This paper examines how documentary filmmaking, particularly Crystal Diaries (2021), shapes collective memory and challenges societal perspectives. Focusing on the experiences of Black LGBTQ+ individuals in the House and Ball scene, it explores themes of grief, loss, resilience, and justice. The paper connects Crystal Diaries with Marlon Riggs' work, emphasizing how media creation empowers marginalized voices and fosters restorative justice. It also highlights the role of sound, oral testimonies, music, and beats in amplifying voices and building empathy. Through qualitative analyses, the paper argues for prioritizing first-hand narratives and calls for greater academic recognition of film and oral testimony, informed by decolonial and Black feminist thought.