Docs In Sight
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Even with growing popularity of theatrical documentaries, nonfiction still doesn’t seem to warrant a fraction of the publicity money that goes to awful fiction films. This makes those important docs that you "really meant to see" in the theater even easier to miss. So, for all that are often awed by the variety, drama and original perspectives that the form offers (usually those who remember to take a multi-vitamin along with a Red Bull), here are some of the docs that are premiering in April at independent theaters that need your support. —Williams Cole
“The Agronomist” (2004) courtesy International Film Festival Rotterdam.The Agronomist (opening at Angelika Film Center and Lincoln Plaza on April 23rd)
As the unrest in Haiti continues its uncertain path, Jonathan Demme’s portrait of Haitian national hero, journalist and militant activist for democracy Jean Dominique is more relevant and insightful than ever. Dominique, the founder of Haiti’s oldest and only free radio station, was greeted by crowd of 60,000 upon his return from exile in 1986 only to be exiled again and then assassinated in 2000. Demme was a close friend and has made an intimate and crucial portrait of Dominique and his wife Michele Montas while presenting a contextual history of the beleaguered nation that will help everyone make sense of the chaos and the U.S.’s role in such instability. With an original soundtrack by Wyclef Jean and Jerry “Wonder” Duplessis.
The Blonds (Film Forum, April 7-20th)
Stretching the inherent elasticity of the documentary medium, Albertina Carri’s film about the loss of her parents to the military junta during Argentina’s “dirty war” puts the politics of the 1970s in Brechtian relief. Carri has an actress play herself as she explores the memories of friends and neighbors who actually knew her parents. Here, the production process is exposed and a daring personal viewpoint is apparent as narrative risks are taken that are a world away from anything seen on such nonfiction venues as the Discovery Channel.
Still photograph from “MC5 * A True Testimonial.”MC5: A True Testimonial (Opening at Cinema Village, April 23rd)
This film about the politically militant late ’60s–early ’70s Detroit-based rock band will please those who embrace late ’70s Punk, ’80s Metal and perhaps even ’90s “Grunge” and corporate “punk.” Geezers will be able to point out that the Real Thing began when they were young ones and the story of how the MC5 were rewarded with critical indifference, broken contracts, police hassles and the censorship and suppression of their music will break all hearts. In their own words, the MC5 became “perfect targets for the double-cross” and were relegated to a forgotten corner of rock history. Hopefully, this film changes that.
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Unortho-docs at Locarno 70
by Matt TurnerSEPT 2017 | Film
Last August, three of the most impressive, innovative documentaries of the year, Eduardo Williams’s The Human Surge, Nele Wohlatz’ El Futuro Perfecto and Theo Anthony’s Rat Film, premiered at the Locarno International Film Festival. With an even greater focus on nonfiction film for this year’s 70th edition, it’s perhaps worthwhile to look back on the festival through these offerings alone.
Tavia Nyong’o's Afro-Fabulations: The Queer Drama of Black Life
by Peter MurphyFEB 2019 | Art Books
Tavia Nyong’o’s timely new book, Afro-Fabulations: The Queer Drama of Black Life, opens with an introduction to the legendary New York City drag queen Crystal LaBeija. Nyong’o describes a scene from the 1968 documentary The Queen in which LaBeija expresses her frustration at the drag pageant’s judging systems, which favor her young white competitor. LaBeija engages in what Nyong’o terms “afro-fabulation;” she performs “for and against the camera” in order to undermine a system that “disparages the black femme glamour she finds beautiful in herself and others,” powerfully undermining the ways in which she is represented.
True to Form: International Documentary Festival Amsterdam 2018
by Leo GoldsmithFEB 2019 | Film
Despite the rise of “creative nonfiction” across documentary production and exhibition over the last decade—at a glance, the “sensory turn” associated with Harvard’s Sensory Ethnography Lab, the recent vogue for hybrid films, growing interest in (largely non-narrative) VR docs, the proliferation of documentary forms in the gallery, and the prominence of a number of adventuresome film festivals such as FIDMarseille, Cinéma du Réel, Doclisboa, and the Film Society of Lincoln Center’s Art of the Real—the narrative, character-driven documentary remains the most salable, at least in the North American market.
Judson Dance Theater: The Work is Never Done
by Nicole MeilyFEB 2019 | Art Books
From 1962 to 1964, Judson Memorial Church hosted a series of performances that challenged the conventions of dance. These “Concerts of Dance,” performed by a group of artists collectively known as Judson Dance Theater, centered on choreography that involved quotidian movements and simple prompts. Incorporating everyday objects and music, these interdisciplinary performances were imbued with a spirit of experimentation and collaboration.
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