Ryan McNeil
Truth is more fascinating than fiction.
That’s the saying isn’t it? There are so many stories to be told from the world around us, how can a tale that one person just makes up possibly compete? For filmgoers, those tales play out as documentary – and over the last ten years, the art of documentary filmmaking seems to have grown by leaps and bounds. So many beautiful stories are being told in such beautiful ways, that one could be forgiven if they wanted to wade into the waters of nonfiction and never return to shore.
Happily for me, I get to do that every spring as Toronto plays host to Hot Docs: North America’s largest documentary film festival which is about to celebrate its 20th year.
There’s a lot to look forward to this year including MANOR, the opening night film about an Ontario family and the strip club they operate. There’s SHOOTING BIGFOOT about a Brit filmmaker hooking up with eccentric trackers to prove the mythical beast’s existence once and for all. And there’s MISTAKEN FOR STRANGERS, an amazing documentary about indie rock darlings The National – but captured in a way that makes it a truly unique film. Take a look at the trailer.
Others that I haven’t seen yet, but am looking forward to include DOWNLOADED, which chronicles the ups and downs of Napster creators Shawn Fanning and Sean Parker. Then there’s CAUCUS, a new film by A.J. Schnack about the wild goings on at the 2012 Iowa Straw Poll. Finally, count me in for SICK BIRDS DIE EASY, a social experiment that will take its subjects deep into the heart of Africa in the search of a cure for what ails them.
The Matinee will be covering the festival beginning next Wednesday, and I’m happy to report that for the first time, there will be more than one perspective on the action. For the 2013 festival, Jess Rogers of Reel Insight will be checking out several docs and posting reactions on this space. In addition to that, look for the usual onslaught of reaction pieces, and hopefully two or three audio dispatches in the way of podcasts.
In the past, the festival has pointed this space towards some truly unforgettable docs, including SENNA, GASLAND, INOCENTE, AND EVERYTHING IS GOING FINE, JOAN RIVERS – A PIECE OF WORK, PROJECT NIM and MARLEY. That’s not even counting the ones I missed but would discover later!
If you’re in the Toronto area, I highly recommend you drop by the festival for a night or two and soak in some outspoken and outstanding films. The festival’s site, where you can get a complete list of what’s showing and how to see it, can be found here.
If you’re outside the Toronto area, stick with The Matinee from April 24th until May 5th.
We might just be able to point you towards your next favorite documentary!
Shooting Bigfoot is definitely one of my top picks for the festival.
I’ve seen Downloaded and, without saying too much, I think you will like it.
Sick Birds Die Easy is another film I have on my list, though I don’t know if I can schedule a screening (and there are no screeners available).