Return to Dwight and Nile: The Crash of PSA Flight 182

This film is powerful on a number of levels. Those interviewed speak from many perspectives: a man who was waiting at the gate for his mother to arrive home from her first airplane trip; his sister, who was at school; a woman who was driving with her infant son when their vehicle was struck by debris and - horrifically - by victims; other witnesses; first responders; the media; and finally, former PSA employees (37 of the 135 aboard were airline employees). Hearing them describe their journeys from tragedy to healing is remarkable.

The interviewees also talk about the power of connecting with others who were involved in or affected by this tragedy. Many didn't know of the memorial services or chose not to attend until the 30th in 2008. Several mention the cathartic effect of finally meeting and speaking with others who shared their experience.

About that memorial service, I was particularly moved by the doves. I don't want to write any spoilers so I'll just say I found it to be an incredibly thoughtful gesture on the part of the family member who thought of it and who encouraged those present who had lost a loved one to participate.

There's a lot in "Return to Dwight and Nile" (btw, that's the San Diego intersection where the 727 crashed) to help viewers better understand how aviation disasters change people's lives. It's surely not easy for people to discuss such painful memories and I salute their courage in sharing their stories.