#HOTDOCS: MAY 2022 PROGRAMMING LINEUP

In addition to the 2022 Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival kicking-off this week this Thursday, April 28, 2022, Hot Docs have several premieres and series to present May 2022! In addition to premiering at the Festival, Jennifer Baichwal's INTO THE WEEDS will play at Ted Rogers Hot Docs Cinema. Series INTO SLEAZE NIGHTS celebrates the 2000s with films like SCOTT PILGRIM vs. THE WORLD. THE GODFATHER also celebrates its 50th anniversary and the Series The Movie You Can’t ... Read more

#FIRSTLOOK: 2022 HOT DOCS PODCAST FESTIVAL PREVIEW

The Hot Docs Podcast Festival kicks-off January 25 - 28, 2022, celebrating excellence in audio storytelling. Exciting live podcast presentations and provocative conversations are slated for the event. This is the sixth edition of the Festival. HEADLINING EVENT LINEUPAll times listed in EST Tuesday, January 25 7:30 PM Opening Night Event: The Secrets We Keep: CBC Podcasts Storytelling Showcase We all have a secret or two. Why are some hard to keep, and others hard to share? What ... Read more

#HOTDOCS: “MOLECULES”

By George Kozera Infrequently, I’ve watched a Documentary then wonder why in the world was it even made. MOLECULES is one of those. Marketed as a son investigating his failed relationship with his father while in lockdown in Venice, it includes numerous scenes that lead nowhere and spews platitudes like “is there anything you can see in the invisible” on the soundtrack that had me scratching my head so intensely that I will never develop dandruff. Other than the remarkable scenes of ... Read more

#HOTDOCS: “ALL-IN”

By George Kozera ALL-IN follows Hakim and Ismail, both from small villages, as they work the summer months at a luxury, all-inclusive resort on the Turkish Riviera. Ismael is younger, always smiling, willing to learn new skills and highly productive. Hakim is more introspective, somewhat surly and lax with rules, regulations and management. The two develop a lovely friendship and it was interesting to watch how two distinctly people react to different scenarios, especially when it comes to ... Read more

#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