Though our city is dang cold, Hot Docs excitement is building. In sifting through the program I spotted the following films of special interest to various segments of Spacing folk (all quotes — sans demographic analyses — from the program guide):
FOR THE GENTRIFICATION JUNKIE Last Call at the Gladstone Hotel: “Long-time staff and residents struggle to adapt when developers purchase the decaying, century old Gladstone Hotel in Toronto and begin a five-year renewal process that transforms it from a cheap rooming house into an arts hotspot.” ( April 22 & 28 @ the Bloor Cinema)
FOR THE FROM-AWAY FRIEND Let’s All Hate Toronto: “The national hobby of hating Toronto is explored in this lively cross-country survey of the one thing that unites and defines Canadians — our perpetual disdain for our largest city.” (April 20 & 28 @ the Bloor Cinema)
FOR THE RECYCLING-SORTER ROOMATE Garbage Warrior: “An American architect takes DIY to new ecological, economic and ethical heights by creating green-friendly homes from beer cans and car tires, aiding disaster-stricken communities and taking on the government in a fight for sustainable living. Co-presented with the Planet in Focus International Environmental Film and Video Festival.” (April 26 @ the Bader Theatre & April 28 @ the Bloor Cinema)
FOR THE SUBURBAN SURVIVALIST Eat the Suburbs: “Peak Oil theorist Richard Heinberg believes global oil production will climax in 2010, sending our oil-dependent food infrastructure into a tailspin. Melbourne’s young ‘Perma-Blitzers’ prepare by turfing the lawn and planting dinner.” (April 22 @ the Bloor Cinema & April 29 @ the ROM)
FOR THE REALITY-SHOW RALLYER City Idol: “In 2006, a fresh, inspiring citizens’ movement started in Toronto. In a Canadian Idol-like contest, ordinary Torontonians competed to run in municipal elections. This doc is sure to bring would-be city councillors fired up for the next one.” (April 26 & 29 @ the Royal Cinema)
FOR THE MUNICIPALLY-HEARTED MUSICIAN The Underground Orchestra: “La Metro de Paris is home to a rich subculture of expat musicians. The stories that brought them to the underground are sometimes harrowing, but always as compelling as their passion for music.” (April 26 @ the Bader Theatre)
Click here to get tickets — and quick, cuz they’re going fast. Or, if you miss out on the screenings, watch for reviews posted on our site or in our next print edition.
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