Hot Docs, April 24 to May 4, offers entertainment and education through films—197 of them, from 43 countries—that can be fascinating, fun or infuriating. Here are 10 docs you should see this year.
Doc of the Dead
Some people wouldn’t be caught dead watching a documentary—except maybe this one. You want to get your facts straight before the zombie apocalypse hits. Get insights from George A. Romero, Simon Pegg, Bruce Campbell, and AAAHHHH!
(82 Minutes, 2014, USA, International Premiere)
The Joe Show
If you want to see something really scary, try The Joe Show featuring Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio—self-proclaimed “toughest sheriff in America”—whose stunts include establishing a women’s chain gang and investigating the authenticity of President Obama’s birth certificate. Why do people keep re-electing such a nutcase? Maybe he’s not as bad as he sounds, or maybe he’s much worse.
(101 Minutes, 2014, USA, International Premiere)
I Am Big Bird: The Caroll Spinney Story
At the other end of the scale of humanity, don’t miss I Am Big Bird: The Caroll Spinney Story. The man behind Sesame Street’s beloved Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch will be on hand for the world premiere of this film.
(85 Minutes, 2014, USA, World Premiere)
Ai Weiwei The Fake Case
Almost as well known as Big Bird is Ai Weiwei, China’s outspoken artist who just won’t go away way. Ai Weiwei The Fake Case catches up with the dissident artist after 81 days of solitary confinement and being sent home under house arrest, on trumped-up charges.
(79 Minutes, 2013, Denmark, North American Premiere)
The Basement Satellite
A less well-known creator is South Korean artist and amateur scientist Hojun Song whose efforts to build and launch the first civilian satellite are followed in The Basement Satellite. This DIY story is sure to be out of this world.
(108 Minutes, 2013, South Korea, International Premiere)
Just Eat It: A Food Waste Story
Here’s a doc from the Canadian Spectrum that’s more down to earth. Stop spilling your popcorn and watch Just Eat It: A Food Waste Story. “Imagine walking out of the grocery store with four bags of food, dropping one of them, and not bothering to pick it up. That’s essentially what we’re doing in our homes.” A Vancouver couple experiments with eating only discarded food for a period of six months. Spoiler: they don’t go hungry.
(75 Minutes, 2014, Canada, World Premiere)
Love Hotel
For a trip across the world, see Love Hotel part of the Love, Factually program, in which you will see a side of Japan normally kept under covers. Japan’s 37,000 “love hotels” are visited by people from all walks of life. They come with their spouses, or whomever, “to take a trip. Not just for sex. You can do that at home.”
(80 Minutes, 2014, UK France, World Premiere)
Mission Blue
From the sea of love to the open seas; see Mission Blue, in which legendary oceanographer Dr. Sylvia Earle calls upon people to support her mission to develop a global network of protected marine areas, like “national parks of the sea,” called Hope Spots. In case you haven’t heard, the oceans need our help.
(95 Minutes, 2013, USA, Canadian Premiere)
Nelson Mandela: The Myth & Me
Back on land, there is a film about the late, and many would say great, Nelson Mandela. Khalo Matabane’s latest film, Nelson Mandela: The Myth & Me, which just won the Special Jury Prize at the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam, is “an unflinching look at the most celebrated individual of our time.”
(85 Minutes, 2013, South Africa/Germany, North American Premiere)
To Be Takei!
Oh my! Let’s not forget To Be Takei! More than just Star Trek fandom and internet memes, this film looks at the life of this optimist whose plans include his dream project of making a musical based on his harrowing childhood experiences inside a Japanese-American internment camp during the Second World War. George Takei will attend the April 26 screening for a discussion about his fascinating career.
(93 Minutes, 2014, USA, Canadian Premiere)
Evan Andrew Mackay is a Toronto playwright and humorist who writes about culture and social justice.