As in previous years, I’ve selected ten films that have piqued my interest. Most of these I have not screened yet, thus I cannot give you an in-depth analysis just yet. I have, however, tried to pick films from most of Hot Docs’ programmes to have some variety. In no particular order…

Using Frantz Fanon’s incendiary text The Wretched of the Earth as a guide, filmmaker Göran Hugo Olsson returns to the Swedish television archives… unearthing astounding footage of the fight for decolonization. The film is divided into nine chapters propelled forward by the powerful voice of activist and artist Lauryn Hill, who reads selections of the text against the images of a young Robert Mugabe, South African white elite and everyday occurrences of rebellion and civil war. 

My thoughts: Having seen Olsson’s previous work The Black Power Mixtape, I am very interested in how this film will be told, as it deals with a topic of much importance. The film played at Sundance to some positive reviews. One that will create plenty of dialogue and reactions during and afterwards.

When Marcel’s marriage ends, he leans heavily on his best friend, Bob, for support. The men commiserate, share a wicked wit and hit the bottle hard…  tragicomic portrait of codependence presents the laughter and loathing at the heart of their friendship and addiction. When Marcel slams the brakes on his boozing and enters rehab, Bob, for once, doesn’t join in.

My thoughts: All of us need a friend to get us through tough times. This doc interests me for two main reasons, mental health and addiction issues, as well as, relationships and what sustains them. A snippet of life that seems worth a look.

This is a cinematic essay focused on the routines and repetition of various workplaces. As scenes move from machinists and garment workers to laundry attendants and carpenters, the mise-en-scène and sound design are as highly constructed as the products being manufactured. Côté leaves little to chance, intentionally drawing as much attention to the form of the filmmaker’s work as he does to the chosen labourers he follows. 

My thoughts: Admittedly, the phrase ‘cinematic essay‘ drew me to this title. However, the trailer also captured my attention. There is something about films that tell a story without much use of words, which I find fascinating. This type of fim may not be for everyone. But for those who appreciate how music and cinematography can drive a story, this is one to take in.

Where I’m From — World Showcase 
Dir. Claude Demers

TIFF Bell Lightbox 3Mon, Apr 28 8:30 PM
TIFF Bell Lightbox 4Tue, Apr 29 3:00 PM
Scotiabank Theatre 7Sun, May 4 6:30 PM

Demers takes us on an intimate journey through his troubled childhood in working-class Verdun, a historic and notorious borough of Montreal. We see the neighbourhood—one of great contrasts, from the majestic banks of the Saint Lawrence River to the fluorescent glow of the local Dunkin’ Donuts—through the eyes of his two alter egos, Bastien and Cédric… who are just discovering themselves and the world around them.

My thoughts: Personal journeys are often intriguing. Identity often stems from the places we grew up in to the places we have yet to visit. It appears this is what Demers is hoping to portray in this film.

Scotiabank Theatre 4 – Thu, May 1 6:00pm
TIFF Bell Lightbox 2 – Fri, May 2 3:00pm
TIFF Bell Lightbox 3 – Sat, May 3 3:30pm

Death is part of Israel Ticas’ everyday existence in this unflinching real-life horror movie. As the only criminologist working in El Salvador, he excavates abandoned wells now used as mass graves by the MS-13 and 18th Street gangs. Despite a truce, these blood rivals continue to “disappear” victims and have simply taken to hiding the bodies they once displayed publicly.

My thoughts: The so-called truce between rival gangs in El Salvador supposedly brought down the number of murders in the country, as per government statistics. Yet, the number of disappearances skyrocketed. I will have more to say about this film closer to the festival. There is much to be said for what is not being done by local officials. And this film focuses on a very important issue affecting El Salvador and all of Central America.

A seven-hour drive from the closest city and hidden in a forest as large as Germany, Russia’s Penal Colony 56 is as remote as it is impenetrable. A maximum-security prison for murderers, the imposing fortress locks down 260 of Russia’s most dangerous killers. After six months of hard negotiating with the Russian Prison Service, cameras enter this secret world to reveal prison life’s daily rituals, psychological conditioning and dark dramas.

My thoughts: The filmmakers interview six inmates, giving the audience full access to their stories, as well as, this ‘fortress.’ I often wonder how useful are prisons in ‘rehabilitating’ even the most dangerous criminals? I am curious as to what we can learn from this documentary.

Pine Ridge Reservation, home to the Oglala Lakota Nation, has been the site of some of the most tragic events in Sioux history, including the massacre at Wounded Knee. With high unemployment, a large number of residents living below the federal poverty line, troubling rates of teen suicide and low life expectancies, the youth of Pine Ridge struggle to make sense of an uncertain future.

My thoughts: A quote from the trailer nailed this film for me, “most people still think we live in tepees [thípi in Lakota]… we have houses, man.” It should be interesting to see how Eborn tells the story of the Lakota people. The film has screened at other festivals also. What seems to stand out in reviews of the film, is its focus on local voices, rather than ‘an editorial voiceover.’

Love Hotel — Love, Factually
Dirs. Philip Cox / Hikaru Toda

TIFF Bell Lightbox 2 – Sat, Apr 26 6:00pm
ROM Theatre – Mon, Apr 28 6:30pm
TIFF Bell Lightbox 3 – Sat, May 3 6:00pm

Pay by the hour or the night. Order sexy underwear or condoms or anything else imaginable from a coin-operated machine. Anything goes at the Angelo Love Hotel in Osaka, run by Manager Ozawa and his efficient staff. Small living spaces, long work hours and the need for privacy drive 2.8 million Japanese a day to visit “love hotels.”

My thoughts: I am no prude and I file this documentary under ‘curiosities.’ Is it not interesting to see how establishments like ‘love hotels’ function in a society like that in Japan? Sex is not always discussed openly, I’m hoping this film will provide some interesting perspectives and thought-provoking reactions, too.

Scotiabank Theatre 4 – Fri, May 2 7:30pm

Mariachi may be an essential part of Mexican culture but it’s considered a man’s domain. Female mariachis struggle to claim their rightful place in the squares… Juggling work, motherhood and homemaking with their musical careers is challenging but once they step into their role as a mariachi singer the difficulties of everyday life in Mexico City wash away and they sing the famed folk music of their country.

My thoughts: I enjoy listening to mariachi songs, as many latinos do.  I will also discuss the film in greater detail in the next few weeks. However, I do enjoy learning about strong women, who are “doin’ it for themselves.” I’m looking forward to watching this film with a large audience.

Doc Of The Dead — Nightvision
Dir. Alexandre Philippe

Bloor Hot Docs Cinema – Sat, Apr 26 11:59pm
Hart House Theatre – Sun, Apr 27 9:30pm
Royal Cinema – Sat, May 3 9:45pm

Could there be a real zombie outbreak? If so, Doc of the Dead can help you prepare. First, before you learn how to fend off the enemy, you should study them. Masters of zombie culture, including George A. Romero, Simon Pegg and Greg Nicotero, come together to discuss the evolution of the zombie genre, and why zombie films, video games, books, graphic novels and television shows continue to rise in popularity.

My thoughts: With talks of a Zombie Apocalypse and shows like The Walking Dead, who isn’t a fan of zombies these days? I have a good feeling this film will sell out for its opening midnight screening. And I also think it should be entertaining, and fun.

These are but ten films to get you started, if you have not done so yet. There is something for almost every taste and type of documentary fan. In essence, this list aims to get you interested and curious about what ‘docs’ are coming to Toronto starting April 24 to May 4.

For full details on How To Hot Doc, box office information, full documentary listings, visit hotdocs.ca. I will also have some special spotlights this year. Please stay tuned for more of my coverage of this year’s festival through this page, or you may also follow my adventures via Twitter and Facebook.