Heading into the second half of the US Documentary Competition: KIKI, Sara Jordenö’s profile of NYC’s vibrant LGBTQ youth ballroom scene.
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Category Archives: Film
2016 Sundance Docs in Focus: KIKI
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2016 Sundance Docs in Focus: KATE PLAYS CHRISTINE
Marking the end of the first half of the US Documentary Competition: Robert Greene’s KATE PLAYS CHRISTINE, in which an actress investigates the complex and tragic history of her latest role.
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US Documentary Competition
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On TV: IN DEFENSE OF FOOD
Coming to PBS tonight, Wednesday, December 30: IN DEFENSE OF FOOD
Michael Schwartz’s adaptation of Michael Pollan’s bestseller about healthy eating had its world premiere at Mill Valley this Fall. The doc has also screened at the Austin, Life Sciences, and Feast on This film fests.
In interviews and a filmed live stage presentation, the likeable Pollan serves as a guide through the minefield of information, misinformation, and marketing that has served to confuse our comprehension of what we should – and shouldn’t eat – for decades, and, consequently, has led to an obesity epidemic and a litany of health problems for consumers of the typical western diet. Early on, he reveals that the solution is surprisingly simple, concisely put as: “Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants.” That’s food, in contrast to what he refers to as heavily processed “foodlike substances;” moderate amounts, rather than fall for super-sized marketing and other more subtle factors; and a vegetable-heavy diet, with meat and other typical staples the exception rather than the rule. The straightforward filmmaking approach, and Pollan’s compelling reasoning, make for an easily digestible, if conventional, public television documentary that might encourage viewers to make some sensible changes in their relationship to food.
Filed under Documentary, Film, Recommendations, Releases
2016 Sundance Docs in Focus: JIM
Beginning day three of my Sundance 2016 doc profiles: JIM, Brian Oakes’ intimate chronicle of the life and death of photojournalist James Foley.
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US Documentary Competition
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2016 Sundance Docs in Focus: HOW TO LET GO OF THE WORLD (AND LOVE ALL THE THINGS CLIMATE CAN’T CHANGE)
Wrapping up my second day of Sundance documentary profiles: HOW TO LET GO OF THE WORLD (AND LOVE ALL THE THINGS CLIMATE CAN’T CHANGE), Josh Fox’s far-ranging consideration of survival in the face of planetary transformation.
Festival Section:
US Documentary Competition
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2016 Sundance Docs in Focus: HOLY HELL
Next up in my doc-by-doc rundown of the 2016 Sundance Film Festival: HOLY HELL, a filmmaker’s reckoning with a long-time membership in an enigmatic cult. [Note: This profile has been updated now that the festival has disclosed the filmmaker’s identity.]
Festival Section:
US Documentary Competition
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On DVD: LARRY KRAMER IN LOVE & ANGER
Coming to DVD today, Tuesday, December 29: LARRY KRAMER IN LOVE & ANGER
Jean Carlomusto’s profile of the controversial activist/author debuted at Sundance this year. Its festival circuit has included Frameline, Provincetown, QDoc, AFI Docs, Virginia, and Poland’s American film fest, among others.
I profiled the doc before Sundance here.
Filed under Documentary, Film, Film Festivals, Recommendations, Releases, Sundance
2016 Sundance Docs in Focus: GLEASON
My focus on 2016 Sundance nonfiction continues: GLEASON, Clay Tweel’s portrait of a former professional athlete’s adaptation to a debilitating disease.
Festival Section:
US Documentary Competition
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2016 Sundance Docs in Focus: THE BAD KIDS
Wrapping up the first day of my 2016 Sundance doc profiles: THE BAD KIDS, Keith Fulton and Lou Pepe’s portrait of a high school for at-risk youth.
Festival Section:
US Documentary Competition
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2016 Sundance Docs in Focus: AUTHOR: THE JT LEROY STORY
Next up in my Sundance preview: AUTHOR: THE JT LEROY STORY, Jeff Feuerzeig’s revisitation of the infamous literary sensation.
Festival Section:
US Documentary Competition
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Filed under Documentary, Film, Film Festivals, Recommendations, Sundance
what (not) to doc 