Category Archives: Film

Coming to theatres tomorrow, Friday, October 12:
OVER THE LIMIT

Director:
Marta Prus

Premiere:
IDFA 2017

Select Festivals:
Hot Docs, Moscow Doc, Visions du Reél, DOK.fest Munich, DocsBarcelona, Zagreb Dox, Krakow, Docpoint, Göteborg, Thessaloniki Doc, One World, Ambulante

About:
A brutally candid look at a rhythmic gymnast’s Olympic training.

Prus’ observational portrait focuses on Margarita Mamun, facing high expectations to win the gold medal for Russia at the 2016 Summer Olympics, her last. Subject to a rigorous training regimen, she barely is shown outside of the gym here, save for a few moments talking remotely via FaceTime to her boyfriend, another Olympian, or dealing with family matters. But fears that this would result in a dull film are quickly dismissed when Irina Viner-Usmanova the head coach of Russia’s national gymnastics program, makes her presence known. A larger-than-life figure, prone to extravagant hats, Viner-Usmanova doesn’t mince words – instead she swears, berates, and verbally uses her young athletes to a shocking degree, and, here, Mamun seems to take the brunt. Her unrelenting abuse is tempered to some degree by Mamun’s personal coach, Amina Zaripova, but it’s clear that the young gymnast is miserable, but still she perseveres. Though not always an easy watch, Prus’ well-constructed film offers a provocative inside look at the pressures facing a world-class athlete and questions if it’s all worth it in the end.

New to DVD and VOD this week:
CATWALK: TALES FROM THE CAT SHOW CIRCUIT

Directors:
Michael McNamara and Aaron Hancox

Premiere:
Toronto theatrical premiere (March 2018)

Select Festivals:
Seattle, Milwaukee

About:
An inside look at the world of competitive cat shows.

Following one season in the Canadian cat show circuit, filmmakers McNamara and Hancox craft a playful, at times knowingly self-deprecating look at the fortunes of two felines in the running to win it all. Kim’s Turksih Angora, Bobby, is poised for victory, but then frenemy Shirley comes around with the fluffy Persian, Oh La La, setting the judges’ hearts atwitter, and the race is on. The cats’ owners, helped by some simple animation, explain and track the scoring system and reveal the high stakes – bragging rights on the southern Ontario circuit. Never taking themselves too seriously, they’re mostly having fun – though Kim really wants to win. While on the whole the production feels more suited for the small screen, and should have cut back on the overly goofy score, it’s an enjoyable exploration of a subculture – and the cats are fun to watch.

Coming to Starz tonight, Monday, October 8:
GETTING NAKED: A BURLESQUE STORY

Director:
James Lester

Premiere:
Venice 2017 (Venice Days)

Select Festivals:
DOC NYC, Cleveland, Newport Beach, Berkshire, Greenwich, Florida, SF DocFest

About:
An inside look at the lives of several contemporary burlesque performers.

I previously wrote about the doc here.

Coming to PBS’s Doc World this Sunday, October 7:
VISITOR’S DAY

Director:
Nicole Opper

Premiere:
AFI Docs 2016

Select Festivals:
DOC NYC, Miami, SF Latino, San Diego Latino, Guadalajara, Mill Valley

About:
A runaway tries to reconnect with his father.

I previously wrote about the film for DOC NYC’s program, saying:
Escaping an abusive home, Juan Carlos spent years on the streets of Mexico City before finding his way to a unique group home for runaway boys. As the 16-year-old adjusts to his new surroundings, receives educational and job training, and learns to trust adults again, he still longs for a connection to his father. With visitor’s day looming, will Juan Carlos find what he’s looking for, or only suffer disappointment once again?