Running Thursday, April 27 through Sunday, May 7, 2017, the 24th annual HOT DOCS CANADIAN INTERNATIONAL DOCUMENTARY FESTIVAL takes over Toronto once again, bringing a world of wonder to our City, uniting upwards of 200k Film lovers. A vast array of Documentaries ranging from science to celebrity highlight the Festival this year and 200+ special guests are expected to be in attendance this year including the likes of comedian Gilbert Gottfried, fashion designer Zac Posen, activist Dolores Huerta, scientist Bill Nye and several more!  The Festival kicks-off with opening night gala, spelling bee Documentary, BEE NATION.

Our Siobhán Rich and David Baldwin already have had a chance to preview some of this year’s titles, delivering us the inside scoop on some of the Films you absolutely must see at HOT DOCS this year. Some of the marquee titles at this year’s Festival include: 78/52 sees fans of iconic Hitchcock Horror Psycho pick apart that unforgettable shower scene. SPOOKERS takes us into the world of New Zealand’s famous scary amusement park. BECOME BOND centers on George Lazenby, the one and only actor to have starred in only one Film in the legendary franchise and why he walked away. Fashion lovers will rejoice knowing that Zac Posen will be in town for HOUSE OF Z, a Documentary about the powerhouse’s rise, fall and rise again. If you grew-up in the ’90s you’ll be thrilled to know Bill Nye not only has a Film screening at the Festival, but also he appears at a conversation as part of the Scotiabank Big Idea Series. GILBERT centers on funnyman Gilbert Gottfried who lets us into his world and the mind behind those famous potty-mouthed jokes. Hot off the heels of the popular Musical The Bodyguard playing in Toronto, comes WHITNEY “CAN I BE ME”, a deeply-intimate portrait about one of the most beloved songstresses of our time.

Siobhán Rich‘s Hot Docs picks:

BEE NATION

This year’s Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival will open with Lana Šlezic’s Bee Nation which looks at children participating in Canada’s first province-wide First Nations Spelling Bee. Aided by supportive teachers and families, the students, ranging from grades 3 through 8, study their words in hopes of earning the chance to fly from Saskatchewan to Toronto and participate in the National Bee against kids from all over Canada.

Šlezic’s primary focus is the kids and their academic journey but she doesn’t shy away from highlighting reservation life and allowing her audience to draw their own conclusions. The Film includes some powerful imagery including a scene where one of the students is standing near a tattered Canadian flag blowing in the wind. If the future of Canada lies within its children then perhaps better funding for Indigenous schools would be a good place to start.

Thursday, April, 27 9:45 p.m. Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema
Friday, April 28 2:00 p.m. Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema
Saturday, May 6 6:45 p.m. Isabel Bader Theatre

CITY OF GHOSTS

Exceptional Films like Matthew Heineman’s City of Ghosts are why I love documentaries and return to Hot Docs year after year. This incredible Film looks at the men behind the website Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently and the incredible risks they take every day to bring the truth to the outside world. With their digital and personal safety constantly at risk, they were forced to flee their homes and live in exile; their worked continued remotely thanks to informants back in Syria. As citizen journalists, the men of RBSS use cameras and words as their chosen weapons in the fight against ISIS.

Parts of the Film are difficult to watch including videos from ISIS and footage on the ground in Raqqa. But imagine living through them in a world where “death has become one of the most common things in my life.” Heineman wisely chose not to editorialize and instead allowed the men and work of RBSS on stand on their own merit. Part of Syria 360, Food & Film and the Scotiabank Big Ideas Series, there are multiple opportunities to see this Film and take a peek into lives so different from the ones we live here.

Friday, April 28 6:30 p.m. Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema
Saturday, April 29 5:00 p.m. Isabel Bader Theatre
Saturday, May 6 9:30 p.m. Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema
Sunday, May 7 12:45 p.m. Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema

HOUSE OF Z

Anyone who thinks the red carpet preshow is the best part of the Oscars will love Sandy Chronopoulos’ House of Z which looks at the rise and fall of fashion wunderkind Zac Posen. When he burst onto the scene at age 21, Posen was the darling of the fashion industry; his dresses were exquisite and his antics on and off the runway were infamous. With everyone from Anna Wintour to Diddy in his corner, Posen’s success seemed all but guaranteed.

Alas, every good story needs villain and Posen was his own worst enemy by “trying to be too creative.” In the Film’s climactic third act, Posen must rebuild his fashion house and prove his personal motto that “the art is the brand” with a revolutionary runway show hosted at his expensive New York-based atelier.

Using home movies and interviews, Chronopoulos gives the audience an intimate look into the life of one of fashion’s most important personalities. The opportunity to see Posen’s beautiful creations on the big screen should not be missed by any fashionista.

Wednesday, May 3 9:30 p.m. Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema
Thursday, May 4 1:45 p.m. TIFF Bell Lightbox

INTEGRAL MAN

There is a house in Rosedale that defies expectations. Built by the late mathematician, violinist, and activist James Stewart, Integral House was designed to be more of a private concert hall than a home. When hunting for architects to help him realize his dream house, Stewart put a call out for people with “conviction, imagination, and a willingness to take risks.” With its graceful curves and intense attention to detail it is a shrine to modern architecture.

Great Documentaries often change shape during filming and Integral Man is no different. What was supposed to be a simple film about a magnificent house turned into a memorial of Stewart’s final months. Director Joseph Clement was granted incredible access to both man and house and his admiration for both shines through.

Tuesday, May 2 7:15 p.m. Isabel Bader Theatre
Wednesday, May 3 10:00 a.m. TIFF Bell Lightbox
Friday, May 5 4:30 p.m. Fox Theatre

MERMAIDS

Legends of “women of the water” appear in lore from cultures around the world, so the modern obsession with mermaids is nothing new. What may be new is depths people take their love: from “dive bars” to meet-ups there is an entire subculture of mer-sisters. Ali Weinstein’s Mermaids dives into a world of tails, sisterhood, and the joy of finding your people.

Lest you turn up your dorsal fin and snub mermaiding as a new fad, the Canadian funded documentary visits Weeki Wachee Springs State Park where the Mermaid Show has been amazing audiences since 1947. From there, mer-weddings and MerFest seem like a delightfully natural progression.

Mermaids will be preceded by Ryan Freeman’s Short Film, Being Batman.

Friday, April 28 9:30 p.m. TIFF Bell Lightbox
Saturday, April 29 2:30 p.m. Isabel Bader Theatre
Monday, May 1 10:30 a.m. TIFF Bell Lightbox
Friday, May 5 12:00 p.m. Scotiabank Theatre

PACmen

Luke Walker’s Documentary about the two Super PACS which raised money for Republican presidential candidate Dr. Ben Carson is a painful look at dwindling hope rather than an in-depth look at the American electoral system. The movie naturally positions Trump’s successes against Carson’s many gaffes and it is up to the viewer to distribute the blame for his defeat amongst his adversaries, the overeager press, and even the unrelenting optimistims of the self-proclaimed Carsonators.

Witnessing Carson’s rise and fall may prove interesting for Canadian viewers as the film takes the audience on a journey through the lengthy American Primary season and its odd traditions. It is difficult to watch this film without cringing since, unlike his supporters, we know how Dr. Carson’s campaign ended. As one supporter laments, “This will not be an easy win – in part because he keeps talking.”

Tuesday, May 2 7:00 p.m. TIFF Bell Lightbox
Wednesday, May 3 3:30 p.m. Hart House Theatre
Friday, May 5 11:00 a.m. TIFF Bell Lightbox
Saturday, May 6 12: 30 p.m. Fox Theatre

PECKING ORDER

If you have ever wondered what the Westminster Dog Show would be like with chickens instead of dogs then this is the Documentary for you. The competitive world of poultry pageantry is finally getting its due in Slavko Martinov’s new Film, Pecking Order. Set in New Zealand (home of a lot of quirky Documentaries during this year’s Hot Docs), the Film takes us on a guided tour of chicken humour, poultry club politics, and introduces a cast of truly likable characters with a drive to win.

From ruffled feathers to coups in the coop, this film treats the members of the Christchurch Poultry, Bantam and Pigeon Club with great respect even as it pokes fun. One of the more amusing threads in the movie demonstrates that these chicken enthusiasts have no misconceptions about the eventual fate of their beloved chooks; and no amount of spider web theatrics will save the ones who don’t measure up.

Saturday, April 29 4:15 p.m. TIFF Bell Lightbox
Sunday, April 30 10:30 a.m. Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema
Saturday, May 6 10:00 a.m. TIFF Bell Lightbox

SHINERS

My winter boots are so dirty I think they may have personally Kickstarted this Documentary in self-defense. Stacey Tenenbaum’s Shiners focuses on shoe shiners and the pride they take in a job that gets very little societal respect. From a man in Tokyo who serves his customers champagne while they wait to a man who has worked the same corner in New York City for 15 years, the men and women profiled seek to end the stigma attached to their chosen career. And yes, there are some harsh social obstacles to overcome. In Bolivia, for example, Balloo and his fellow shiners must cover their faces as they serve their well-heeled clients.

Even clocking-in at a gentle 75 minutes, one cannot help but think this average feature could have been an excellent short. With compelling characters and great camera work, this Canadian-funded Film is a reminder that not all dreams end in the board room.

Shiners will be preceded by Jessica Beshir’s Short Film, He Who Dances on Wood.

Saturday, April 29 7:30 p.m. Isabel Bader Theatre
Sunday April 30 1:00 p.m. Hart House Theatre
Thursday, May 4 9:30 p.m. Hart House Theatre

STEP

Sometimes you watch a Movie and immediately know it will be an audience favouite. Amanda Lipitz’s Documentary relies on the proven trope of sports/the arts helping improve the lives of people from disadvantaged backgrounds. The story’s familiarity, however, doesn’t make the Film any less compelling.

Step follows three young women from the Baltimore Leadership School for Young Women and their Step team, the Lethal Ladies. To Blessin, Tayla and Cori “step is life” and a successful senior year both academically and for the team is ticket to a future filled with possibilities. Set against the backdrop of the riots that erupted after the Freddie Gray verdict, the girls are use their chosen art form to express what it’s like be young, African American women today.

Friday, April 28 8:45 p.m. TIFF Bell Lightbox
Sunday, April 30 3:30 p.m. Hart House Theatre
Sunday, May 7 5:45 p.m. The Aga Khan Museum

STRAD STYLE

Danny Houck lives in Laurelville, Ohio and has devoted most of his life to his love of violins. From his biker-style vest to his license plate, his love of Stradivarius violins is no secret to those around him. When he discovers violinist Razvan Stoica through a YouTube video, he reaches out to the musician and promises to create a replica of Giuseppe Guarneri’s famous Il Cannone del Gesù. With no formal training in the art of violin making and a looming deadline, it becomes clear that Houck may have bitten off more than he can chew.

An introvert living with bipolar disorder, Houck’s desire to duplicate the world’s most famous violin for his new friend will have audiences wincing with every setback and crossing their fingers as the big day nears. You do not need to be an expert luthier or lover of classical music to enjoy Director Stefan Avalos’ Strad Style. You only need compassion and a desire to cheer on an underdog.

Friday, April 28 5:30 p.m. Scotiabank Theatre
Sunday, April 30 1:00 p.m. TIFF Bell Lightbox
Friday, May 5 6:00 p.m. The Revue
Sunday, May 7 6:30 p.m. TIFF Bell Lightbox

THANK YOU FOR THE RAIN

Director Julia Dahr’s Film Thank You for the Rain seeks to put a personal face on the devastation wrought by climate change for millions of people around the world. Seasons of drought followed by flash flooding are the harsh reality for farmers in Kenya but Kisilu Musya hopes to change that through tree planting. Musya is credited as a Co-director on the Film which takes him from meetings talking to local farmers all the way to the UN Convention on Climate Change.

I recommend this Film not only because Kenya is one my favourite places I have ever lived but because Kisilu Musya is an activist who truly deserves to be heard. His strength of character and laughter in the face of tragedy make him a leader you will find yourself cheering for and as he discusses his local solutions with global leaders.

Tuesday, May 2 6:30 p.m. Scotiabank Theatre
Wednesday, May 3 1:00 p.m. TIFF Bell Lightbox
Sunday, May 7 10:30 a.m. TIFF Bell Lightbox

David Baldwin‘s Hot Docs picks:

78/52
CATEGORY: Nightvision

The shower scene in Alfred Hitchcock’s masterpiece Psycho is one of the most popular and well known scenes in all of film history. Through a variety of black and white interviews with directors, actors, editors, sound designers and film scholars, Director Alexandre O. Philippe has put together an exhaustive semiotic study of the scene and why all 78 camera set-ups and 52 cuts have become so historically significant.

Whether you are a fan of Film or just Hitchcock, 78/52 is ridiculously-interesting to watch from beginning to end. The level of detail that comes from each interview subject is astounding, and it is scary to hear how wildly different each one reads the scene and the build-up to it. They do an even better job analyzing Hitchcock himself, and emphasize how important Psycho’s place is within his filmography. 78/52’s lax structure is initially daunting to immerse into, but its jumpy nature actually makes the Film stronger. Interviews with Janet Leigh’s body double Marli Renfro and Hitchcock’s granddaughter Tere Carruba further enlighten us on what actually happened on-set, but that is only icing on the cake. This is a Documentary that is truly a Film lover’s dream.

Thursday May 4 @ 9:30PM Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema
Friday May 5 @ 3:00PM Scotiabank Theatre

BECOMING BOND
CATEGORY: Singular Sensation(s)

If the name George Lazenby does not ring a bell, then you are obviously not that big a fan of James Bond. The star of 1969’s On Her Majesty’s Secret Service is profiled in this wildly-entertaining and stylish documentary that may or may not be slightly embellished. Through dramatizations featuring actors like Jeff Garlin, Dana Carvey and Bond Girl Jane Seymour, we learn how Lazenby went from being a child with half a kidney to a used car salesman and model to landing his first acting job as 007.

Josh Greenbaum’s dDocumentary is fluffy and often silly, but it is incredibly fun to watch. Lazenby is a fantastic interview subject and is very forthcoming with his unbelievable life stories. The sheer amount of archive material and behind-the-scenes videos from the Bond set Greenbaum uses are simply stunning. As exciting as that all is, the Film takes way too long to get to that part of Lazenby’s life and just kind of fizzles out immediately afterwards. Why spend so much time detailing his early years if you are going to say virtually nothing about what happens later? I just wish Greenbaum did not waste the only moment Lazenby displays genuine emotion and regret by jumping so quickly to the next topic.

Wednesday May 3 @ 8:30PM TIFF Bell Lightbox
Thursday May 4 @ 3:45PM Isabel Bader Theatre
Friday May 5 @ 7:00PM TIFF Bell Lightbox

BLURRED LINES: INSIDE THE ART WORLD
CATEGORY: Artscapes

Blurred Lines works as a fascinating crash course for anyone who has ever wanted to understand modern art and the astronomical prices they sell for. Director Barry Avrich uses a plethora of talking head critics, artists, dealers and collectors to push forward his thesis of art being a commodity that defines status and worth. But he jumps around his topics so rapidly that he leaves no time for deeper analysis or detail.

The film is literally the definition of all style and no substance. It is absolutely gorgeous to look at, but everything his interview subjects say comes off as superficial. The art market is ludicrous, and Avrich is content to simply capture the chaos. He inexplicably uses a clip from The Expendables 3 to explain art buying part way through the film, and it comes off as even more absurd than some of the prices the art goes for. Yet the biggest drawback for Avrich’s eye-opening documentary is that his most interesting film subjects – specifically Artist Damien Hirst whose legendary 2008 Sotheby’s auction acts as Blurred Lines’ introduction – are only seen in archived clips from other sources.

Friday April 28 @ 7:00PM TIFF Bell Lightbox
Saturday April 29 @ 1:00PM Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema
Sunday May 7 @ 11:00AM Isabel Bader Theatre

FOR AHKEEM
CATEGORY: World Showcase

For Ahkeem centers around 17-year-old high school student Daje. She is struggling to graduate from her St. Louis alternative high school when she discovers she is pregnant. And as this is all happening, all hell is breaking loose in Ferguson, Missouri after the shooting death of Michael Brown.

Unlike many other Documentaries at this year’s Festival, Director Landon Van Soest and Jeremy S. Levine never stop the action in For Ahkeem to interview any of the Film’s subjects. They let the harrowing events play out naturally and more cinematically, focusing on different moments over this period of Daje’s life. I am curious to know what the Film was about before her pregnancy, as it never truly finds its footing until she finds out part way into the second act. I also thought the incidents in Ferguson would help move the Film towards some deeper meaning – but they only really suggest a timeline more than anything else. This is a deeply emotional passion project, but I feel it could have been stronger if it had more of a concrete purpose.

Sunday April 30 @ 6:00PM TIFF Bell Lightbox
Monday May 1 @ 10:45AM TIFF Bell Lightbox
Friday May 5 @ 6:45PM Fox Theatre
Sunday May 7 @ 3:00PM Hart House Theatre

THE GENIUS AND THE OPERA SINGER
CATEGORY: World Showcase

91-year-old mother Ruth has just returned from a nursing home to live in the New York City apartment she shares with her 55-year-old daughter Jessica. But the pair do not get along, and the animosity between them is stifling. They love each other in one moment, but then treat and say terrible things to each other the next.

Director Vanessa Stockley captures all of this drama and more over the course of the Film’s challenging 70-minute running time, but never properly defines her thesis. Why are we watching these two women bicker at each other? We understand the illnesses that plague both characters, but are barely afforded the opportunity to really understand how they got to this moment in their lives. Stockley tries to coax some discussion and reasoning out of these women, but never seems able to crack through their hardened shells. The sheer amount of collected junk that litters their apartment is horrific and gave me anxiety to see continuously. But it acts as a means of defining who these women are, or at least who they were, more than the Film does.

Sunday April 30 @ 6:00PM Scotiabank Theatre
Monday May 1 @ 3:30PM TIFF Bell Lightbox

GILBERT
CATEGORY: Special Presentations

When we think of actor and comedian Gilbert Gottfried, we think of his loud, shrilly voice and his disgusting and raunchy sense of humour. But Director Neil Berkeley pulls back the curtain with his documentary Gilbert and reveals a quiet and reserved man with a deep love for his wife, kids and sisters. I will admit it readily – I was shocked seeing Gottfried portrayed this way, and even more shocked by how deeply emotional a Film this was to watch.

Berkeley talks to different comedians about who Gottfried is and the varying responses paint a deep-seated portrait of a man with a real life completely divorced from his public persona. The access given into Gottfried’s notoriously private life is staggering. The man rides alone on a coach bus for some of his shows! Berkeley goes through his early beginnings and eventual rise to stardom, using some hilarious archived footage from Gottfried’s old comic sets, and eventually rolls through his moments of controversy with jokes about 9/11 and the 2011 Japanese tsunami and earthquake. It is a very personal and candid picture, and one where I managed to laugh just as often as I teared up.

Monday May 1 @ 9:30PM Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema
Tuesday May 2 @ 12:45PM Hart House Theatre
Sunday May 7 @ 9:00PM Hart House Theatre

SPOOKERS
CATEGORY: Nightvision

Spookers is the largest and most successful “scare park” in New Zealand – think Halloween Haunt at Canada’s Wonderland or Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios, but year-round and turned up past 11. The park was built on the site of the former Kingseat Psychiatric Hospital and employs actors who can play whatever horrific character they want each night. If that does not sound terrifying to you, I am scared to find out what does.

I was really excited to watch Director Florian Habicht’s Documentary unfold, but was left ridiculously disappointed. Habicht has fun showing the detail that goes into the actors’ costumes, make-up and personal histories, interviews the key staff members about the history of the hospital and what makes the park so successful and even shows some of the scares in action. But none of this material adds up to being nearly enough content or substance to warrant a feature-length Documentary. Instead, he pads out the rest with obscure dream sequences featuring the nearly unintelligible Spookers actors – and they have no real purpose aside from being filler. The first two or three are creative enough, but Habicht seems to add one after each five-minute interval. I found myself questioning what the point of these useless sequences was constantly, hoping for some sort of in-depth discussion that never came.

Sunday April 30 9:30PM Hart House Theatre
Tuesday May 2 @ 4:30PM Isabel Bader Theatre
Saturday May 6 @ 9:00PM Revue Cinema

Find out the schedule and how to get tickets here.

(Photo credit: Hot Docs)

By Siobhán Rich for Mr. Will Wong

Hot Docs has reached the midway point. Thousands of documentary loves and newbies alike have been flocking to venues like the Bloor, the Lightbox, and the Isabel Bader for the chance to be among the first to catch these world class films. With directors, subjects, and even a few crews onstage to participate in Q&As it is no wonder that Hot Docs remains one of the top film Festivals of its kind in the world.

Here are some great titles you can still catch over the next few days.

Cameraperson

One of the best Documentary cinematographers in the business, Kirsten Johnson has worked on everything from Fahrenheit 9/11 to Citizenfour. In this unique Documentary, Ms. Johnson has assembled footage from many of her favourite shoots around the world. This truly moving Film takes the viewer on a personal journey from New York to Darfur and everywhere in between, showing us some of the human moments behind the headlines and the soul of a truly gifted cameraperson.

Saturday, May 7 at 6:15 p.m. TBLB

De Palma

Film buffs will be flocking to see Noah Baumbach and Jake Paltrow’s latest Movie. A retrospective on director Brian De Palma’s complete filmography, the Film takes on a journey from his early days in Film school right through to Mission Impossible. De Palma doesn’t shy away from discussing both the high and lows of the process behind making each film. He also finds time to drop anecdotes about his friends Steve (Spielberg), Johnny (Williams) and Bobby (De Niro) among others. This true masterclass led by the master himself.

Friday, May 6 at 9:30 p.m. TBLB

Norman Lear: Just Another Version of You

Good Times, All in the Family and The Jeffersons; all these shows have one thing in common: Norman Lear. The grandfather the modern sitcom, he shaped what we watch on TV more than almost any person before or since. If there was a boundary that needed to be pushed, he obliterated it and left a trail of Emmys in his wake.

Friday, May 6 at 6:45 p.m. TBLB
Saturday May 7 at 3:15 p.m. The Revue

The Slippers

There are great Movies and Movies that drag you back in time to the first time you watched them, and then there’s The Wizard of Oz. Oz is movie that continues to hold the hearts and minds of everyone who has ever seen it. Some people, however, are slightly more obsessed than others. In this great feel good doc, director Morgan White explores the world of die-hard collectors who have devoted thousands of dollars and years of their lives to owning pieces of the movie. And no piece of Oz is more valuable than the ruby slippers.

Sunday May 8 at 6:45 p.m. The Regent

Spirit Unforgettable
Canadian music legends the Spirit of the West were confronted with a challenge: their lead singer, John Mann, was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s at the age of 52. Rather than give up or retire, this Spirit family rallied behind their brother to support him and help him to continue making music. Using a combination of archival footage and interviews with bandmates, family, and doctors, the Film is centered around the band’s goal to have John play “one last” gig at Massey Hall in June 2015.

Sunday, May 8 at 12:30 p.m. The Royal

Unlocking the Cage

Directors Chris Hegedus and DA Pennebaker bring us story of Steven Wise and the Nonhuman Rights Project whose goal is to ensure the well-being of animals. In the Film, Wise and his team go to court to save a chimpanzee whom they believe deserves the same right to a cruelty-free life as a human. The Nonhuman Rights Project are a passionate group of people who sincerely believe in their cause and will have the audience at the edge of their seat awaiting the verdict.

Sunday, May 8 at 10:00 a.m. TBLB

Review by Justin Waldman for Mr. Will Wong

I want to start this review on a more personal note than the other reviews for Hot Docs. I have a brother who suffers from autism and I understand the struggles and hardships associated with it. But I also understand the wrong and terrible stigmas associated with autism as well.

The Documentary Life, Animated from Academy Award-winning Director Roger Ross Williams, details how our subject Owen, develops verbal autism to tear-inducing effect. Maybe it had something to do with how my brother and I tried to communicate with while we were younger, who knows.

The Film details his relationship with the Disney Animated Movies that helped shape who he has become today in helping him get a grasp of the English language. Owen, like many other children who have autism, was diagnosed early on at the age of three. As his motor skills diminished doctors were worried he would never be able to speak again.

Life, Animated is a magical experience that allows the audience to see how Owen through the power of Film. Bring tissues.

Tuesday, May 3 9:15 p.m. Isabel Bader
Thursday, May 5 12:30 p.m. Hart House
Saturday, May 7 1:00 p.m. Fox Theatre

Review by Siobhán Rich for Mr. Will Wong

One of the most anticipated events of Hot Docs is the immersive dining experience being offered by chef Justin Cournoyer following the May 1st screening of Maurice Dekker’s Ants on a Shrimp. Hosted by Eatable Films, The Canadian Landscape in 5 Courses, is a dinner that will change the way you think about Canadian cuisine.

Ants on a Shrimp follows chef Rene Redzepi of Noma fame as he and his team travel to Tokyo to create a unique 14-course meal that combines local Japanese flavours and ingredients with his own Danish atheistic. While much is made of Redzepi, the Film spends much of its time with the members of his team who help shape the Tokyo menu.

Although the Movie may scare people away from life in a professional kitchen, it will definitely inspire amateur foodies and lifelong epicurians to indulge. But rest assured, despite the chef’s notorious fanatical control over every aspect of the kitchen, accommodations can be made for more squeamish or dietary restricted diners, “Veg: no meat, no fish, but dairy and insects are okay.”

Justin Cournoyer’s Actinolite Restaurant is famous for using local ingredients in all their dishes. Chef is sure to amaze even the most jaded guest at his post-Movie dinner, The Canadian Landscape in 5 Courses. Fear not, I have been personally assured that no ants (living or otherwise) will make an appearance on your plate. For more information about this one in a lifetime dinner visit http://eatablefilms.com.

Sunday, May 1 at 6:45 p.m. Isabel Bader
Monday, May 2 at 12:30 p.m. Hart House
Wednesday, May 4 at 6:30 p.m. Isabel Bader
Sunday, May 6 at 6:00 p.m. Royal Cinema

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

By Siobhán Rich for Mr. Will Wong

Documentary Films

It’s the most nonfictional time of the year.
With the kids all Hot Doc’ing
And everyone tell you to watch a Documentary.
It’s the most nonfictional time of the year!

Well, while they haven’t started writing carols to celebrate North America’s largest Documentary Film Festival, it’s only a matter of time. Starting on April 28th and running through May 8th, the Canadian International Documentary Festival is eleven days great nonfiction programming featuring the best Documentaries from over all over the world.

One of Toronto’s most accessible Film Festivals, Hot Docs prides itself on offering free daytime screenings to seniors (60+) and students. This year, they will also be offering close captioning and described audio at select screenings at both the TIFF Bell Lightbox and Scotiabank Theatre.

As Toronto gears up for Hot Docs here are some of our top picks for the Festival:

LEAGUE OF EXOTIQUE DANCERS

Directed by Rama Rau, the Opening Night Film features some of the best burlesque dancers of their day. Their day may have been a few decades ago but these ladies are artists of highest caliber. The Movie opens in Las Vegas at an induction ceremony for the Burlesque Hall of Fame and quickly sets the tone for a raunchy 90 minutes of fun and sequins. Using recent interviews and archival footage the audience is taken on a journey through the heyday of burlesque through to its sad downturn when strip clubs started demanding more pole dancing and nudity and less artistry. Rau is careful never to mock her subjects and treats them with unfaltering respect.

Thursday, April 28 at 9:45 p.m. Bloor Cinema
Friday, April 29 at 1:30 p.m. TBLB

AFTER CIRCUS

After clowns and aerialists retire from the circus they still close their eyes and dream of performing. Although their days flying through the air are often left behind due to injury or old age, their thirst for applause is more difficult to forget. In the tight knit community of Sarasota, Florida, these former circus-folk become family to one another and learn to apply the skills they learned in the ring for a new audience.

Warning: Not for people who suffer from coulrophobia.

Friday, April 29 at 9:15 p.m. TBLB
Sunday, May 1 at 1:15 p.m. Scotiabank
Saturday, May 7 at 1:00 p.m. Scotiabank

AIM FOR THE ROSES

Two artists who struggled for years to realize their dreams, the lives of Canadian daredevil Ken Carter and composer Mark Haney are intertwined through music. Carter’s dream of jumping the St. Lawrence River in a jet-powered car inspired Haney to write an album retelling the trials Carter suffered trying to make his dream a reality.

Sunday, May 1 at 7:15 p.m. Scotiabank
Monday, May 2 at 1:15 p.m. TBLB
Friday, May 6 at 1:00 p.m. Scotiabank

GOD KNOWS WHERE I AM

After leaving a healthcare system that continued to fail her, Linda Bishop survived for months on little more than apples and rain water in an abandoned farmhouse in New Hampshire. Her poignant story is revealed through diary excerpt and interviews.

Saturday, April 30 at 9:15 p.m. Scotiabank
Monday, May 2 at 12:15 p.m. TBLB
Saturday, May 7 at 9:30 p.m. Scotiabank

THE INCOMPARABLE ROSE HARTMAN

A woman described as “A Rose with many thorns,” Rose Hartman is a documentary photographer whose work is immediately recognizable. In an age when a woman standing up for herself was considered abrasive, Hartman proved herself to be in a class of her own taking photos of celebrities long before paparazzi became a byword amongst the elite.

Wednesday, May 4 at 9:00 p.m. Isabel Bader
Friday, May 6 at 11:00 a.m. Isabel Bader
Saturday, May 7 at 9:15 p.m. Fox Theatre

RAVING IRAN

Rebellion can take many forms. Susanne Regina Mueures’ Film introduces you to Anoosh and Arash, two young men who use music to escape the tyranny of the new Iranian regime. Dessert raves become a form of rebellion as Anoosh and Arash fight back against a system that tells them “if your music is political they’ll execute you.”

Sunday, May 1 at 4:15 p.m. Scotiabank
Tuesday, May 3 at 3:15 p.m. TBLB
Saturday, May 7 at 7:00 p.m. TBLB

SPACESHIP EARTH

What if earth were simply a ship travelling through the galaxy and we were its crew? This Sarah Polley-narrated documentary challenges the viewer to look at the environment as an ever changing planetary species that we must care for before we destroy it forever. With interviews from scientists around the world, Kevin McMahon’s latest documentary pulls no punches as it confronts the human and environmental costs of everything from fossil fuels to apathy about the fate of the arctic.

Saturday, April 30 at 9:15 p.m. TBLB
Sunday, May 1 at 12: 30 p.m. Isabel Bader
Saturday, May 7 at 10:00 a.m. Bloor Cinema

TOWER

The story of first mass shooting in the United States is told through animated recreations of first-hand witness accounts. This powerful documentary is sets the scene at the University of Texas where 16 people died as the result of one man’s actions on August 1, 1966.

Director Keith Maitland doesn’t use his platform to preach about gun control but instead paints a picture of both the victims and heroes of that day. From the opening scenes where a young, pregnant girl is shot walking with her boyfriend to the ongoing reports from a radio journalist on the ground, the Film draws the audience in and doesn’t let go until long after the credits have stopped running.

Sunday, May 1 at 9:30 p.m. TBLB
Monday, May 2 at 1:00 p.m. Isabel Bader
Friday, May 6 at 3:15 p.m. Hart House

UNDER THE GUN

While many documentaries struggle for years with small budgets and little outside support, Stephanie Soechtig’s latest Film did not. Executive produced and narrated by Katie Couric, the Movie already has distribution in the States through Lionsgate and yet will likely still have to fight an uphill battle for viewership.

As the Movie opens, the following chilling statistic is shared: “By the end o this Film 22 people will be shot and 6 will die.” Perhaps more chilling is that the day I saw this Movie the first notification I had on my phone after the screening was about yet another mass shooting in the States.

Somewhat manipulative and one-sided, this movie will make everyone think twice about the NRA and gun control in the States. Discussing everything from right to carry rifles into the local supermarket to laws that continue to tie the hands of the ATF, the filmmaker makes no apologies about which side of the gun control debate she sits on.

Tuesday, May 3 at 3:15 p.m. TBLB
Thursday May 5 at 9:30 p.m. Bloor Cinema
Sunday, May 8 at 9:30 p.m. Regent Cinema

Stay tuned in the coming days for reviews on more great documentaries coming to Hot Docs!

FULL SCHEDULE here.

Running from April 28 – May 8, 2016, the Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival has become a public staple annually. Hot Docs boasts over 200 Films this year from all around the world and over 200k are expected to attend.

We’d love to give away tickets to some of the Festival’s more high-profile Films and there is a Hollywood tie-in even!  We have passes available for the following:

DE PALMA

A brilliant piece on the infamous, iconoclast Hollywood director Brian De Palma, who is the man behind Carrie, Scarface and the original Mission: Impossible.

May 2, 6:15PM

Isabel Bader Theatre

LOVETRUE

A stunning art-film on love and heartbreak produced by Shia LaBeouf.

May 4, 9:00PM

TIFF Bell Lightbox

SUITED

A moving documentary on transgender men finding the right fit in a Brooklyn suit shop produced by the lovely Lena Dunham.

May 4, 7:00PM

TIFF Bell Lightbox

To enter to win, simply head over to MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK and click “like” on this Post to win!

Indicate for us which Film you’d like to enter for. You are welcome to enter for all three.

G’luck.

To learn more about Hot Docs, including how to get tickets and screening schedules, click here.

(Photo credit: Hot Docs)

By Siobhán Rich for Mr. Will Wong

Every Spring, Documentary lovers focus their attention in one direction: The Hot Docs Canadian International Film Festival. The 23rd edition of the Festival boasts 232 documentaries including 71 Canadian or Canadian co-productions. With filmmakers from 51 countries, 40% of whom are women, Hot Docs remains a beacon of diverse programming.

The Festival will kick off on April 28th with the world premiere of Canadian Filmmaker Rama Rau’s League of Exotique Dancers. Over the 10 days that follow, an impressive schedule of Films will thrill festival goers with offerings from both first time Documentarians and masters of the craft. Here are a few titles to look out for when building your Hot Docs schedule.

Canadian music fans are sure to be enthralled with Spirit Unforgettable by Director Pete McCormack. The Film focuses on Spirit of the West frontman John Mann and his battle with early onset Alzheimer’s.

If there are still any outstanding questions abut the “trial of the century” Ezra Edleman’s five-episode, seven-and-a-half-hour Documentary series O.J. Simpson: Made in America intends to answer them. It will be screened both in its entirety and as of the Scotiabank Big Ideas Series, which will include an extended Q&A with special guests.

One man transformed television in the 70’s. In Rachel Grady and Heidi Ewing’s Norman Lear: Just Another Version of You, we meet the man who challenged the way American’s thought by bringing the difficult issues of the day into their living rooms on a nightly basis.

Sundance award winner Weiner will be making its Canadian debut at Hot Docs. Directors Josh Kriegman and Elyse Steinberg turn their lens on a political melodrama that has to be seen to be believed.

Toronto arts lovers are no doubt familiar with the beautiful multidisciplinary production Contemporary Color from last year’s Luminato Festival. Bill Ross IV and Turner Ross will bring this spectacular show to the big screen during Hot Docs.

True cinephiles will need no more than the title of Noah Baumbach and Jake Paltrow’s new Film to be convinced to line up this highly-anticipated Documentary: De Palma.

A few must-sees for hardcore Documentary fans include Joe Berlinger’s Tony Robbins: I Am Not Your Guru (also part of the Scotiabank Big Ideas Series), Unlocking the Cage by Chris Hegedus and DA Pennebaker, and of course, Werner Herzog’s Lo and Behold: Reveries of the Connected World.

Finally, the new DocX program will feature a single screening Canadian Matt Johnson’s Operation Avalanche. This Mockumentary about the moon landing premiered to rave reviews at Sundance and is guaranteed to be a hot ticket.

Last year Hot Docs brought together over 200,00 Documentary enthusiasts. Thanks to the stellar work of the Hot Docs Programming Team, that number is only going to increase in 2016.

The Hot Docs Canadian International Film Festival will run from April 28 to May 8, 2016. More here.

By Justin Waldman

Hot Docs is a unique Film-going Experience that focuses exclusively on Documentaries. In the past years, the Film Festival has shown some truly phenomenal Documentaries that have given light to very serious issues and problems impacting the World we live in. As well, Hot Docs has also gone to the other end of the spectrum focusing on Icons, specifically last year with Carol Spinney and George Takei.

 This year is no different as the topics spread a great range from the battle against Coal Miners to compliling the lost works and untold stories of Nirvana‘s Kurt Cobain. Hot Docs is not only a Documentary Festival for Doc Lovers, it’s a Festival for Film Lovers of all walks of life.  It brings to the table everything from their Opening Night Movie, TIG, to the Scotiabank Big Ideas Series which features Films focusing on important issues, and spellbinding Documentaries that hit home emotionally.

Part of the Scotiabank Big Ideas Series, TIG is the Story behind Comedienne Tig Notaro’s bravery in the face of Cancer, a powerful Piece that will move you. Also part of the Series is Danny, which is about the Canadian Politician who was fighting for a better life for the people living in Newfoundland and Labrador. Deep Web is another Title in the Big Ideas Program which explores the deepest, darkest parts of the Internet – just as terrifying and real on the level of Street Crime. Sweet Mickey for President also is a part of the Program, following the political run behind famed Musician Michel Martelly. Last but not least, Out To Win is a Film that speaks to the difficulty of being LGBT in the Sports Industry and how a few Trailblazers paved the way for Athletes and non-Athletes alike  to live authentically.

On the other hand, there is a Show Me The Funny Program which features Documentaries surrounding great Comedians and their lives, whether it be hardship or their astounding ascents to stardom. Live From New York is part of this Series, which features the brilliance behind beloved Saturday Night Live. Drunk Stoned Brilliant Dead: The Story of National Lampoon focuses on the Magazine, and later the Franchise that launched the careers of some of the most famed Comedians of today. Monty Python: Meaning of Live is the perfect addition to this Program as it focuses on the members of Monty Python getting back together for their sellout Shows last year at the O2 Arena in London.

Lastly, some of the Documentaries that we have seen thus far have truly stood out to us and have garnered our recommendation and praise for their brilliance and powerful Storytelling. Welcome To Leith is a phenomenal Film that captures what happened to a small rural town North Dakota as it shortly, and most unfortunately becomes overrun with white supremacists, a great Movie that tells a Story hard to swallow. As well, Dreamcatcher is an intriguing look at Brenda Myers-Powell and her mission to help Girls on the street reach their true potential.

The Hot Docs Festival runs from Thursday, April 23 through to Sunday, May 3, 2015, ranging from a variety of cinemas in Toronto.  More here.

(Photo credit: Hot Docs)

We want to draw your attention to DRAWING THE TIGER from Filmmakers Amy Benson and Scott Squire, a Film which premieres at the upcoming HOT DOCS Film Festival!

Synopsis:
A family in Nepal living on less than a dollar a day wins the globalization jackpot: a charity scholarship for their daughter to go to school in the capital city. She promises to return, to free her family from poverty.

But she does not return. Drawing the Tiger is an intimate portrait of the price one family pays for their golden opportunity.

The number one cause of death among Women in Nepal aged 14 to 49 is suicide.

See the Trailer:

A Kickstarter was launched last month to aid the funding of this Film and its monetary goal was accomplished. We want you to see this important piece of Filmmaking.

DRAWING THE TIGER screens at HOT DOCS Wednesday, April 29, 2015 at Scotiabank Theatre 6:30 PM, Friday, May 1, 2015 at Scotiabank Theatre 4:45 PM and Saturday, May 2, 2015 9:15 PM. Details here.

(Photo/video credit: nonfiction media)