In Toronto’s inner city, Thompson Egbo-Egbo has started an Arts Foundation that looks to instil a positive change and a sense of self worth into elementary school students. Much of this is done by getting the students to express themselves through music. We get a sometimes sad, but ultimately moving look at their work through…
Hot Docs Reaction: GASLAND
Remember that part of ERIN BROCKOVICH where an entire county was getting sick because an energy company was contaminating the drinking water. Kinda scary concept isn’t it? Well prepare to be scared, because as Josh Fox’s documentary GASLAND points out, an awful lot of America is dealing with water and air contamination. Right off the…
Hot Docs Reaction: CANDYMAN, THE DAVID KLEIN STORY
CANDYMAN is the story of David Klein, the eccentric inventor of Jelly Belly jellybeans. We learn of his humble beginnings, his massive effort to make the idea work, and how the product became such a wild seller. Front and centre is Klein as a man – a guy who likes to take the scenic route…
Hot Docs Reaction: COOKING UP DREAMS
Watching all manner of cooks – from peasant fishermen to top chef – preparing Peruvian food is rather fascinating. Many of the ingredients and flavours start out the same, but the manner in which they are brought together in COOKING UP DREAMS couldn’t be more varied. Seeing executive chefs work in gourmet kitchens isn’t anything…
Food Glorious Food: DISH – WOMEN, WAITRESSING & THE ART OF SERVICE Plays Hot Docs
DISH begins with the sort of tracking shot that would make Martin Scorsese proud. It follows a waitress in Paris – tray filled with entrees held aloft. She leaves the kitchens, winds through all the way through crowded dining room, serves her patrons and returns. In an ant-like manner she seems to be carrying more…
Back to Basics – TOP GUN
Oh how the mighty do fall…
THE MESSENGER
You wouldn’t think that a film that chronicles the same action over and over to be all that compelling. But when that action involves walking up to a perfect stranger unannounced, and telling them “I’m very sorry but your loved one was killed today”…it’s a routine that shakes you every time you have to watch…