All good things must come to an end. This weekend marks the 25th anniversary of Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival to a close. But do not despair, there are still two days full of excellent documentary films for you to discover. Here are a few for you to choose from.
Saturday, May 5, 2018
The Silence of Others
11:45am, Scotiabank Theatre 3
The Silence of Others reveals the epic struggle of victims of Spain’s 40-year dictatorship under General Franco, who continue to seek justice to this day. Filmed over six years, the film follows victims and survivors as they organize the groundbreaking “Argentine Lawsuit” and fight a state-imposed amnesia of crimes against humanity, and explores a country still divided four decades into democracy. A happy film it is not, but it is a story that needs to be told. Memoria e historia.
Same-day tickets still available.
The Trolley
3:00pm, Cinesphere
The Trolley marks the first-ever IMAX screening Hot Docs has presented. Traveling from Milan to Hong Kong and featuring the TTC’s Red Rocket fleet through the years, this immersive cinema experience traces the invention, popularization and decline of a marvel of modern technology. I hear the film looks amazing on the big screen.
Limited same-day tickets available starting at 1:30pm.
Shorts Program: Silence Breakers
5:45pm, Scotiabank Theatre 7
As the #MeToo and Time’s Up movements mobilize, explore a watershed moment for women who are finally being heard. The films in this program include: Death Metal Grandma; Infinite Galatea; JUCK [THRUST]; Meatballs Couscous; Pumpkin Movie; Unheard; A Woman Like Me. From microagressions to ageism, sexist stereotypes to institutionalized inequality, the time for change is now!
Same-day tickets still available.
Mr. SOUL!
6:00pm, Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema
In 1968, SOUL! was the first nationally broadcast all-Black variety show on public television, merging artists from the margins with post–civil rights Black radical thought. Visionary producer-turned-host Ellis Haizlip—openly gay and committed to charting new aesthetic territory—introduced the world to early legends such as Toni Morrison, James Baldwin alongside voices like Patti Labelle and Ashford & Simpson. I am certainly not missing out on seeing this on a big screen with full-house.
Same-day tickets still available.
Women of the Venezuelan Chaos
9:30pm, TIFF Bell Lightbox 3
Women of the Venezuelan Chaos shows us this chaotic society while allowing us to hear from people in distress. Coming from different backgrounds and generations, the film revolves around five women’s stories. All of the stories are powerful, insightful, and heartbreaking as well. Whether aware or not, about the state of affairs in this South American country, this is a must-see.
Same-day tickets still available.
