Given the variety on offer, I adapted some of the descriptive texts for each of the films.
Client 9: The Rise and Fall of Eliot Spitzer
Client 9 documents the dramatic rise and fall of New York Governor Eliot Spitzer. As NY's Attorney General, Eliot Spitzer prosecuted America’s largest financial institutions and some of the most powerful executives in the country. When The New York Times revealed Spitzer had seen prostitutes, the “Sheriff of Wall Street” fell quickly from grace.
The festival is doing an Alex Gibney retrospective, so a bunch of his movies are on the docket. (A couple of years ago, Werner Herzog was the guest o’ honor. I watched Grizzly Man with Werner Herzog, is what I’m trying to tell y’all.) Given the miles of interview footage with Spitzer, there’s a sense of, like, here’s this guy who’s intelligent and has a sense of mission, and then just...dude, seriously, could you not have just maintained fidelity? And I bet the negotiations for the interview were INTENSE. Also, I mostly came out of this respecting Ashley Dupree and Cecil Suwal (the, uh, madam) for their entrepreneurial spirit.
John Lewis: Good Trouble
John Lewis was a national treasure. The recently deceased Georgia Congressman spent over 60 years fighting injustice through acts of governance and non-violence. In Dawn Porter’s lovingly constructed and nuanced portrait, she probes Lewis’s humanity, his unwavering faith in America, and his infectious humor.
There’s so much delight in the juxtaposition of the titanic impact Lewis had with videos of him bopping to “Happy” and talking to cats and chickens. It’s so difficult to grapple with the idea that he saw so much of his work erode in many ways in his last few years.
Big vs Small: A Story About Courage
Powered by thrilling sequences of big wave surfing, this energetic film profiles the fiery athlete Joana Andrade. When additional skills are needed to dominate giant waves and overcome personal fears, Joana seeks out a celebrated free diver to help her survive the churning waters of Nazaré, Portugal.
Andrade is 136 cm (4ft 5in) and surfed a 54m (178ft) wave. “Over time I started challenging my body’s limits. To see how long I could go without breathing and what would happen. I put it in practice in the big waves. I guess I practice extreme sports because sometimes one wishes to die and move to another state of being. But when the moment comes, you don’t want it anymore. I still have a lot of unfinished business in this life.” You guys. This entire VO monologue? She was holding her breath underwater. And then she goes to train in Finland with Johanna Nordblad, who can hold her breath up to six minutes and 39 seconds AND has swum under ice in only a swimsuit for 50m. And then they chat about how surfers can get pushed 15m underwater if a wave hits them. WHAT.
White Noise + a Q&A
A bold and frightening exposé of the alt-right movement that intimately profiles three infamous personalities—Richard B. Spencer, Mike Cernovich, and Lauren Southern.
This movie is ninety minutes of pure rage if you’re, like, a decent human being. I learned stuff, but also, lordy, I wish I could wipe all this knowledge of these horrible, horrible people from my brain. One of the most fascinating bits, however, is when the three main subjects are asked about the damage they’ve done (by the documentary’s interviewer), they sort of...don’t understand why they’re being asked that? Like there’s some weird mental block they have, where they’re shocked, just SHOCKED, that what they say might end with actual, material, physical consequences for others.
Coded Bias + Q&A
When MIT Researcher and PhD Candidate Joy Boulamwini buys an aspiration mirror that fails to recognize her face, Joy realized the facial recognition software has not been programmed to identify black faces. To combat this racists software and the encroachments of civil liberties, Joy builds an international justice league seeking legislative restrictions for the use of AI technologies.
“The past dwells within our algorithms.” If AI (which is algorithms + machine learning in man cases) springs from the initial data sets humans give them, then things are going to be just as skewed as humans are--and perhaps intensified. Most interesting, I thought, were the cases of police surveillance using facial recognition--and how people were treated when they tried to “opt out” of the process. (Especially since, the film states, a staggering 90+% of matches were incorrect.)
No Stone Unturned
This unrelenting historical film probes a 1994 cold case called the Loughinisland massacre, which remains an open wound in the Irish peace process, will keep you on the edge of your seat. The families of the victims—who were murdered while watching the World Cup in their local pub—were promised justice, but 20 years later they still didn’t know who killed their loved ones.
Not only did the families wait for answers for twenty years BUT apparently the culprits were known all along, and their identities were protected for, uh, secret police reasons? Either at least one of the murderers being an informant, or police officers doing some unofficial militia support. Even more awful: The names and even locations of the murderers are known now, they’d only get a couple of years of jail due to the reconciliation agreements after the Troubles. UGH.
Women in Blue + Q&A
Janeé Harteau, the first female chief of police in Minneapolis, works to reform a department plagued by allegations of biased policing. She creates a more inclusive culture by recruiting and promoting women. Though some progress is made, Harteau is forced to resign after a shocking officer-involved shooting.
The filmmakers began their project before George Floyd was murdered and the Minneapolis PD came under fire--this is actually a brand-new re-edit. Exploring the intersectionality of women in the police force--particularly featuring the only Black woman sergeant, out of the then six Black women officers at the time--highlights the tensions that women on the force undergo. And when a number of women in the force--notably the chief and an internal affairs officer--are forced out, some vital (if insufficient) checks on aggressive practices went away.
There is a scene where a middle class, middle-aged White woman is explaining to the Black woman police sergeant that Black people are often mistreated by the police, and it’s possible I will never stop thinking about that scene.
Like Ernie and Joe: Crisis Cops (which I saw at last year’s HSDFF), a spotlight lands on how making the police a one-size-fits-all “solution” means community support services that could probably address the issues without force are unfunded.
Mamakrom + Q&A
A 360-degree study of the realities of poverty and the importance of educational infrastructure in the developing country of Ghana. One school, Mamakrom, is leading the charge to revolutionize the education system. Working with a charitable partner, the school is able to better maintain facilities, develop curriculum, and hire trained instructors.
On one hand, it’s excellent proof-of-concept to see that when a school has a proper roof, a library, and housing to attract good teachers, students excel. On the other hand, I have so much discomfort that this is framed as possible due to the charitable fundraising a white couple (even though they work with the actual folks there to figure out what’s needed). While the argument of the movie is that education is necessary in order for folks in need to build the infrastructure and achieve what they need, there’s still an undercurrent of paternalism that feels weird. Basically, this is a beautifully shot aspiration movie about a great community of educators that is just straight-up bootstrap propaganda.
Public Trust
This searing exposé plunges into the murky depths of an epidemic concerning America’s 640 million acres of public land. With extractive industries looking to plunder these natural resources for profit, some of our nation’s most incredible landscapes are in grave peril: Bears Ears in Utah, the Boundary Waters in Minnesota, and the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
It’s entirely horrifying: After seeing many, many shots of the gorgeous lands in question, and traveling along with the activists fighting to preserve public (and often, historically tribal) lands, the last twenty minutes of the film are like, “And then 2016 happened,” and pretty much all the work they all did is…destroyed. I honestly can’t think about it too much, or I’ll start crying.
Boys State + Q&A
Every summer thousands of 17-year old boys gather in states across the nation to build mock governments, complete with mud-slinging debates, double-crossing alliances, and nail-biting elections. This charming coming-of-age story examines the health of America’s democracy through the experiences of four young men in Texas’ annual gathering of Boys State.
On one hand, yes, this is totally a great example of how young idealistic dudes act out their civic-minded impulses. On the other hand, this is many, many dudes who learn how governing works without any thought towards how women might care about anything they campaign on. And yeah, including abortion. JUST LIKE REALITY AMIRITE? (And one kid, in the midst of being interviewed about why he joined in, noted, “I’ve never seen so many white people, ever.”) Early on, there’s a segment of the boys cheering that’s almost indistinguishable from the straight-up Nazi youth rally in White Noise. At that point, I checked out and looked at my email for the rest of the film. (This isn’t to say it was a badly-done movie or not worth watching--I just happened to watch it at a time when I just can’t care that much. In another year, I’d be really into it, I suspect)
The Donut King + Q&A
The self-proclaimed Donut King is the stunning tale of Cambodian refugee, Ted Ngoy, who reshaped the donut industry into the pink boxed, glazed phenomenon of ‘mom & pop’ shops that took over the west coast in the 80s and 90s. After successfully establishing his own shops, Ted pioneered a franchise model to provide economic opportunity for recent Cambodian immigrants.
So I never really thought about it, but yeah, all the doughnut shops I ever visited in Southern California were run by Southeast Asian immigrants. Ted Ngoy is the one who started with pink boxes! But in contrast with that, the film also delves into the Cambodian genocide and refugee crisis. But then doughnuts! It’s a weird balance of tones, but it works. Also: Guys, I watched this movie without having any doughnuts on hand AND after Donut Palace was closed for the day. WTF, self? (Dunkin was open, of course, but that’d be sort of antithetical to the spirit of the film.)
Through the Night
A daycare facility run in the modest home of a devoted couple, provides the setting for this tender portrait of working class single mothers. Many of these women are forced to take multiple jobs and this 24-hour childcare service is an absolute lifeline for their families.
Childcare is right up there with health insurance as something that should be funded and provided to everyone who needs it. Someone needs to work three jobs in order to keep her kids housed and fed and clothed, AND doesn’t have time to actually spend time with them? What are we even doing, guys? (I’m lucky in that I come from a community where the “it takes a village” mindset is the norm.)
Landfall + Q&A
An urgent and complex portrait of Puerto Rico today; an island recovering from Hurricane Maria and an economic crisis while being fed superficial messages of togetherness.
The contrast between residents who had no idea where or when their food, water, or meds would be coming next and dudes talking about the “opportunity” for Puerto Rico to modernize is...stark. Also, there are crypto-blockchain dudes who swoop in and it’s like they were assembled in a lab to specifically make me want to punch them in the face. Like, someone makes a pro-colonial argument because the British made the island lawful? “You can cut off the head, but the monster is still there.”
Us Kids + Q&A
The high school students of Parkland, Florida took the nation by storm when they passionately advocated for gun control following a mass shooting at their high school. Documenting the year following their explosive March for Your Lives, these young adults embark on a bus tour across the country to ignite the next generation of voters.
This is a rough watch. By nature of the subjects--students from Parkland and other communities who’ve moved into activism--we’re made privy to a lot of trauma up close. If you’re familiar with the situation, you won’t necessarily learn anything; this falls more under what I’d call “the responsibility to bear witness.” Like, these kids are pushing through anxiety attacks to just get their message out there; I can watch a movie.
Rap Squad + Q&A
Central High English teacher DJ Sellarole set out to develop an extracurricular program to provide troubled students with an outlet to creatively explore their inner turmoil—thus Rap Squad was born.
As a writing teacher, I kind of love the idea that, hey, these students don’t connect to the traditional essay, but they can spit fire when they’re given a space. So, then, what’s the goal of a high school English class: To teach students to express themselves, or to teach students how to fit into the academic paradigm?
MLK/FBI + Q&A MLK/FBI is the first film to uncover the extent of the FBI's surveillance and harassment of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Based on newly discovered and declassified files, utilizing a trove of documents obtained through the Freedom of Information Act and unsealed by the National Archives, as well as revelatory restored footage, the documentary explores the government's history of targeting Black activists, and the contested meaning behind some of our most cherished ideals.
There is so much archival footage here. I don’t know if we really learn a TON of new things, but seeing MLK in less speechy moments (my fave is when he’s just chatting with a reporter before the camera goes live) is nice.
Generation Growth + Q&A
Bronx educator Stephen Ritz dedicates his life to teaching with a twist. He encourages his classroom to explore a variety of scholastic lessons by growing herbs, vegetables, and fruits. Inspiring focus and dedication in the classroom, this approach also provides healthy food for free.
Centering an entire curriculum on indoor classroom gardens is so great. Not only do all the kids get really invested in what they’re growing, but in addition to the educational side, they also get to bring a ton of fresh produce home! In one instance, at least, they also have a little cafe for the extra stuff. I love this idea. One tragic thing: When a teacher accidentally disconnected the water and killed all the plants! But the kids rallied and brought seeds to class so they could start over. Awwwww.
Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room
A detailed and shocking inside story of one of history’s greatest business scandals. Unimaginable personal excess, and an utter moral vacuum that posed as corporate philosophy, led to top executives of America’s seventh largest corporation walking away with over one billion dollars while investors and employees lost everything.
You just...desperately want to punch all these guys in the face. (AND THIS IS STILL A THING.)
Pandemic 19 + Q&A
On January 20th the first Covid-19 case was diagnosed in the United States; today those numbers have ballooned with millions infected and hundreds of thousands dead. This film follows three brave doctors working to save lives during the first wave of the outbreak. Using intimate video diaries, Pandemic 19 encapsulates the historic times in which we live.
This was technically classified as a short--it’s a bit less than half an hour--but as the world premiere of the short, it was tagged with a Q&A. And it’s really good, if pretty touch to watch, knowing how things will progress.
Medicine Man: The Stan Brock Story
Stan Brock, a stoic Brit and former Amazonian cowboy, garnered America's attention when the beloved TV series, Wild Kingdom, broadcasted a shirtless Brock wrestling snakes and wrangling wild cats. A lifetime loner, Brock’s experiences in the wilderness drove him from TV fame to philanthropic pursuits. Establishing the Remote Area Medical organization, a dynamic team of staff and volunteer medical providers, Brock leads the charge to offer free healthcare in underserved communities across the nation.
Stan Brock was like if Steve Irwin morphed into Peter Singer running Doctors Without Borders. RAM started by holding free clinics (medical, dental, vision) in developing nations, but it seems like a ton of their work is now in American communities because this country doesn’t have goddamn universal healthcare. Brock, who lived in his office and ate lentils for every meal, put everything into the organization. Man was a saint. We’d all do better if we tried to be a little more like him.
Transhood
Humorous, heartbreaking, and deeply human, this powerful documentary follows the lives of four transgendered children—ages 4, 7, 12, and 15—as they come of age in Kansas City over a period of five years.
Following four kids through their journeys is rough--having that amount of scrutiny and publicity for such an intense and personal thing at such a young age? Oof. The saddest/most frustrating part is that one of the kids changes his mind--which, obvs, is perfectly fine--but his mother snaps wholly into thinking trans kids are mentally disturbed, and it’s awful.
The Last Ice + Q&A
An absorbing documentary about the disappearing ice linking Greenland and Canada. Due to rising Arctic temperatures, summer sea ice will be primarily gone by 2040. While indigenous communities work to protect their traditions in the face of global warming and globalization, industrial interests seize an opportunity for financial gain in the newly opened waters.
Capitalism is the worst. Climate change is horrifying. Indigenous peoples have been horrifically violated by colonialism. There’s an interesting cultural bit that arises by looking at this particular area--the two communities in Greenland and Canada used to hang out a lot! And now the ice is melted and both sides are feeling the loss.
The Walrus and the Whistleblower + Q&A
Phil Demers, an eccentric free spirit, becomes an unexpectedly popular animal trainer at the infamous MarineLand Animal Park. Imprinting with the park’s first walrus, Smooshi, Demers spends over a decade caring for Smooshi and a variety of other animals in increasingly dire and decrepit conditions. When Demers quits as a result of these concerns—and is accused of plotting to steal a walrus—Demers takes to social media and the courts, waging war to save Smooshi.
The most horrifying part of all this is that, even after all the lobbying, the courts only ruled for cetaceans, meaning walruses and seals weren’t covered by any watchdogging. And all the rest of the walruses died of mysterious “natural” causes--Smooshi is the only one still alive.
Overland + Q&A
This stunningly beautiful film bridges modern day practices with the tradition of falconry, featuring birds of prey who hunt, race, and bring us closer to our natural selves. Featuring Lauren McGough, an anthropologist rehabilitating eagles; Khalifa Bin Mujren, trainer of racing falcons for an Emirati Crown Prince; and Giovanni Granati who hunts with hawks in the spiritual solitude of Italy's countryside.
Even beyond how gorgeous this entire film is, I have to emphasize how badass these people are. McGough got taloned IN THE FACE and just kept on working. Dang.
The Way I See It + Q&A
Photojournalist Pete Souza served as the official White House photographer for the Reagan and Obama administration, documenting hundreds of enduring and intimate moments in history. Following the 2016 election, Souza becomes an outspoken commentator on the issues we face as a country and a people.
Man, remember when democracy wasn’t in complete collapse? Have all y’all Americans voted?
76 Days + Q&A
This raw portrait brings you into Wuhan, China where medical professionals and frontline staff are overwhelmed by COVID-19 during the first 76 days of the outbreak. Working in the heart of the nation’s epicenter and wrapped in layers of protective gear, this is a story about the difficult decisions facing healthcare workers as they race to save lives.
The first scene is almost three minutes of medical workers in full PPE, holding back one of their coworkers as she begs them to let her say goodbye to her father before his body is taken away. This film is brutal.
Short Films
- On Falling
- Beyond Noh
- The Difference
- Tall Tales with True Queens
- Gun Killers
- My Brother’s Keeper
- Kapaemahu
- Sky Aelans
This was so much information, y’all.
No comments:
Post a Comment