THE 2013 LINE-UP
5 Broken Cameras (PAL/ISR/FR/NL)
Feb 10
Directors: Emad Burnat and Guy Davidi
2011, 94 min
Language: Arabic & Hebrew with English Subtitles
http://www.fivebrokencameras.org/ (still under construction) orhttp://www.kinolorber.com/5brokencameras/
A deeply personal, first-hand account of non-violent resistance in Bil’in, a West Bank village threatened by encroaching Israeli settlements. Shot almost entirely by Palestinian farmer Emad Burnat, who bought his first camera in 2005 to record the birth of his youngest son, the film was assembled by Burnat and Israeli co-director Guy Davidi. Structured around the violent destruction of each one of Burnat’s cameras, it follows one family’s evolution over five years of village turmoil. Burnat watches from behind the lens as olive trees are bulldozed, protests intensify, and lives are lost. “I feel like the camera protects me,” he says, “but it’s an illusion.” Nominated for an Academy Award.
Winner: World Cinema Documentary Directing - Sundance 2012; People’s Choice Award - Montreal International Documentary Festival (RIDM); Audience Award - Sheffield Doc/Fest; Special Jury Award - International Documentary Festival Amsterdam.
The People of the Kattawapiskak River (CAN)
Feb 17
Director: Alanis Obomsawin
2012 77 minsLanguage: English
When chief Theresa Spence declared a state of emergency the housing conditions in Attawapiskat made headlines. Plywood walls, unsanitary drainage, no running water, no electricity. Outside the temperature can reach -50°. Largely absent from the genuine concern and political finger-pointing has been the voices of the people of Attawapiskat themselves.
In her latest public-interest documentary Abenaki filmmaker Alanis Obomsawin takes us to the heart of an untenable situation.
Obomsawin has been documenting the issues of Aboriginal people for more than 40 years. Her other films include: Is the Crown at war with us? and Kanehsatake: 270 Years of Resistance. She is an Officer of the Order of Canada and recently celebrated her 80th birthday.
Opening Gala screening: imagineNATIVE Film Festival, 2012
Feb 17
Director: Alanis Obomsawin
2012 77 minsLanguage: English
When chief Theresa Spence declared a state of emergency the housing conditions in Attawapiskat made headlines. Plywood walls, unsanitary drainage, no running water, no electricity. Outside the temperature can reach -50°. Largely absent from the genuine concern and political finger-pointing has been the voices of the people of Attawapiskat themselves.
In her latest public-interest documentary Abenaki filmmaker Alanis Obomsawin takes us to the heart of an untenable situation.
Obomsawin has been documenting the issues of Aboriginal people for more than 40 years. Her other films include: Is the Crown at war with us? and Kanehsatake: 270 Years of Resistance. She is an Officer of the Order of Canada and recently celebrated her 80th birthday.
Opening Gala screening: imagineNATIVE Film Festival, 2012
Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry (USA)
Feb 24
Director: Alison Klayman
2012, 91 mins
http://aiweiweineversorry.com/
Language: English & Mandarin, with English subtitles
Ai Weiwei is China's most famous international artist, and its most outspoken domestic critic. A dissident for the digital age he inspires global audiences and blurs the boundaries of art and politics. In response, Chinese authorities have shut down his blog, beat him up, bulldozed his newly built studio, and held him in secret detention.
First-time director Alison Klayman gained unprecedented access to Ai while working as a journalist in China. Her detailed portrait provides a nuanced exploration of contemporary China and one of its most compelling public figures.
A major exhibition of Ai Weiwei’s work is currently causing controversy at the Smithsonian in Washington,DC. It will be coming to the AGO in Toronto later this year.
Winner: Special Jury Prize, Sundance 2012; NBR Award (Top 5 Documentaries) - National Board of Review (USA); Must-See Award - Telluride Film Festival.
Feb 24
Director: Alison Klayman
2012, 91 mins
http://aiweiweineversorry.com/
Language: English & Mandarin, with English subtitles
Ai Weiwei is China's most famous international artist, and its most outspoken domestic critic. A dissident for the digital age he inspires global audiences and blurs the boundaries of art and politics. In response, Chinese authorities have shut down his blog, beat him up, bulldozed his newly built studio, and held him in secret detention.
First-time director Alison Klayman gained unprecedented access to Ai while working as a journalist in China. Her detailed portrait provides a nuanced exploration of contemporary China and one of its most compelling public figures.
A major exhibition of Ai Weiwei’s work is currently causing controversy at the Smithsonian in Washington,DC. It will be coming to the AGO in Toronto later this year.
Winner: Special Jury Prize, Sundance 2012; NBR Award (Top 5 Documentaries) - National Board of Review (USA); Must-See Award - Telluride Film Festival.
The World Before Her (CAN/GER/USA/UK)
March 03
Director: Nisha Pahuja
2012, 90 mins
Language: English and Hindi, with English subtitles
http://www.worldbeforeher.com/
In a country gone mad for beauty contests 20 young women undergo an intense beauty boot camp to prepare for the Miss India pageant. Winning the coveted title means instant stardom, a lucrative career path and, for some, freedom from the constraints of a patriarchal society. At another camp run by the women's wing of a militant fundamentalist movement young women learn what it means to be a good Hindu and how to fight against Islam, Christianity and Western influences by any means necessary. The film paints a provocative portrait of the world's largest democracy at a critical transitional moment. These young women may represent opposing extremes but in their hearts they share a common dream: to help shape the future of India as she meets the world before her.
Winner:
-Best Documentary Feature, 2012 Tribeca Film Festival
-Best Canadian Feature, 2012 Hot Docs Film Festival
-Best Foreign Film, 2012 Traverse City Film Festival
-Best Canadian Feature Documentary, 2012 Edmonton Int’l Film Festival
-Best Canadian Documentary, 2012 Vancouver Film Critics Circle Awards
-Special Jury Mention, 2012 Guanajuato Film Festival
-Special Jury Mention, 2012 Warsaw Film Festival
-Special Jury Mention, 2012 San Diego Asian Film Festival
-Special Jury Mention, Alliance of Women Film Journalists EDA Awards, 2012 St. Louis Int’l Film Festival
-TIFF Canada's Top Ten Film of 2012
March 03
Director: Nisha Pahuja
2012, 90 mins
Language: English and Hindi, with English subtitles
http://www.worldbeforeher.com/
In a country gone mad for beauty contests 20 young women undergo an intense beauty boot camp to prepare for the Miss India pageant. Winning the coveted title means instant stardom, a lucrative career path and, for some, freedom from the constraints of a patriarchal society. At another camp run by the women's wing of a militant fundamentalist movement young women learn what it means to be a good Hindu and how to fight against Islam, Christianity and Western influences by any means necessary. The film paints a provocative portrait of the world's largest democracy at a critical transitional moment. These young women may represent opposing extremes but in their hearts they share a common dream: to help shape the future of India as she meets the world before her.
Winner:
-Best Documentary Feature, 2012 Tribeca Film Festival
-Best Canadian Feature, 2012 Hot Docs Film Festival
-Best Foreign Film, 2012 Traverse City Film Festival
-Best Canadian Feature Documentary, 2012 Edmonton Int’l Film Festival
-Best Canadian Documentary, 2012 Vancouver Film Critics Circle Awards
-Special Jury Mention, 2012 Guanajuato Film Festival
-Special Jury Mention, 2012 Warsaw Film Festival
-Special Jury Mention, 2012 San Diego Asian Film Festival
-Special Jury Mention, Alliance of Women Film Journalists EDA Awards, 2012 St. Louis Int’l Film Festival
-TIFF Canada's Top Ten Film of 2012
The Hole Story (CAN)
March 10
Directors: Richard Desjardins and Robert Monderie
2011 , 79 mins
Language: English
http://theholestory.nfb.ca/#/theholestory/
The story of mining in Canada is one of astronomical profits made with disregard for the environment and human health. From nickel in Sudbury to silver in Cobalt, from gold in Timmins to copper in Rouyn, Desjardins and Monderie make their case against the way mining has been done in Canada with clarity and conviction. In a country rich in mineral resources, mining companies have historically paid little tax, while local municipalities bear the financial burden. And when the mine is exhausted all you’re left with is the hole.
Their earlier film Forest Alert (1999) triggered passionate debate in this Province, which led to the 2004 Quebec government commission on forestry. Some films are essential viewing for Canadians --The Hole Story is one of them.
March 10
Directors: Richard Desjardins and Robert Monderie
2011 , 79 mins
Language: English
http://theholestory.nfb.ca/#/theholestory/
The story of mining in Canada is one of astronomical profits made with disregard for the environment and human health. From nickel in Sudbury to silver in Cobalt, from gold in Timmins to copper in Rouyn, Desjardins and Monderie make their case against the way mining has been done in Canada with clarity and conviction. In a country rich in mineral resources, mining companies have historically paid little tax, while local municipalities bear the financial burden. And when the mine is exhausted all you’re left with is the hole.
Their earlier film Forest Alert (1999) triggered passionate debate in this Province, which led to the 2004 Quebec government commission on forestry. Some films are essential viewing for Canadians --The Hole Story is one of them.
Song Of the Kauri (NZ)
March 17
Director: Mathurin Molgat
2012 , 95 mins
Language: English
http://www.songofthekauri.com/
Kauri are New Zealand’s majestic and mythological native trees, deeply rooted in its cultural and economic history. Yet they were nearly eradicated by early settlers and questionable government policies. Internationally renowned luthier Laurie Williams is one of a select few who works with this rare and resonant timber. His instruments have been played in concert halls, stadiums and in solitude, their unique qualities attracting enormous world wide attention. When woodlot owner Karamea Davis hears Williams’ instruments he says: “I want my trees to sing”. Can Kauri become New Zealand’s currency in the new world of green economics? The film explores the current perspectives and tensions surrounding sustainable planting and the latent economic and creative potential of these sleeping giants.
March 17
Director: Mathurin Molgat
2012 , 95 mins
Language: English
http://www.songofthekauri.com/
Kauri are New Zealand’s majestic and mythological native trees, deeply rooted in its cultural and economic history. Yet they were nearly eradicated by early settlers and questionable government policies. Internationally renowned luthier Laurie Williams is one of a select few who works with this rare and resonant timber. His instruments have been played in concert halls, stadiums and in solitude, their unique qualities attracting enormous world wide attention. When woodlot owner Karamea Davis hears Williams’ instruments he says: “I want my trees to sing”. Can Kauri become New Zealand’s currency in the new world of green economics? The film explores the current perspectives and tensions surrounding sustainable planting and the latent economic and creative potential of these sleeping giants.
Rafea: Solar Mama (USA/DEN/EGYPT)
March 24
Directors: Jehane Noujaim and Mona Eldaief
2012 , 75 mins
Language: Arabic & English with English subtitles
http://www.rafeasolarmama.com/
Rafea, a Bedouin woman, lives with her daughters in one of Jordan’s poorest desert villages on the Iraqi border. She is given a chance to travel to India to attend the Barefoot College, where illiterate women from around the world are trained in 6 months to be solar engineers. If Rafea succeeds, she will be able to electrify her village, train more engineers, and provide for her daughters. Even when she returns as the first female solar engineer in the country, her real challenge will have just begun.
Will she find support for her new venture?
Will she be able to inspire the other women in the village to join her and change their lives?
And most importantly, will she be able to re-wire the traditional minds of the Bedouin community that stand in her way?
Other films by these Egyptian-American filmmakers include: Control Room (Noujaim and Eldaief); Startup.com (Noujaim) and A Wedding In Ramallah (Eldaief).
Winner: Special Jury Prize - New York’s Doc NYC Festival.
March 24
Directors: Jehane Noujaim and Mona Eldaief
2012 , 75 mins
Language: Arabic & English with English subtitles
http://www.rafeasolarmama.com/
Rafea, a Bedouin woman, lives with her daughters in one of Jordan’s poorest desert villages on the Iraqi border. She is given a chance to travel to India to attend the Barefoot College, where illiterate women from around the world are trained in 6 months to be solar engineers. If Rafea succeeds, she will be able to electrify her village, train more engineers, and provide for her daughters. Even when she returns as the first female solar engineer in the country, her real challenge will have just begun.
Will she find support for her new venture?
Will she be able to inspire the other women in the village to join her and change their lives?
And most importantly, will she be able to re-wire the traditional minds of the Bedouin community that stand in her way?
Other films by these Egyptian-American filmmakers include: Control Room (Noujaim and Eldaief); Startup.com (Noujaim) and A Wedding In Ramallah (Eldaief).
Winner: Special Jury Prize - New York’s Doc NYC Festival.
