces the life of Andrew Bagby and the aftermath of his murder. Directed by Kurt Kuenne, the film was released in 2008 and celebrates its 10th anniversary edition in 2018. The story of Dear Zachary is centered on Andrew Bagby, a young doctor who was murdered in 2001 in a small town in Pennsylvania. The prime suspect in his killing was Andrew's former girlfriend, Shirley Turner, a woman with a history of mental illness and disturbing behavior.
Andrew's tragic death deeply affected the people who knew him, including his parents, David and Kathleen Bagby, who were determined to keep his memory alive and seek justice for him. As the Bagbys try to cope with the loss of their son, they also had to confront the reality that Shirley, who was pregnant with Andrew's child, had fled to Canada and was fighting extradition to the United States.
The film is structured like a letter to Zachary, the son of Andrew and Shirley, who was born after his father's death. Through interviews with Andrew's family and friends, home videos, pictures, and letters, the audience learns more about Andrew's life, his passions, and his kindness. Andrew was a beloved figure who touched the lives of many people, which makes his loss even more devastating.
As the Bagbys fight to bring Shirley to justice and gain custody of Zachary, the film takes a sharp turn that reveals more painful truths. The legal system fails Andrew, and the Bagbys are forced to endure more suffering as they try to hold onto the hope that they can raise Zachary and give him the happy life his father deserved.
Dear Zachary is not an easy film to watch. It deals with themes of grief, loss, mental illness, and the flaws of the justice system. However, Kuenne's direction and the Bagby's story create a compelling and emotional experience that will leave audiences touched and moved.
The documentary is a tribute to the memory of Andrew, and a testament to the strength and love of his parents, who put everything on the line to protect Zachary and keep his father's legacy alive. It's a story about how far a family will go to fight for justice, even when faced with unimaginable pain and loss.
The 10th anniversary edition of Dear Zachary includes new footage, an updated resolution, and interviews with the filmmakers and the Bagby family. It's a chance to revisit this compelling documentary and see how it resonates today. Although it's been a decade since its initial release, the story of Dear Zachary remains relevant, touching, and unforgettable.
In conclusion, Dear Zachary: A Letter To A Son About His Father is a heart-wrenching and powerful documentary that tells the story of tragedy and love, as the Bagby family tries to come to terms with the loss of a beloved son and fight for justice. It's a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll, and a reminder that love, even in the darkest of times, can triumph over despair.
Dear Zachary: A Letter To A Son About His Father - 10th Anniversary Edition is a 2019 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes.
