HotDocs: Part One
Rebecca and I bought a pass to the HotDocs Film Festival this year. We ended up seeing 14 movies in 8 days. I thought I'd give a synopsis/review of each here.
Over the Hills and Far Away - Sat., May 2, 2009 - 3:30PM @ Bloor Cinema
This was the first film we saw and it was my favourite of the festival. The story of a young couple who's autistic son seems to have a very deep connection with horses; so deep a connection that he literally goes from throwing a tantrum to complete silence/ease when his father places him atop the neighbour's horse.
The father, having done humanitarian work in Africa, has some experience with Shamanistic healing. After some research, he discovers that there is but one culture in the world that combines Shamanistic healing with horses. That culture exists in Mongolia. This film follows this family of 3 as they cross Mongolia on horseback, seeking the help of different Shaman along the way.
I loved this movie. I should note here that they are changing the name of the movie to "The Horse Boy" to coincide with the book that they have released under the same name. According to the website, this film will be getting a limited theatrical release in the fall sometime. I strongly suggest everyone see it.
Best Worst Movie - Sat., May 2, 2009 - 11:45PM @ Bloor Cinema
Though it is not necessary, you really should watch Troll 2, (be it your first time or 21st), before you see his doc. The movie documents the recent cult following that the, now 20 year old film, has garnered.
The director of the doc, Michael Stephenson, now in his 30s, was the 12 year old star of Troll 2. He enlists the help of George Hardy, a dentist from Alabama who played Stephenson's father in the original film. The two man travel across North America to Troll 2 screenings at theaters (including one at the Bloor itself) to ones held in conference rooms in office buildings. As the screenings gain popularity, original cast members are brought out of hiding to sit on panels and discuss this horribly, terrible film.
The highlight of the film, other than getting to know George Hardy, is re-emergence of the director of Troll 2. He is baffled and amazed that the film is suddenly popular in the US. Upon arriving in North America, he quickly realises that people like the film because it is SO bad; his reaction is priceless.
This film is also slated for a limited release later this year. I would also suggest you see it but as I said before, you'll enjoy it on another level entirely, if you've seen Troll 2 recently.
Over the Hills and Far Away - Sat., May 2, 2009 - 3:30PM @ Bloor Cinema
This was the first film we saw and it was my favourite of the festival. The story of a young couple who's autistic son seems to have a very deep connection with horses; so deep a connection that he literally goes from throwing a tantrum to complete silence/ease when his father places him atop the neighbour's horse.
The father, having done humanitarian work in Africa, has some experience with Shamanistic healing. After some research, he discovers that there is but one culture in the world that combines Shamanistic healing with horses. That culture exists in Mongolia. This film follows this family of 3 as they cross Mongolia on horseback, seeking the help of different Shaman along the way.
I loved this movie. I should note here that they are changing the name of the movie to "The Horse Boy" to coincide with the book that they have released under the same name. According to the website, this film will be getting a limited theatrical release in the fall sometime. I strongly suggest everyone see it.
Best Worst Movie - Sat., May 2, 2009 - 11:45PM @ Bloor Cinema
Though it is not necessary, you really should watch Troll 2, (be it your first time or 21st), before you see his doc. The movie documents the recent cult following that the, now 20 year old film, has garnered.
The director of the doc, Michael Stephenson, now in his 30s, was the 12 year old star of Troll 2. He enlists the help of George Hardy, a dentist from Alabama who played Stephenson's father in the original film. The two man travel across North America to Troll 2 screenings at theaters (including one at the Bloor itself) to ones held in conference rooms in office buildings. As the screenings gain popularity, original cast members are brought out of hiding to sit on panels and discuss this horribly, terrible film.
The highlight of the film, other than getting to know George Hardy, is re-emergence of the director of Troll 2. He is baffled and amazed that the film is suddenly popular in the US. Upon arriving in North America, he quickly realises that people like the film because it is SO bad; his reaction is priceless.
This film is also slated for a limited release later this year. I would also suggest you see it but as I said before, you'll enjoy it on another level entirely, if you've seen Troll 2 recently.
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