TIFF’s Packed Documentary Slate Includes ‘Vice Is Broke,’ ‘The Last Republican’ and ‘No Other Land’

As a film critic who has spent decades immersed in the world of documentaries and political intrigue, I am genuinely excited about this year’s Toronto Film Festival Docs lineup. The stories of Vice Media’s rise and fall, former Republican U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger, and disability rights activist Patrice Jetter are just a few examples of the compelling narratives that will undoubtedly capture audiences’ attention.

Documentaries featuring the ascendancy and decline of the media firm Vice, as well as the ex-Republican Congressman from the United States, Adam Kinzinger, and disability advocate Patrice Jetter, have been scheduled for the Toronto International Film Festival.

The TIFF Docs program commences on September 5, showcasing 21 nonfiction films hailing from 24 different nations. This extensive program kicks off with the world premiere of Eddie Huang’s “Vice Is Broke,” a film delving into the fall from grace of the digital news outlet that sought bankruptcy protection under Chapter 11 last year, despite being appraised at a staggering $5.7 billion in 2017.

As a passionate movie-goer, I can’t help but express my excitement about Eddie Huang, the ex-host of “Huang’s World” on Vice, who offers a fascinating viewpoint in this story. According to Thom Powers, the chief TIFF documentary programmer, Eddie provides an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at what unfolded at Vice Media.

In “The Last Republican,” filmmaker Steve Pink Kinzinger (known for “Hot Tub Time Machine”) showcases conservative politician Kinzinger, who departs from the Republican Party’s norms, voicing his criticism of Donald Trump following the January 6th uprising.

According to Powers’ explanation, Representative Kinzinger, known for his strong conservative beliefs, allowed liberal Hollywood figure Steve Pink to create a film about him due to Kinzinger’s fondness for the movie “Hot Tub Time Machine.”

As a lifelong documentary enthusiast and someone who has always been fascinated by the intersection of politics and human rights, I am thrilled to see such compelling films heading to TIFF this year. The stories of individuals like Jordan Goudreau, whose actions and subsequent arrest have made headlines around the world, and the Palestinian activists in “No Other Land,” who are standing up against forced displacement and settler expansion, resonate deeply with me.

In my opinion, “No Other Land” stands among the most impactful films of the year. I find it hard to imagine that it won’t make a strong impact in the awards discussions this season.

Among the standout documentaries in this year’s TIFF lineup that I’m eagerly anticipating is Raoul Peck’s “Ernest Cole: Lost and Found.” This film delves into the life, art, and enduring impact of the late South African photographer, Ernest Cole, who powerfully documented the harsh realities of apartheid. In May, it clinched the L’Oeil d’or prize, the highest honor for documentaries at the Cannes Film Festival. I’m excited to share that “Ernest Cole: Lost and Found” will be released by Magnolia Pictures this fall.

Powers narrowed down the pool of documents from nearly 900 submissions to just 21. This selection includes 17 movies such as “Vice Broke,” “The Last Republican,” and “No Other Land,” all aiming for distribution.

As a passionate cinephile, I’ve noticed a troubling trend: The recent bankruptcy of Participant Media and Disney’s decision to pull the Afghan war documentary “Retrograde” from all streaming platforms has left me questioning the future of documentaries tackling controversial social issues. Add to that the general lack of interest in such films among streaming giants, and it feels like selling a documentary after its premiere at TIFF is becoming increasingly uncertain.

“Powers shared his excitement about showcasing what he believes are this year’s strongest movies,” he said. “Lucky attendees of TIFF get to witness these films. We strive to champion the chance for others to experience these films too, whether it’s at other film festivals or on streaming platforms worldwide. I’ll recommend the films I believe deserve the most attention, and then it’s up to the distribution companies to decide which ones they can support.”

As a long-time admirer of literature and women’s stories, I am thrilled to see this year’s TIFF Doc lineup showcasing films that delve into the lives of remarkable women such as Edna O’Brien, Leila Amini’s sister, and disability rights activist Patrice Jetter. Having personally experienced the power of storytelling in understanding and connecting with others, I believe that these films will not only entertain but also inspire audiences to learn about the challenges faced by these incredible individuals and their contributions to society.

The titles of the TIFF documents have been added to a collection of documentaries that are scheduled for the gala and regular screenings. This lineup includes the world premieres of “Elton John: Never Too Late,” “Andrea Bocelli: Because I Believe,” “Road Diary: Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band,” “Will & Harper,” “The Wolves Always Come at Night,” “Viktor,” and “Fanatical: The Catfishing of Tegan and Sara.” In simpler terms, these TIFF document titles are now part of the lineup for both main events and regular screenings, and they include several world premieres.

The full list of the TIFF Docs lineup follows:

As a film enthusiast with a deep passion for international cinema, I find myself captivated by the rich and diverse lineup of premieres showcased at this year’s festival. The variety of stories being told across these films is truly remarkable, reflecting the complexities and nuances of human experiences from all corners of the globe.

2024-08-07 17:17

TIFF’s Packed Documentary Slate Includes ‘Vice Is Broke,’ ‘The Last Republican’ and ‘No Other Land’

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