By: Henry J. Fromage –
The second batch of CIFF films are all documentaries, all the time. Good thing I love me some documentaries!
194: Rouge
This sports documentary tells the story of the River Rouge High School Panthers, the most decorated program in the state of Michigan and one of the first to integrate (funny how that led to instant domination, eh?) Today they are looking to return to prominence despite serving one of the state’s most economically disadvantaged populations. It’s inspiring to see these boys buy into the program and succeed for it. Three Beers.
195: Silver’s Uprising
This documentary is about Amos Dov Silver, who went from an ultraconservative Jewish childhood to running the “Uber of Weed”, Telegrass, which quickly came to dominate Israel’s illegal marijuana trade. The question of whether he is a criminal mastermind or a selfless activist, or some kind of cult leader-y amalgamation of the two is a fascinating one that this documentary examines all sides of. Assuredly the man has chutzpah for days, if nothing else. Two Beers.
196: What’s Next
Dr. Howard Tucker is the oldest practicing physician in the world at 101, and this profile of him shows that the secret of his longevity (besides assuredly stellar genes, it seems like most of his family is still alive, too) is an unceasing work ethic and constant curiosity to learn more inside his field and out. He’s also a hoot- it’s a pleasure spending time with him, although I could have done with less of his young relative. Two Beers.
197: Gradually, Then Suddenly: The Bankruptcy of Detroit
This recounting of the events that led to and transpired after the City of Detroit unprecedently declared bankruptcy in 2013. It’s a bit dense and somewhat inside baseball, but very detailed and interested in giving every side of an extremely complex issue their voice. Here’s hoping no other city has to go through this again, least of all Detroit. Three Beers.
198: False Positive
This 30 for 30 documentary tells the story of former 400 meter world record holder and Olympic gold medalist Butch Reynolds, whose quest for another, solo gold was waylaid when he tested positive for steroids… except he didn’t do them. What ensues is a legal battle between him and the IAFF who botched the test but refused to admit it or suspend or reduce the ensuing two year suspension. A maddening story, but one that reveals a man even more impressive than the athletic feats only he and few others were capable of. Two Beers.
199: Small Town Universe
This pleasant documentary profiles the town of Green Bank, West Virginia, which has outlawed smartphones and wifi among other wave-emitting technology because of the presence of the National Radio Astronomy Observatory, which includes the world’s most sensitive radio telescope. This makes it a magnet for some interesting people, from the international group of scientists working for the observatory to those who claim to suffer from illness caused by the very waves the town suppresses. An ode to science from several sometimes conflicting angles. Three Beers.
200: Mourning in Lod
This devastating little doc examines the Israeli/Palestinian divide from both sides, as two families in Lod, a community that is more culturally mixed and pacific than most, experience senseless loss due to violent rioters on both sides. This both steals and gives hope, as it’s clear on a personal level coexistence and even thriving together is possible when people come together, but also clear that too many are bitterly opposed to the very idea for this to likely ever come to pass. Two Beers.
201: Country Brawlers
This doc profiles a group of boxers and their promoter from Appalachia, a blighted and addiction-wracked community that nonetheless features some talented dreamers looking to escape their circumstances. Not everyone makes the best choices at all times, but these are still a fascinating cast of characters to follow along with. Two Beers.
202: Shatter Belt
James Ward Byrkit has taken his sweet time following up his well-received 2013 sci-fi flick Coherence, but has finally done so with this 4-episode “show” that tallies just under 2 hours and is probably best watched as a feature. In any case, all four stories have an ironic Black Mirror and/or Twilight Zone sensibility about its sci-fi setups. I really enjoyed it- if the point of pitching it as a show is to get the go-ahead to make more, count me in. Two Beers.
203: The In Between
This low-key and elegiac documentary follows filmmaker Robie Flores as she navigates her Mexican-American border hometown, remembering her late brother who she always dreamed of making a film with while portraying the diverse people that make up this community. It’s more engaging than you’d expect, a remembrance of times past delivered with a deft touch. Two Beers.
204: JessZilla
This spunky documentary is about the extremely spunky young boxer Jesselyn “JessZilla” Silva, following her career from the age of 9 to the top of the amateur boxing rankings, at least until life interjects in a shocking yet undeterring manner. Jess owns the screen every second she’s on it, and is the epitome of a fighter with class both in and out of the ring, a testament to her own drive and the family and professional support she has around her. Two Beers.
