Tiger (2025)

-Written by Kyle Bain.

2025 CAMDEN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL REVIEW!

For the first time in a long time I felt completely immersed in a documentary. Tiger does something different, something so unique compared to the standard, modern-day documentary that I was able to disregard my usual disenchantment with the genre and lean heavily into the material, the subjects, and just about everything they said throughout. 

In Tiger, Dana Tiger discusses the history of her family, the struggles that they have faced over the years, and the unique way in which her family has expressed themselves. Through vibrant visuals, unique cinematography, and a compelling narrator, Tiger blurs the line between documentary and narrative in a way that envelops viewers and provides them access to a simple, but exciting world. 

Dana has a presence that emanates from the screen, that begs viewers to pay attention. What works in her favor is the passion that she clearly possesses for every fabric of her being, and even more so her family. She understands how to engage her audience and how to converse with the camera. With her ability to speak directly to viewers Tiger continues to grow in terms of its reach. Additionally, Dana is never aggressive in her presentation, finding ways to remain grounded and accessible, regardless of how paramount the subject matter is to her. 

Nearly as important as Dana’s approach toward telling her story, Tiger finds success as a result of its conciseness. Clocking in at just over twelve minutes, Tiger doesn’t linger, it doesn’t drag on, and it doesn’t require viewers to dedicate too much time to Dana’s narrative. By remaining incredibly concise Tiger delivers its message(s) at an effective rate, continuing to provide viewers with another reason to remain focused. 

Tiger is documentary-making 101. It approaches the artform with a sense of originality, without veering too far from what has worked for years. Furthermore, Dana has a story worth telling, one that has the ability to appeal to viewers from all walks of life–and Writer-Director Loren Waters does a spectacular job of framing Dana in a way that allows her to remain front and center, without becoming abrasive, but rather remaining accessible and charming. 

Written & Directed by Loren Waters. 

Starring Dana Tiger, etc. 

7.5/10 = WORTH RENTING OR BUYING