by Will Tentindo
Below are a few of the most buzzed-about films to catch at MDFF.
The Cinema Travellers
Closing out the festival this year is the Cannes-award winning documentary feature The Cinema Travelers, which follows a decades-long tradition of bringing cinema to remote Indian villages through travelling cinemas. A must-see for film buffs.
Five Days on Lesvos
Over half a million refugees arrived through the Greek island of Lesvos in 2015, and this documentary explores life on the island for one week in the summer of 2015, the same year that three-year-old refugee Alan Kurdi’s body was photographed lifeless on the beach. Richard Wyllie’s film adds to the ever-important and pressing political discussion with powerful stories of immigrants trying to secure their future, people trying to help them and the forces in their way.
Jewel’s Catch One
Set in the glittery disco-scene of Jewel Thais-Williams’ Los Angeles nightclub Catch One, this film discusses the racism, sexism and homophobia that people faced at the time. The story about this underground pioneer and community activist features interviews with Sharon Stone and American politician Maxine Waters and is sure to inspire you to make a difference in your community. In an ever-polarising world, this documentary shows you the power one person can have.
God Knows Where I Am
The mysterious circumstances surrounding the death of New Hampshire woman Linda Bishop, who was found dead next to her diaries, is the focus of this deep-dive documentary. Brothers Jedd and Todd Wider respectfully explore the circumstances surrounding Bishop’s life, death and mental illness and the crucial yet complicated role of the mental-health care system.
Dogs of Democracy
Mary Zournazi’s documentary feature is the first of the “Charity Docs,” films that donate their ticket sales equally to the RSPCA and the Alzheimer’s Foundation. This Australian-made film finds a new and evocative angle into the Greek economic crisis by focusing on its effect on the stray dogs of Athens and the people that take care of them.
Play Your Gender
Canadian musician Kinnie Starr asks music industry professionals why women are so underrepresented behind the scenes in music producing, despite the fact that most bankable pop stars are female? This film, screening alongside Girl Power, features recognisable names such as The Smashing Pumpkins, Hole and Tegan + Sarah and arrives at a time where the film industry is asking a very similar question.
For over 30 years Bob Hawk has been an influencer in the independent film sector through his company, Film Hawk. This documentary follows the life of the now-septuagenarian from his childhood through to his coming out as a gay man, moving to San Francisco and becoming a consultant on dozens of movies. Directed by JJ Garvine and Tai Parquet, this is a must-see for any film buff.
Click here for all information on the Melbourne Documentary Film Festival, which runs between July 9 – 16, 2017
