#HOTDOCS: “GREY ROADS”

By George Kozera It is imperative that I first note that the black and white Cinematography in GREY ROADS is beyond impressive; it is moody and atmospheric and sensual, making the sleepy town of Markdale, Ontario (not far from Toronto and home to Chapman's Ice Cream manufacturing plant) a fascinating character on its own. Filmmaker Jesse McCracken (who edited, filmed, produced and directed this Film) takes us on his quest back home to reconnect with his estranged father and his gentle, ... Read more

#HOTDOCS: “THE RETURN: LIFE AFTER ISIS”

By Justin Waldman There are very few Documentaries that feel as timely and powerful as The Return: Life after ISIS, as it follows several women but focuses on two specifically. These women left their respective homes to join ISIS, have left ISIS and want to return to their home countries, except they are no longer welcomed. Since their home countries no longer are accepting them back home, they are trapped in Syria and living in detention camps with their children who they are taking ... Read more

#HOTDOCS: “BETWEEN US”

By Justin Waldman Three couples, with three different starting points to their relationships, are tasked to have candid conversations with the same questions being asked by Director Dorota Proba making them re-evaluate what they want, what they want to experience, and what their relationship is. Unfortunately, Between Us misses the mark with their questions and answers that are expressed throughout the Documentary. It is an unsettling, awkward experience watching these couples answer ... Read more

#HOTDOCS: “THE NEW PLASTIC ROAD”

By Justin Waldman In 2004, the Silk Road reopened between China and Tajikistan which was great for the latter as it was the economic boost the country needed. Davlat, who is the subject of this Documentary bought some freighters and tried to pave a new life for his family. Unfortunately, Capitalism intruded these plans and made life exceedingly more difficult for Davlat and his family. The New Plastic Road shows one mans motivation for a better life, and his drive and tenacity but also ... Read more

#HOTDOCS: “WELCOME TO SPAIN”

By George Kozera WELCOME TO SPAIN opens with an undisputable fact: Seville is the most beautiful city in Spain. Having spent a few days there many years ago, I wholeheartedly agree! When the city’s last brothel turns into a refugee recreational center for those seeking to start a new life in the country, Filmmaker Juan Antonio Moreno Amador meets a number of the people of different nationalities and starts a two year quest as he films their journeys while they try to adapt to a new ... Read more

#HOTDOCS: “THE MOST BEAUTIFUL BOY IN THE WORLD”

By George Kozera I first saw Italian Director Luchino Visconti’s Oscar-nominated “Death in Venice” at a private screening in the early '80s. Whereas I was not as enamored by the Film as others, I found Dirk Bogarde’s performance as a sickly Composer fixated on a young boy while recuperating in Venice astonishing. What made it fascinating and believable was the look of the lad and, playing Tadzio, Bjorn Andresen embodied pulchritude. Described by Visconti at the Premiere of the Movie ... Read more

#HOTDOCS: “APART”

By Justin Waldman Apart is going to make you angry, and it absolutely should. There is another war on drugs, and instead of getting help and providing sentencing that is not rehab or something helpful to first offenders to get the help they need, they serve sentences, long sentences that can destroy their lives. The Documentary focuses on three women: Tomika, Lydia, and Amanda, and their reasonings for being in prison, whether it be they got addicted to prescribed medication, and then got ... Read more

#HOTDOCS: “ACTS OF LOVE”

By George Kozera When the relationship with his much older male companion rapidly declines, Filmmaker Isidore Bethel returns home to Chicago to emotionally recuperate and to reassess his needs and desires. His solution is to interview and film men that he meets on various gay dating aps to, ostensibly, get varied responses to how they deal with sexual scenarios and personal relationships, much to the chagrin of his mother with whom he has many telephone conversations. It becomes somewhat ... Read more

#HOTDOCS: “NUDE TO ME”

By George Kozera When Director and star, Daniel Berish, discovered that his grandparents initially met at a nudist colony, he decides to visit Canada’s oldest nudist camp, Van Tan, to learn what life is all about while wearing only a smile. With all the “hoohah” bits pixilated for broadcast, NUDE TO ME is a wildly charming 20-minute foray into the forests of British Columbia where people tend to their gardens, chop wood and play volleyball. In the beginning it was fun watching ... Read more

#HOTDOCS: “FANNY: THE RIGHT TO ROCK”

By George Kozera During my university years in Montreal, oh so long ago, I impulsively picked up an album by the all-girl heavy rock group Fanny based solely on who produced the album. At home, needle to the vinyl, and I became obsessed after hearing the first track. I wasn’t their only fan. FANNY: THE RIGHT TO ROCK opens with a David Bowie quote: “Fanny is not one of the most important female bands of all time; they are one of the most important bands of all time, period. Their ... Read more