#HOTDOCS: 2016 HOT DOCS CANADIAN INTERNATIONAL DOCUMENTARY FESTIVAL PREVIEW PART II

By Justin Waldman for Mr. Will Wong

Our extensive coverage of Hot Docs continues with reviews on more great Documentaries.

HOTEL COOLGARDIE

In director Pete Gleeson’s Hotel Coolgardie, we meet Finnish backpackers Lina and Steph who are forced to look for work after having had their credit cards stolen and their accounts emptied on a trip to Bali. When they arrive in Coolgardie, a mining town in Australia, Lina and Steph are not thrilled about being thrown into the local bar scene but are willing to work it to make ends meet and hopefully find their way home. Upon arriving at work they are met with a sign that reads “new girls tonite” and are forced to contend with customers who verbally and physically harass them.

Hotel Coolgardie will anger you at the fact that there is still this much blatant sexual harassment still prominent in the world in 2016. It will evoke rage and spark the conversation about an important issue.

Sunday, May 1 at 7:15 p.m. TBLB
Monday, May 2 at 2:00 p.m. Scotiabank
Saturday, May 7 at 9:45 p.m. Scotiabank

THE LAST LAUGH

You know what is funny? The Holocaust! With interviews from comedians ranging from Gilbert Gottfried to Mel Brooks, The Last Laugh follows a Holocaust survivor as he discusses the use of humour in relation to the Holocaust and whether or not it is acceptable. The Last Laugh focuses on the Holocaust, but also addresses other horrific events throughout history showcasing some of the jokes about them demonstrating when it is not funny to make light of a tragedy. The Last Laugh will leave you laughing or will leave you upset and dismayed; it all depends on how one views comedy in light of tragedy.

Sunday, May 1 at 1:15 p.m. Bloor Cinema
Monday, May 2 at 9:00 p.m. Isabel Bader
Saturday, May 7 at 10:30 a.m. Isabel Bader

WEINER

Back in 2011, Anthony Weiner’s life changed forever and in a way that were he not a person in political power it would not have garnered as much attention as it did. Weiner, the Documentary capturing what happened since the incident regarding an inappropriate photo released on Twitter, captures the timeline of Anthony Weiner’s life after the incidents that occurred. The Documentary is about former U.S representative hailing from New York, and his scandal leading towards his resignation and failed run for mayor.

Now the question has to be asked, is there anything that Anthony Weiner did that warranted the media attention towards him on such a level? Yes, he did cheat on his wife by sexting women, but in many cases issues like this are dealt with on a personal level and not garnering world news coverage. He made a mistake and his entire political life has completely unraveled due to the controversy and statements made by the media in light of his situation. The Documentary focuses more on the actions that he took to try to salvage his career and the steps he tried to take to distance himself from the situation rather than how the political world can destroy a career based on something so minimally to do with politics. Weiner will have you re-examining the way media represents our higher-ups in light of their decisions and personal choices that do not affect the greater population.

Friday April 29 at 3:30 p.m. Isabel Bader
Saturday April 30 at 1:00 p.m. Bloor Cinema
Friday, May 6 at 6:30 p.m. Bloor Cinema