AFI FEST...Documentary Competition! A curious mix bag of offerings...

When film director Michael Moore unveiled his new documentary SiCKO - amid a lot of fanfare in earlier this year in Sacramento - some said:

"There he goes again".

Taking in a documentary is one of my favorite past-times.

Of course, the "doc" comes in all varieties.

A director may focus on thought-provoking pieces about nature's astounding wonders, or take an insightful foray into an important social or political issue of the day, you name it.

In my mind's eye, when it comes to the latter, the facts should be presented fairly so that the viewer may weigh all the information - and henceforth - arrive at an intelligent reasoned decision about the issues.

For the most part, documentary filmmakers are inspired to "log" a topic because they are all fired up about a project. I mean, somethin' must have got 'em all hopped up to tackle the issues, eh?

For this reason I am inclined to believe that the creators may have a tendency to lean a little.

Undoubtedly, a subtle manipulation of the content is capable of swaying an audience in a particular way.

For instance, whether an insightful (or inflammatory) interview or news clip is placed at the beginning or end of the reel may have a dramatic impact on the viewer.

Although 60 minutes promises to follow the strict dictates of professional journalism - on occasion you can tell by the way the piece was constructed - where their loyalty falls.

One critic spouted recently that documentaries reminded him of "homework".

Joe Queenan - at the LA TIMES - recalled the empty experience of being locked in a steamy smelly auditorium forced to watch grainy films about boring topics produced by the Department of Agriculture.

"I'd rather watch the worst Keanu Reeves movie, I would rather sit through eleven consecutive Demi Moore films (are there that many?) than sit through a documentary," he noted with distaste.

Or maybe he was responding tongue-in-cheek?

No matter.

His statements caused a firestorm from the documentary camp from those who assert that this forum is where political causes, life's injustices and social ills may be brought to the fore.

June Macquire of Mission Viejo quoted Thomas Jefferson:

"If a Nation expects to be ignorant and free, in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and never will be".

The AFI FEST is sponsoring a Documentary Competition this year which focuses on a diverse range of topics.

Although I can't vouch for any of the docs - since I have't advance-screened any of the mixed bag that is offered up - I have given a run-down below so that discerning film buffs can fathom whether they want to risk pay-out on an uncertain gamble in these troubled economic times.

AGILE, MOBILE, HOSTILE:
A YEAR WITH ANDRE WILLIAMS

[AGILE]
(USA, 2008, 88 mins)

A doc which follows Andre Williams (who wrote and recorded numerous hits with the great Berry Gordy, Ike Turner, and Stevie Wonder) as he embarks upon a comeback after enduring poverty and homelessness and a life of reckless living.

ALONE IN FOUR WALLS

[ALONE]

(Germany, 2008, 85 mins)

According to the press packet, a meticulously eye-opening and beautifully-shot documentary which focuses the lens on young teens incarcerated in a tough reform school located in Russian Urals.

"Though these kids have stolen, and even killed, they also share dreams and passions as young people do everywhere."

GOGOL BORDELLO NON-STOP

[GOGOL]
(USA, 2008, 87 mins)

Hailing from five countries, and led by the irrepressible Eugene Hütz, the members of a band tell their stories and share their music.

Critics are saying this doc elevates the concert film into a full-blown exploration of music, identity and global politics.

HI MY NAME IS RYAN

[HIMYN]
(USA, 2008, 78 mins)

Ryan is a milk-and-cookies connoisseur, photo booth artist, fake mustache aficionado, and punk rock performance artist.

According to festival organizers, this poignant doc puts the spotlight on Ryan, who thrives on the therapeutic power of entertaining others as he embarks upon a preposterous number of music and art projects.

IMAGINADORES

[IMAGI]
(Argentina, 2008, 83 mins)

This doc explores the fascinating world of Argentinian comic books - and along the way - reveals the history, highlights, and undercurrents of this major cultural staple as it surges forward into the 21st Century without boundaries.

In addition to featuring existing published cartoons, the film animates some of the country's classic comic characters popular today.

THE LAST DAYS OF SHISHMAREF

[LASTD]
(Netherlands, 2008, 90 mins)

For residents of a small Inupiaq village, global warming is no abstract concept; after all, their island is disappearing beneath rising waters.

This documentary follows three families wrestling with an enormous dilemma.

Where should the people, whose livs are interwoven with their land, pick up and move their village to?

OF ALL THINGS

[OFALL]
(USA, 2008, 83 mins)

In the 1970s, songwriter Dennis Lambert had four songs in the top 100 at once, a feat previously accomplished only by the Beatles.

Now retired, and selling real estate, Lambert's discovery of an unlikely cult following—in the Philippines!!—lures him back on tour.

This hilarious doc captures every note.

PINDORAMA

THE TRUE STORY OF THE SEVEN DWARVES

[PINDO]
(Brazil, 2008, 84 mins)

A wandering family of performers - all dwarves, all children of a legendary Brazilian clown - travels the countryside celebrating magic, humanity, happiness and courage.

In this award-winning documentary, a team of filmmakers follows this remarkable, enchanting circus as it charms audiences.

PLAYING COLUMBINE

[PLAYI]
(USA, 2008, 94 mins)

A videogame that allows players to reenact the Columbine massacre is slammed in the press ,opening a wave of anti-gaming repercussions.

This provocative documentary follows the controversy, asking questions about gaming culture, free speech and the media's role in fanning the flames.

SHAKESPEARE AND VICTOR HUGO'S INTIMACIES

[INTIM]
(Mexico, 2008, 83 mins)

A filmmaker uncovers the true tale of her grandmother Rose Elena's friendship with Jorge, the strange transsexual (and perhaps schizophrenic man) who rented a room from her.

Could Jorge, Rose Elena's close companion, have been responsible for a string of unsolved murders in Mexico City?

UNTIL THE LIGHT TAKES US

[UNTIL]
(United States, 2008, 93 mins)

Blurring the line between performance, art, activism and terror, a group of "black metal" musicians recorded albums, burned churches and even killed each other.

This film examines the movement's birth and explosive growth, asking:

“Is violence a viable artistic response to our destructive consumption-mad culture?”

WITCH HUNT

[WITCH]
(USA, 2008, 91 mins)

Who wouldn't want a legal system that was tough on crime?

Unfortunately, as this startling documentary reminds us, the rush to punish the guilty often has devastating effects on the innocent, including the several fathers and mothers sent to prison by Bakersfield's overzealous DA.