This week, Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Film Festival will begin another run. With 189 films from 51 countries, Hot Docs is giving Toronto plenty of choices. Documentaries are well favoured in this city, as several films have already gone RUSH!

Here I give you part one of my preview… Some of these films have broken my heart, have made me angry and have made me hopeful.

Finding Truelove
Synopsis: Fascinated by a discarded yearbook from 1990 and the awesome students it immortalizes, three friends road-trip from Portland to Chico, California, to crash the class’s 20th reunion in this uproarious quest for feather-banged mystery man, Timothy Truelove.

My thoughts: This is a road trip that actually brings you back in time. This contains some great references for those of use who grew up in the 90’s. The music, the fashion, and the way the documentary is put together is reminiscent of something out of MTV, when it was cool. A good time for the most part but may leave some of you disappointed in the end.

Garden in the Sea
Synopsis: This visually stunning documentary about art, landscape and environmental conservation follows Spanish artist Cristina Iglesias as she creates an underwater installation in Mexico’s beautiful Sea of Cortez.

My thoughts: For the art lovers and those interested in learning more about environmental conservation. This film moves at an intended slow pace as it covers four years in the creation of Iglesias’ installation. There is great cinematography and a sense grandeur in some way. Worth seeing on the big screen.

The Frog Princes
Synopsis: Led by a charismatic mentor, a theatre troupe of developmentally challenged actors learns to face their fears and find their voices, as they mount a charming and ambitious adaptation of The Frog and the Princess.

My thoughts: Some memorable individuals in this documentary; particularly Rain-Man and Tanya. Rain-Man is a young man hoping to move out on his own soon. Tanya is a sensitive woman who has a fun yet fiery personality. This is more of an educational/TV documentary in style. It has some good moments but also some not so pleasant ones. The mastery that goes into putting on the play from improvisation to opening night will interest some of you.

Mama Ilegal
Synopsis: Smuggled out of the country, three Moldovan women struggle to support their families by working as maids in Austria and Italy, while their husbands are left to face the challenges of raising kids in one of Europe’s poorest nations.

My thoughts: Moldavia is a country that shares a border with Romania. It is poor and this makes for a harsh life. The women leave husbands, children and parents behind in hope of making sufficient money to sustain them and better their lives. What is evident in this film is how the dynamics between husband and wife, mother and child(ren) changes dramatically. When some of these women are able to visit their home, emotions are high but so are the disappointments.

El Huaso
Synopsis: An aging father returns to Chile to fulfill youthful dreams of becoming a rodeo horse rider, but his threats to ultimately end his life on his own terms leaves his family with conflicted feelings.

My thoughts: There is a lot more going on in this documentary than a father’s wish to become a rodeo rider. Is he serious about his intent to end his life or is there something else at play? This is certainly an intimate look at a Latin American family, their issues and their support of one another. A difficult film to watch. Bring tissues as there are some intense moments that will make you question what you’d do if you were in their shoes.

Glow: The Story of The Gorgeous ladies of Wrestling
Synopsis: In this corner… the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling! Step back into the 80s and cheer on the beautiful, glittered and powerful ladies whose wrestling personas and over-the-top comedy sketches captivated television audiences.

My thoughts: This is a complete nostalgia film. Whether or not you grew up watching wrestling on Saturdays in the mid-80’s, you will find yourself interested in the lovely GLOW ladies. The film captures the essence of this all-female wrestling show and its stars. Seeing them years later and find out how their lives turned out adds to the appeal. You will not forget Mountain Fiji, Little Egypt, Tina Ferrari and the rest of these gorgeous ladies.

There will be more Hot Docs previews and reviews coming your way. In the meantime, visit the Hot Docs website or their box office (783 Bathurst  St.) for tickets.