Category Archives: Recommendations

Coming to theatres tomorrow, Friday, May 12:
ELIÁN

Directors:
Ross McDonnell and Tim Golden

Premiere:
Tribeca 2017

Select Festivals::
Montclair

About:
A look back at the story of the 6-year-old Cuban boy who became a symbol of US/Cuban relations in 1999-2000.

McDonnell and Golden chronicle the 150+ days Elián Gonzales spent in the media spotlight after he was rescued from drowning by two fishermen, Donato and Sam, following an attempt by Elián’s mother to take a boat from Cuba to Miami. Caught in a very public tug-of-war between his father, still in Cuba, and his Miami relatives, including his surrogate mother figure, cousin Marisleysis, which quickly became emblematic of US/Cuban relations, and, particularly, the contentious relationship between Cuban-Americans and their home country. Utilizing contemporary news footage alongside new interviews with principal players in the saga – including a now 23-year-old Elián – the filmmakers craft a comprehensive and engaging film from a familiar story. While perhaps too grounded in a play-by-play of Elián’s time in Miami, and somewhat shortshrifting the details of his subsequent life in Cuba, the film offers an intriguing wider, critical scope as it considers the impact this political hot potato issue had on the 2000 US presidential election.

Coming to VOD today, Tuesday, May 9:
MOM AND ME

Director:
Ken Wardrop

Premiere:
Telluride 2015

Select Festivals:
Nantucket, Cleveland, RiverRun, Edinburgh, Sydney, Denver

About:
An exploration of the unique bond between mothers and sons.

I previously wrote about the doc for Nantucket’s lineup, saying:
Just before Mother’s Day, a local talk radio show in Oklahoma City – “the manliest city in the United States” – asks male listeners to call in and talk about their relationships with their moms. The responses frame this warm, often humorous film. Exhibiting surprising vulnerability and sharing alternately charming and poignant stories, callers are a diverse group, from a contrite prisoner eager to reconnect with his wronged mom to a bachelor whose mother badgers him for grandkids. Ultimately, what emerges is a multifaceted exploration of a bond that is unique for each mother-son pair, yet wonderfully universal at the same time.

Coming to VOD today, Tuesday, May 9:
KEDI

Director:
Ceyda Torun

Premiere:
!f Istanbul 2016

Select Festivals:
Full Frame, Sheffield, Seattle, Melbourne, Vancouver, DocPoint, Goteborg, Salem, Palm Springs

About:
Istanbul through the eyes of its colorful street cats.

I previously wrote about the doc here.

Coming to PBS’s Independent Lens this coming Monday, May 8:
THE PRISON IN TWELVE LANDSCAPES

Director:
Brett Story

Premiere:
True/False 2016

Select Festivals:
New Orleans, Hot Docs, Art of the Real, Camden, Reykjavik, Ann Arbor, DOXA

About:
A reflection on the far-reaching impact of America’s mass incarceration epidemic.

I previously wrote about the doc here.