Title: Big River Man
Director: John Maringouin
Website: http://www.bigriverman.com/
Potential Major Release Date: No release date announced beyond Sundance
Summary: To underscore the effects of pollution, Slovenian endurance swimmer Martin Strel attempts to conquer the Amazon, Mississippi, Danube and Yangtze Rivers. In his 50s and not possessing a typical athletic build, Strel's hazardous 3,375-mile, 66-day expedition brings him face-to-face with numerous barriers, including water predators and toxic contamination. John Maringouin directs while Strel's son narrates this physical -- and mental -- thrill ride (NetFlix).
Thoughts: Any movie that tries to get a 50-year old man to go toe to toe with Michael Phelps or Mark Spitz is bound to be enjoyable. Of course, it also doesn’t hurt that said film won the World Cinema Cinematography Award for Documentaries at Sundance and was also nominated for the Grand Jury Prize. Unfortunately, I was unable to find a trailer for this film, which bummed me out because it sounds like with a little marketing help, this could be a successful little documentary.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Sundance Films: The Cove
Title: The Cove
Director: Louie Psihoyos
Website: http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi365560601/
Potential Major Release Date: No release date announced beyond Sundance
Summary: This riveting documentary (winner of the Audience Award at Sundance) follows a group of animal activists to a scenic cove in Taijii, Japan, where they use surveillance equipment to capture footage of a secretive and heavily guarded operation run by the world's largest supplier of dolphins. As the daring group risks their lives to expose the horrifying truths behind the capture of dolphins for the lucrative tourist industry, they also uncover an environmental catastrophe (NetFlix).
Thoughts: I read the summary for The Cove and at first was sorta skeptical- it just didn’t seem all that interesting and if its one thing I’ve learned, animal lovers don’t make compelling films (sorry, its just my point of view). But, after watching the trailer, I have to admit, I may adjust my opinion. The Cove looks like a suspenseful work, showing how being an animal lover doesn’t mean you shy away from danger. If I had to summarize my expectations for The Cove, I’d say I'm hoping it's Free Willy meets Mission Impossible. And I gotta admit, I am compelled to see that combination.
Director: Louie Psihoyos
Website: http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi365560601/
Potential Major Release Date: No release date announced beyond Sundance
Summary: This riveting documentary (winner of the Audience Award at Sundance) follows a group of animal activists to a scenic cove in Taijii, Japan, where they use surveillance equipment to capture footage of a secretive and heavily guarded operation run by the world's largest supplier of dolphins. As the daring group risks their lives to expose the horrifying truths behind the capture of dolphins for the lucrative tourist industry, they also uncover an environmental catastrophe (NetFlix).
Thoughts: I read the summary for The Cove and at first was sorta skeptical- it just didn’t seem all that interesting and if its one thing I’ve learned, animal lovers don’t make compelling films (sorry, its just my point of view). But, after watching the trailer, I have to admit, I may adjust my opinion. The Cove looks like a suspenseful work, showing how being an animal lover doesn’t mean you shy away from danger. If I had to summarize my expectations for The Cove, I’d say I'm hoping it's Free Willy meets Mission Impossible. And I gotta admit, I am compelled to see that combination.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Sundance Films: Boy Interrupted
Title: Boy Interrupted
Director: Dana Perry
Website: No website provided
Potential Major Release Date: No release date announced beyond Sundance
Summary: Boy Interrupted is a film that raises questions. It asks how a young boy can end his life at the tender age of 15. It struggles to find answers about what kind of family he had and the life he led. By its very nature, it is a naked display of its filmmaker's personal life at its most revealing and perhaps disturbing. How can a mother, we may ask, make a film about the death of her son?
Thoughts: I was unable to find a trailer or website for Boy Interrupted- beyond the brief synopsis on the Sundance website and on Dana Perry's website- but that doesn't stop me from saying this could be a work in the same vein as The Bridge. The story is Director Dana Perry's attempt to come to terms with her 15 year old son's suicide. It's one thing to film someone coping with grief and something totally different (and truly remarkable) for the director to film their own struggles with pain. Even without seeing a single frame, I can safely say this looks to be an extremely powerful piece.
Director: Dana Perry
Website: No website provided
Potential Major Release Date: No release date announced beyond Sundance
Summary: Boy Interrupted is a film that raises questions. It asks how a young boy can end his life at the tender age of 15. It struggles to find answers about what kind of family he had and the life he led. By its very nature, it is a naked display of its filmmaker's personal life at its most revealing and perhaps disturbing. How can a mother, we may ask, make a film about the death of her son?
Thoughts: I was unable to find a trailer or website for Boy Interrupted- beyond the brief synopsis on the Sundance website and on Dana Perry's website- but that doesn't stop me from saying this could be a work in the same vein as The Bridge. The story is Director Dana Perry's attempt to come to terms with her 15 year old son's suicide. It's one thing to film someone coping with grief and something totally different (and truly remarkable) for the director to film their own struggles with pain. Even without seeing a single frame, I can safely say this looks to be an extremely powerful piece.
Sundance Films: Afghan Star
Title: Afghan Star
Director: Havana Marking
Website: http://www.afghanstardocumentary.com/
Potential Major Release Date: No release date announced beyond Sundance
Summary: After 30 years of war and Taliban rule, pop Idol has come to Afghanistan. Millions are watching the TV series 'Afghan Star' and voting for their favorite singers by mobile phone. For many this is their first encounter with democracy. This timely film follows the dramatic stories of four contestants as they risk all to become the nation's favorite singer. But will they attain the freedom they hope for in this vulnerable and traditional nation?
Thoughts: A great idea for a documentary but after reading the synopsis and watching the trailer online, I'm a bit skeptical. Don't get me wrong, the story looks like one that should have been covered by several filmmakers (it's that good), but because there are a few very compelling storylines that could be followed I wonder if Director Havana Marking has bit off more than she can chew. But then again, my fears have generally been squashed by great storylines and this could easily fit the mold. So head over the film's website and check it out for yourself.
Director: Havana Marking
Website: http://www.afghanstardocumentary.com/
Potential Major Release Date: No release date announced beyond Sundance
Summary: After 30 years of war and Taliban rule, pop Idol has come to Afghanistan. Millions are watching the TV series 'Afghan Star' and voting for their favorite singers by mobile phone. For many this is their first encounter with democracy. This timely film follows the dramatic stories of four contestants as they risk all to become the nation's favorite singer. But will they attain the freedom they hope for in this vulnerable and traditional nation?
Thoughts: A great idea for a documentary but after reading the synopsis and watching the trailer online, I'm a bit skeptical. Don't get me wrong, the story looks like one that should have been covered by several filmmakers (it's that good), but because there are a few very compelling storylines that could be followed I wonder if Director Havana Marking has bit off more than she can chew. But then again, my fears have generally been squashed by great storylines and this could easily fit the mold. So head over the film's website and check it out for yourself.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Sundance Comes to a Close
It's January 25. And that- sadly- means The Sundance Film Festival closes another chapter on it's annual festival. Of course, the great thing about Sundance is that it acts as a launching point for many films that otherwise would go unnoticed by big budget Hollywood companies. This premise holds especially true for documentary filmmakers using the venue to promote their respective works.
In honor of this film launching tradition, Documentary Film Online will highlight each and every documentary screened in Park City, Utah this year. For the next 2-3 weeks we'll break down two documentaries a day; highlighting the storyline, the director's known credentials, possible release dates and links to the film's website. So, starting tomorrow, check out the news page daily to get your post-Sundance fill.
But to tease you, here's some opening remarks. First, off the bat, two films I can't wait to see: Ondi Timoner's We Live in Public and Doug Pray's Art & Copy. Both director's hold a special place in my heart for their recent work and, especially in Timoner's case, for practically diving into a sea of footage and uncovering wonderful storylines.
I'm also curious to see Tom DiCillo's When You're Strange (about the Doors), Natalia Almada's El General (Almada is the great-granddaughter of Mexico's controversial president Plutarco Elías Calles), Paul Salzman's Prom Night in Mississippi (How will a Canadian portray the deep south?) and Giovanna Massimetti's 211: Anna (documenting how over 200 Russian journalists have been assassinated since 1991 sounds like some scary subject matter).
There are countless others, but why list them all? The point is, it appears this year's crop of documentaries looks to be truly special. So check back tomorrow and join me in investigating which ones are worth seeing and why.
In honor of this film launching tradition, Documentary Film Online will highlight each and every documentary screened in Park City, Utah this year. For the next 2-3 weeks we'll break down two documentaries a day; highlighting the storyline, the director's known credentials, possible release dates and links to the film's website. So, starting tomorrow, check out the news page daily to get your post-Sundance fill.
But to tease you, here's some opening remarks. First, off the bat, two films I can't wait to see: Ondi Timoner's We Live in Public and Doug Pray's Art & Copy. Both director's hold a special place in my heart for their recent work and, especially in Timoner's case, for practically diving into a sea of footage and uncovering wonderful storylines.
I'm also curious to see Tom DiCillo's When You're Strange (about the Doors), Natalia Almada's El General (Almada is the great-granddaughter of Mexico's controversial president Plutarco Elías Calles), Paul Salzman's Prom Night in Mississippi (How will a Canadian portray the deep south?) and Giovanna Massimetti's 211: Anna (documenting how over 200 Russian journalists have been assassinated since 1991 sounds like some scary subject matter).
There are countless others, but why list them all? The point is, it appears this year's crop of documentaries looks to be truly special. So check back tomorrow and join me in investigating which ones are worth seeing and why.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
2009 Oscar Nominations!
The 2009 Academy Awards are about a month away so it's good to know the Hollywood big wigs decided to release the nominees in each category. Now I know, I know, everyone cares about the big categories like "Best Picture" and "Best Actor/Actress" but let's not forget my beloved little categories: "Best Documentary" and "Best Documentary Short".
My general anger and mental anguish these two categories present year in and year out has been well documented on this site, so I'll save you all from hearing it again. Know this though, I've reviewed none of the films below and outside of two, I do not feel I've missed ground breaking films. Do I blame the genre for this realization? No. I blame Hollywood, who prefers to use the feature length category more as a political pulpit then a chance to honor truly great filmmaking.
But I'm digressing into a rant. The nominees are below. Expect reviews on all before the February 22nd Ceremony.
Best Documentary Feature:
- The Betrayal (Nerakhoon), Directed by Ellen Kuras and Thavisouk Phrasavath
- Encounters at the End of the World, Directed by Werner Herzog
- The Garden, Directed by Scott Hamilton Kennedy
- Man on Wire, Directed by James Marsh
- Trouble the Water, Directed by Tia Lessin and Carl Deal
Best Documentary Short:
- The Conscience of Nhem En, Directed by Steven Okazaki
- The Final Inch, Directed by Irene Taylor Brodsky
- Smile Pinki, Directed by Megan Mylan
- The Witness- From the Balcony of Room 306, Directed by Adam Pertofsky
Monday, January 12, 2009
The Conservative Michael Moore...
It was bound to happen. You can't let a crazy, left-leaning nut run around with a camera forever and not expect a crazy, right-leaning nut to enter the battle. So Michael Moore, I give you your arch enemy: John Ziegler. To quote a terrible movie (Alien vs Predator), "Whoever wins, we lose."
Many of you Doc enthusiasts are probably well aware of Ziegler and his new documentary "How Obama Got Elected" because of the man's 'shocking' interview with Sarah Palin who blamed the media and comedy-satire shows like Saturday Night Live for her and John McCain's failed bid to win the White House. Palin's interview, of course, has hit every major news network because if the media loves one thing, its a scathingly opinionated interview.
There is no release date yet for the media-bashing "How Obama Got Elected" film, but if your curious about the man's beliefs/arguments check out "Blocking the Path to 9/11"- a recently released a documentary on the failed investigations into the attacks of September 11, 2001- blaming Clinton, not Bush, for his inability to prevent the attack. Or, if you like, head over to his website and get a feel for what's inside the mind of an extremely opinionated, conservative filmmaker.
Personally- after hearing the thoughts of both him and Michael Moore- can't we just all agree that there are people on both sides of the political spectrum who are idiots or corrupt and that angry satire helps solve nothing except to piss people off? Though, I do think it's funny that the two filmmakers blame the media more often then not.
Many of you Doc enthusiasts are probably well aware of Ziegler and his new documentary "How Obama Got Elected" because of the man's 'shocking' interview with Sarah Palin who blamed the media and comedy-satire shows like Saturday Night Live for her and John McCain's failed bid to win the White House. Palin's interview, of course, has hit every major news network because if the media loves one thing, its a scathingly opinionated interview.
There is no release date yet for the media-bashing "How Obama Got Elected" film, but if your curious about the man's beliefs/arguments check out "Blocking the Path to 9/11"- a recently released a documentary on the failed investigations into the attacks of September 11, 2001- blaming Clinton, not Bush, for his inability to prevent the attack. Or, if you like, head over to his website and get a feel for what's inside the mind of an extremely opinionated, conservative filmmaker.
Personally- after hearing the thoughts of both him and Michael Moore- can't we just all agree that there are people on both sides of the political spectrum who are idiots or corrupt and that angry satire helps solve nothing except to piss people off? Though, I do think it's funny that the two filmmakers blame the media more often then not.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Biggest regret of 2008...
I have several regrets from this year- one being a recent streak of ignoring the news page- but I have to admit that even with two months left in this calendar year, I can already name my biggest regret: surprise, surprise, it's documentary related.
In short, I missed the few day theater stint of the documentary Call+Response. Now, you may think no film is worth a spot on the 'biggest regrets' list- surely I would save those spots for things like 'forgetting my mother's birthday' or some job related screw up. But for me, after seeing the trailer and then browsing their fan website, I have to say, it pained me to learn that Call+Response was no longer in theaters.
It looks flat out amazing and could easily be one of those rare documentaries that breaks out of the normal archetypes to develop a truly unique experience. Of course, it helps that it probably an amazing soundtrack supporting it with bands like Cold Ward Kids, Moby, Matisyahu, Talib Kweli, Nickel Creek and many others.
Since I can't get a review out to you, I have to do the next best thing and pitch the hell out of this. At minimum, director Justin Dillon developed one of the best trailers for a documentary ever and I have all the confidence that the final product will have people talking for weeks. So I'm gonna stop blatherin' so you can head on over to http://www.callandresponse.com/ and find out if it's still in theaters in your area, or just listen to the soundtrack and feel cool.
In short, I missed the few day theater stint of the documentary Call+Response. Now, you may think no film is worth a spot on the 'biggest regrets' list- surely I would save those spots for things like 'forgetting my mother's birthday' or some job related screw up. But for me, after seeing the trailer and then browsing their fan website, I have to say, it pained me to learn that Call+Response was no longer in theaters.
It looks flat out amazing and could easily be one of those rare documentaries that breaks out of the normal archetypes to develop a truly unique experience. Of course, it helps that it probably an amazing soundtrack supporting it with bands like Cold Ward Kids, Moby, Matisyahu, Talib Kweli, Nickel Creek and many others.
Since I can't get a review out to you, I have to do the next best thing and pitch the hell out of this. At minimum, director Justin Dillon developed one of the best trailers for a documentary ever and I have all the confidence that the final product will have people talking for weeks. So I'm gonna stop blatherin' so you can head on over to http://www.callandresponse.com/ and find out if it's still in theaters in your area, or just listen to the soundtrack and feel cool.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Best Film of 2008
Everyone has those days at work where you just sorta hate every passing minute of existence and on those days you really appreciate something (anything) that is just light hearted and fun. I had one of those days this past weekend and luckily for me I stumbled upon this video titled "where the hell is matt?" Naturally, as a fellow person named "matt" I was curious to see where this video was going and discovered this jolly world traveller who filmed himself dancing in cities all over the world.
This just made my soul smile and when your soul smiles, you have to share that with others. So I officially claim this video for the documentary genre and hope to one day meet this fellow matt and shake his hand for making, quite arguably, the best film of 2008.
Click here and let your soul bound like the legs on this well travelled man.
This just made my soul smile and when your soul smiles, you have to share that with others. So I officially claim this video for the documentary genre and hope to one day meet this fellow matt and shake his hand for making, quite arguably, the best film of 2008.
Click here and let your soul bound like the legs on this well travelled man.
HBO Brings Summer Entertainment
If you are like me, the summer months translate to 'nothing to watch on tv.' Of course, there's always the ever wonderful USA original programming to keep us entertained (Burn Notice starts this Thursday and you can't help but love Monk), but that only covers so many nights! Thankfully, HBO has heard the collective sighs of boredom and answered the call with a summer long documentary series.
Airing every Monday night from now until the end of August, HBO has put together a pretty impressive list of films. Tonight's documentary is "The Art of Failure". Directed by Jeff Stimmel, it looks at artist Chuck Connelly, who sold more than a million dollars worth of art in the 1980's.
So if you are luckier (or richer) than myself and actually get HBO I highly recommend making the jump to their website and seeing the list for yourself. HBO has always been on the forefront of documentary promotion so let's hope this series is just a taste of more to come.
Airing every Monday night from now until the end of August, HBO has put together a pretty impressive list of films. Tonight's documentary is "The Art of Failure". Directed by Jeff Stimmel, it looks at artist Chuck Connelly, who sold more than a million dollars worth of art in the 1980's.
So if you are luckier (or richer) than myself and actually get HBO I highly recommend making the jump to their website and seeing the list for yourself. HBO has always been on the forefront of documentary promotion so let's hope this series is just a taste of more to come.
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