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Docs In Sight
April 2004
Even with growing popularity of theatrical documentaries, nonfiction still doesn’t seem to warrant a fraction of the publicity money that goes to awful fiction films. This makes those important docs that you "really meant to see" in the theater even easier to miss. So, for all that are often awed by the variety, drama and original perspectives that the form offers (usually those who remember to take a multi-vitamin along with a Red Bull), here are some of the docs that are premiering in April at independent theaters that need your support.
—Williams Cole
The Agronomist (opening at Angelika Film Center and Lincoln Plaza on April 23rd)
"The Agronomist" (2004) courtesy International Film Festival Rotterdam.
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As the unrest in Haiti continues its uncertain path, Jonathan Demme’s portrait of Haitian national hero, journalist and militant activist for democracy Jean Dominique is more relevant and insightful than ever. Dominique, the founder of Haiti’s oldest and only free radio station, was greeted by crowd of 60,000 upon his return from exile in 1986 only to be exiled again and then assassinated in 2000. Demme was a close friend and has made an intimate and crucial portrait of Dominique and his wife Michele Montas while presenting a contextual history of the beleaguered nation that will help everyone make sense of the chaos and the U.S.’s role in such instability. With an original soundtrack by Wyclef Jean and Jerry "Wonder" Duplessis.
The Blonds (Film Forum, April 7-20th)
Stretching the inherent elasticity of the documentary medium, Albertina Carri’s film about the loss of her parents to the military junta during Argentina’s "dirty war" puts the politics of the 1970s in Brechtian relief. Carri has an actress play herself as she explores the memories of friends and neighbors who actually knew her parents. Here, the production process is exposed and a daring personal viewpoint is apparent as narrative risks are taken that are a world away from anything seen on such nonfiction venues as the Discovery Channel.
MC5: A True Testimonial (Opening at Cinema Village, April 23rd)
Still photograph from "MC5 * A True Testimonial."
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This film about the politically militant late ’60s–early ’70s Detroit-based rock band will please those who embrace late ’70s Punk, ’80s Metal and perhaps even ’90s "Grunge" and corporate "punk." Geezers will be able to point out that the Real Thing began when they were young ones and the story of how the MC5 were rewarded with critical indifference, broken contracts, police hassles and the censorship and suppression of their music will break all hearts. In their own words, the MC5 became "perfect targets for the double-cross" and were relegated to a forgotten corner of rock history. Hopefully, this film changes that.
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Out now:
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Archives>>
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The Rail invites you to a reading with Jason
Flores-Williams and Brian Carreira, along with musical
guest Steve Strunsky of the Lonesome Prairie Dogs.
Thurs., Sept. 22, 8:30 p.m.
Vox Pop--Flatbush, Brooklyn
www.voxpop.net
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OFF THE RAIL FALL 2005 at the Central Branch of the Brooklyn Public Library - Grand Army Plaza
(718) 230-2100 in the 2nd Floor Auditorium
Tuesday, Sept. 13 from 7 till 9
John Ashbery
Leslie Scalapino
Tuesday, Oct. 18 from 7 till 9
Kenneth Bernard
Lynda Schor
Tuesday, Nov. 15 from 7 till 9
Diane Williams
Christine Schutt
Curated and hosted by the Rail's Fiction Editor Donald Breckenridge
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The Independent Press Association-NY recently honored The Brooklyn Rail with the following awards:
1st place: Best article about Immigrant Issues or Racial Justice--Gabriel Thompson, "One Immigrant's Journey" (September 2004).
1st place: Best article about the Arts*--Amy Zimmer, "The Brownsville Rec. Center" (April 04)
2nd place: Best article about the Arts--Brian Carreira, "Harlem Arts: A Faux Renaissance" (Dec 03/Jan 04).
2nd place: Best editorial or commentary--T. Hamm, "The Issue is Free Speech" (Dec 03/Jan 04).
3rd Place: Best Investigative News Story--Marjory Garrison, "Minimum Matter of Survival" (May 04)
Honorable mention: Best Investigative News Story--Williams Cole, "Housing vs. the RNC" (June 04).
Honorable mention: Best Original Feature--Yvette Walton, "My Life in the NYPD" (Dec 03/Jan 04).
Come to the Brooklyn Waterfront Festival.
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