Every year, I always look forward to Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival. The festival is bigger than ever, and this year, there will be 160 directors in attendance along with a number of special guest subjects. In this first instalment, I am focusing on five films that showcase Latin American stories. The films are varied in style, in nature of subjects, but are all interesting and poignant in their own right. Read on and hopefully, you’ll consider adding these to your lists.
¿Quién es Dayani Cristal? / Who Is Dayani Cristal?
Director: Marc Silver
Synopsis: The film tells the story of a migrant who found himself in the deadly stretch of desert known as “the corridor of death” and shows how one life becomes testimony to the tragic results of the U.S. war on immigration. As the real-life drama unfolds we see this John Doe, denied an identity at his point of death, become a living and breathing human being with an important life story.
**Apologies, I could not find an official trailer for this film.
My thoughts: This is what some will call a ‘hybrid’ or a very ‘stylized’ documentary. Both of these descriptions is correct. The film brings forth a very sad and difficult story to watch, at times. Actor Gabriel García Bernal puts himself in this John Doe’s shoes, literally and figuratively. He takes us with him on this dangerous journey towards the “American Dream”. The film comes close to become a feature film in its ‘hybrid’ style but I, for one, have no problem with this. These ‘ugly’ stories don’t always have to look ugly. I also think Bernal’s role in the film humanizes the migrant’s story. And on an aesthetic level, the cinematography is absolutely great in this film, as its the accompanying soundtrack.
I Will Be Murdered
Director: Justin Webster
Synopsis: In May 2009, Rodrigo Rosenberg, a wealthy, charismatic lawyer went cycling near his home in Guatemala City and was murdered. Nothing unusual, as tragically Guatemala has a murder rate four times higher than Mexico’s. What was extraordinary is that Rodrigo Rosenberg knew, for certain, he was about to be killed. A special prosecutor began an investigation, a journey into Rosenberg’s soul and Guatemala’s hell, that after multiple twists and turns, reached a stunning revelation.
My thoughts: Although I had read about this case prior to screening the film, I Will Be Murdered does present a fuller version of this convoluted story. The film plays like a police procedural. We get to know Rosenberg’s family and friends. Webster interviews those involved in the investigation as well. The stories are confounded and confusing. Ultimately, nothing is what it seems. And this is frankly, a good description of Guatemala as a country, as a society.
Narco Cultura
Director: Shaul Schwarz
Synopsis: To a growing number of Mexicans and Latinos in the Americas, narco traffickers have become iconic outlaws and the new models of fame and success. They represent a new form of the American Dream, fueled by the war on drugs. This film looks at this explosive phenomenon from within; cycles of addiction to money, drugs and violence that are rapidly gaining strength on both sides of the US/Mexican border.
**Apologies, I could not find an official trailer for this film.
My thoughts: Graphic and explicit content. The film takes us to Ciudad Juárez and across the border to the USA, and it’s quite a trip! We get to know a criminal investigator working in that city, where murders happen almost every hour. We also get exposed to a new music scene born out of this lifestyle, that of, narco corridos. What contradictions! Highly recommend this film; it’s keeps you engaged from beginning to end, and it reminds us of a situation that many are still not aware of. The film’s director certainly has a great eye for bringing us closer to this world where violence and music intersect.
La Revolución de los Alcatraces / Eufrosina’s Revolution
Director: Luciana Kaplan
Synopsis: The personal journey and social awakening of Eufrosina, a young indigenous woman from Oaxaca, Mexico, fighting against gender inequality as well as the seducing offering of political power.
My thoughts: A close look at Eufrosina Cruz, who is not only a strong woman but also a defiant one. The film takes us through Eurofina’s town and her journey towards being involved in local politics. In a male-dominated world, in which the word ‘woman’ does not exist, this is not an easy task. Yet Eufrosina does not give up. Really enjoyed getting to know Eufrosina, her family, and her community. The film also gives us an insight into this community’s culture, local traditions, and how they rest of Mexico hardly pays them much attention.
Todavía el Amor / Love Still
Director: Guzmán García
Synopsis: This film is about 11 stories of love, heartbreak, concrete and unsuccessful dreams, deception and hope. It presents shares their recollections of the past, realized dreams, frustrations and disappointments and the desires of not remaining seated waiting for the death.
My thoughts: The director begins by telling us he wanted he wanted to make a film about love but he feels he’s too young to be able to do a just job on his own. Thus, he decides to interview these 11 couples. The interviews are very candid; ranging from humourous, to sad, to hopeful. Interesting to see how our notion of love and companionship evolves through the years. A reminder that we are social beings, and that it’s always nicer to have a companion for at least part of the ride.
There are other Latin American films at this year’s festival. These are the ones I’ve chosen to highlight because of the themes, and the people we come to know through them. Hot Docs will screen films at various theatres in Toronto from April 25th until May 5th. For full festival listings, box office information and times, visit hotdocs.ca.