Many of us know Levinson’s work from Good Morning Vietnam and Rain Man. In this film, he goes back to his home town of Baltimore to make a documentary about sports from a personal perspective. The project is part of ESPN’s 30 for 30 project. The film is about the former Baltimore Colts Marching Band that kept Baltimore’s hopes alive for a NFL football team. I am not an avid NFL fan but thoroughly enjoyed this documentary. It showcases the original band members sharing their story… It’s funny, a bit nostalgic and a really great tribute to the loyal Baltimore fans. ESPN will show this film on October 13th; go here for more info.

What can be said about an actor that is as accomplished as Michael Caine? Well, I can testify he’s got a great sense of humour… Man, can he make you laugh. His life is so interesting; from his humble beginnings in London to becoming an actor by chance to meeting the love of his life after seeing her on the tele to the great many friends he’s made along the way. His life is full of great anecdotes and funny stories. Seamus O’Regan hosted the event but was enjoying Mr. Caine’s stories that he didn’t have much to say nor ask. Good times!

Like the event with Sir Michael Caine, this was also hilarious, interesting and entertaining. Chris Rock was in town promoting the documentary Good Hair, which deals with the interesting topic of what “good hair” means in the Black community. Rock talked about making the film; how he had thought of the idea years ago while in Atlanta at the same time as one of the Bronner Brothers Hair Competitions. He talked about how it’s a topic that is very important but no one had actually made it this public.

Mavericks programmer Thom Powers, also asked Rock about

campaigning for Obama last year. Rock said it was fun and interesting; he mentioned Obama gave him a call to see if he’d do some campaigning for him.

There was enough time for some audience Q&A, as usual, some questions were about the documentary; others about his upcoming plans, etc. Then towards the end, a man puts up his hand, he asked if Rock had considered going into the hair product business. Rock laughed and said, not yet but maybe he should. A funny way to end the conversation.

Wiseman’s documentaries usually take us on tour of various institutions. In La Danse, he takes into the Paris’ Opera Ballet school. It’s a quiet and intimate look at the dancers’ everyday life at the school… the endless hours of training, the politics, the creative process and the shows. It was interesting to hear Wiseman at the Q&A explain how he composes his films. Generally, after filming, he starts editing and it’s at this stage that structure and themes become apparent. The film is a testament to his great skills. It felt very fluid and it totally makes sense seeing as he is quite involved in the post-production part. He mentioned he’d still look at rushes even after editing had begun just in case he’d find “new” shots. A journey I very much enjoyed.