Silverdocs - Friday recap

Friday at Silverdocs will now be known as 'European Day', as it turned into a day of four films from the continent. Not surprisingly, each and everyone was very well made. Let's dissect:

Living Room of a Nation - a documentary with no real message or theme, but to show the lives of the people they record. Perhaps that sounds boring, but this ode to daily life is as simple and charming as its characters.

Woman with 5 Elephants - a film about a woman who translates Russian literature into German may sound dull, but what it lacks in entertainment it makes up for in intimacy and sincerity.

Men Who Swim - easily the most enjoyable documentary of the festival. Men's synchronized swimming sounds like the perfect subject to ridicule but watching characters as bizarre and enjoyable as the sport, it's hard not to ponder joining your own team as well.

Steam of Life - saunas and men pouring out their souls, that is the premise of this documentary and it works perfectly. Equal parts touching and humorous, it's hard not to appreciate this honest reflection of Finish society.