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| Sacra Gra |
The first films in the line-up are:
Dir. Askold Kurov, Pavel Loparev | Russia | 70 min | World
Premiere
An intimate firsthand account of how Russian’s LGBT youth
have become defenseless after President Vladimir Putin passed a law forbidding “propaganda
of nontraditional sexual relations to minors.”
A Dangerous Game
Dir. Anthony Baxter | UK | 90 min | World Premiere
In this explosive tale, everyday heroes battle against
Donald Trump and a cast of greedy Goliaths who want to turn some of the earth’s
most precious places into golf courses for the super-rich.
Demonstration
Dir. Victor Kossakovsky, 32 film students VVAA | Russia,
Spain | 70 min | Canadian Premiere
Legendary director Victor Kossakovsky sends 32 film students
to document Barcelona’s massive and violent anti-austerity street protest in
2012. Set to an operatic score, his stunning collage transforms into a
brilliant crowd-sourced street ballet.
Everyday Rebellion
Dir. Arash T. Riahi, Arman T. Riahi | Austria, Switzerland,
Germany | 118 min | Canadian Premiere
What do topless Ukrainian women, Syrian dissidents and Wall
Street Occupiers have in common? A colourful new tactic—creative non-violent
protest. See why and how modern pacifism is winning in this slick tribute to disobedience.
The Great Invisible
Dir. Margaret Brown | USA | Canadian Premiere
With unprecedented access, this comprehensive documentary
utilizes an investigative eye and a humanizing touch to examine the causes and
impacts of 2010’s Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
I am Big Bird: The Caroll Spinney Story
Dir. Chad Walker, Dave LaMattina | USA | 85 min | World
Premiere
With an incredible archive of home videos, the story of
Caroll Spinney reveals how a big heart and unstoppable talent created two of
the world’s most beloved Muppets, Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch.
Mission Blue
Dir. Robert Nixon, Fisher Stevens | USA | 95 min | Canadian
Premiere
The trailblazing career of internationally renowned
oceanographer and eco-activist Sylvia Earle is celebrated in this beautifully
shot testament to her passionate commitment to saving the world’s oceans and
its imperiled inhabitants.
Point and Shoot
Dir. Marshall Curry | USA | 82 min | International Premiere
Baltimore native Matthew VanDyke shares extraordinary visual
tales of his adventures motorcycling across the Middle East—including when he
joins forces with Libyan rebels to oust Muammar Gaddafi, is captured and held
in solitary confinement for six months.
Return to Homs
Dir. Talal Derki | Syria, Germany | 87 min | Canadian
Premiere
Filmed over the course of two years, Sundance World Cinema
Grand Jury Prize-winner Return to Homs takes us into the lives of two friends
caught in the middle of the raging civil war in Syria.
Rich Hill
Dir. Andrew Droz Palermo, Tracy Droz Tragos | USA | 92 min |
International Premiere
In a small rural town, three young residents find themselves
dreaming big but living small in this achingly beautiful, Sundance Grand Jury
Prize-winning depiction of adolescence.
Sacro Gra
Dir. Gianfranco Rosi | Italy, France | 2013 | 93 min |
Canadian Premiere
Following the stories and endeavours of citizens living and
working along the giant ring road that encircles Rome, this Venice Golden Lion
winner paints an enchanting portrait of everyday moments in The Eternal City.
The Sheik
Dir. Igal Hecht | Canada | 95 min | World Premiere
Every hero needs a villain. Without the Iron Sheik there
could be no Hulkamania. Khosrow Vaziri’s transformation from Olympic wrestler
to American pop culture icon is a personal and emotional tale that will “make
you humble.”
Ukraine is not a Brothel
Dir. Kitty Green | Australia, Ukraine | 80 min | Canadian
Premiere
Ukraine’s gorgeous group of topless feminist activists,
FEMEN, take off their shirts to take on their government, exposing gender
inequality and government corruption through their provocative public protests.
Whitey: United States of America v. James J. Bulger
Dir. Joe Berlinger | USA | 90 min | Canadian Premiere
Oscar-nominated director Joe Berlinger strips away the myths
surrounding infamous Boston gangster and FBI informant James “Whitey” Bulger,
exposing the truth behind his criminal empire and revealing shocking new
allegations of government corruption and complicity.
Please visit www.hotdocs.ca for more info on this year's festival.
