Camden International Film Festival: A celebration of documentary storytelling
The 20th edition of the Camden International Film Festival (CIFF) is set to commence on September 12, featuring a compelling lineup of politically charged documentaries. This Maine-based festival will adopt a hybrid format, with in-person events running until September 15 and online screenings available from September 16 to September 30 for audiences across the United States.
A spotlight on political documentaries
This year’s CIFF will showcase several noteworthy documentaries that have already made waves at prestigious festivals like Toronto, Venice, and Telluride. Among the highlights is Steve Pink’s “The Last Republican”, which delves into the final year in office of former U.S. Representative Adam Kinzinger and his efforts to hold his party accountable through his work on the January 6 Committee. This documentary will have its world premiere at TIFF. Another significant entry is Michael Premo’s “Homegrown”, which follows a group of supremacist Donald Trump supporters from the 2020 campaign trail to the attack on the U.S. Capitol. This film will debut in the Venice Film Festival’s Critics’ Week.
“No Other Land” by an unnamed director, which premiered at the Berlin Film Festival and won the best documentary award, will also be featured. This film explores the resistance of Palestinian activists against forced displacement and settler expansion in the West Bank community of Masafer Yatta.
Exploring the climate crisis and more
Another politically focused documentary is “The White House Effect” by Bonni Cohen, Jon Shenk, and Pedro Kos. This immersive, all-archival investigation examines how the first Bush administration navigated the early days of the climate crisis.
World premieres and unique narratives
CIFF 2024 will feature two world premieres: Adam Sekuler’s “The Flamingo”, a portrait of a woman in her mid-sixties rediscovering her agency and sexuality through the BDSM community, and Matthew Wolkow and Jean-Jacques Martinod’s “Eastern Anthems”, an epistolary essay documentary about the U.S. during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The festival will open with Petra Costa’s “Apocalypse in the Tropics”, an investigation into the influence of the evangelical movement on contemporary Brazilian politics. This film will debut at the Venice Film Festival. Also screening on opening night is Lola Arias’ “Reas”, a hybrid musical made with people formerly incarcerated in one of Argentina’s largest women’s prisons.
A diverse and expansive program
CIFF, a key platform for documentaries seeking Oscar recognition, will feature 31 features, 22 short films, and two immersive experiences from 37 countries. Sixty percent of the program includes documentaries making their U.S., North American, or world premieres.
In January, Ben Fowlie, CIFF’s executive and artistic director, stepped down after 20 years. Sean Flynn, CIFF program director and co-founder of the Points North Institute, has expanded his role to oversee the 20th edition of the festival.
Celebrating the power of documentary filmmaking
Flynn emphasizes the festival’s role in celebrating the enduring power and expanding possibilities of the documentary form. He notes that at a time when basic democratic values are at risk, the filmmakers in this year’s program remind us of the importance of artistic independence. Their films take bold creative risks, introduce perspectives missing from public discourse, and offer visions of both the world we inhabit and the more free worlds we can build.
Curated by a diverse team
This year’s CIFF was curated by Sean Flynn, Milton Guillén, Zaina Bseiso, and Cam Howard. The festival will feature several notable documentaries, including Daniel Roher and Edmund Stenson’s “Blink”, which follows a Canadian family embarking on a round-the-world adventure after learning that three of their four children will soon be blind due to a genetic condition. Elizabeth Lo’s ”Mistress Dispeller” explores a woman in China attempting to save her marriage by hiring an undercover professional to break up her husband’s affair. Ted Passion’s “Patrice: The Movie” centers on the ongoing struggles for disability justice and marriage equality.
Sundance 2024 documentaries at CIFF
Six Sundance 2024 documentaries will also screen at CIFF, including Arun Bhattarai and Dorottya Zurbó’s “Agent of Happiness”, Josh Greenbaum’s ”Will & Harper”, Johan Grimonprez’s “Soundtrack To A Coup D’etat”, Gary Hustwit’s “Eno”, Jazmin Renée Jones’s “Seeking Mavis Beacon”, and Stephen Maing and Brett Story’s “Union”.
Supporting emerging filmmakers
CIFF will run concurrently with Points North’s six artist programs and fellowships, supporting 26 documentary features and shorts in development from around the world through mentor-led retreats and industry access opportunities. Alumni of the Points North Fellowship, such as Jones, Bhattarai, and Zurbó, will be present at the festival. Nesa Azimi, another Points North alum, will showcase “Driver”, which premiered at Tribeca in June.
A gathering of documentary talent
Nearly 70 fellows will be on the ground at CIFF through partnerships with other artist fellowships and labs, including American Film Showcase, Bay Area Video Coalition, American Documentary | POV, and Chicken & Egg Pictures.
For a complete list of CIFF’s features and short films, visit the festival’s official website.
Featured documentaries
- “Agent of Happiness” by Arun Bhattarai and Dorottya Zurbó | Bhutan, Hungary
- “Apocalypse in the Tropics” by Petra Costa | Brazil, USA, Denmark
- “Apple Cider Vinegar” by Sofie Benoot | Belgium, Netherlands
- “Blink” by Daniel Roher and Edmund Stenson | USA
For more information and to watch trailers, visit the Camden International Film Festival.# A cinematic journey through diverse narratives
Dahomey: A cultural renaissance
The film Dahomey captures a significant moment in post-colonial history, chronicling the return of 26 royal treasures to Benin from France, 61 years after independence. Directed by Mati Diop, this documentary blends observational footage with hybrid techniques to explore the journey of these artifacts from Paris to Benin. The film features the voice of King Gezo’s statue speaking in Fon, offering a poetic reflection on cultural identity, historical trauma, and the complexities of colonial redress. For more details, check out the Dahomey trailer.
Driver: A road to redemption
Driver follows Desiree Wood, who, after losing everything, finds a new purpose as a long-haul truck driver. Alongside a group of irreverent women truckers, she navigates the challenges and freedoms of life on the road. This film offers a raw and inspiring look at resilience and the pursuit of a second chance.
Eastern Anthem: A symphony of voices
In Eastern Anthem, an unfinished film is passed from one friend to another, set against the backdrop of the Great Eastern Brood X cicadas’ emergence every 17 years. This road movie, directed by Matthew Wolkow and Jean-Jacques Martinod, intertwines human and non-human voices, reflecting on a post-pandemic present and our shared futures. The film is a chorus of history, nature, and rebirth.
Eno: The generative genius
Eno is a groundbreaking documentary that delves into the creative processes of Brian Eno, a visionary musician and artist known for his work with David Bowie, U2, and Talking Heads. Directed by Gary Hustwit, this film is unique in that it changes every time it’s shown, offering a fresh perspective on Eno’s innovative approach to music and art. Discover more about this intriguing documentary by watching the Eno trailer.
A Fidai Film: Unveiling hidden histories
A Fidai Film investigates the looting of Palestinian films in Beirut in 1982. Directed by Kamal AlJafari, the documentary uses this event to reveal materials hidden in Israeli archives, proposing a counter-narrative to the continuous history of appropriation. This film is a poignant exploration of cultural theft and historical memory.
The Flamingo: Embracing pleasure in later life
The Flamingo is an observational film that follows a woman in her 60s as she explores sexual relationships and aging with pleasure. Directed by Adam Sekuler, this film challenges societal norms and celebrates the pursuit of intimacy and self-discovery in later life.
Homegrown: A nation divided
Homegrown offers an unflinching look at Americans at war with each other, focusing on right-wing activists searching for purpose and power. Directed by Michael Premo, this documentary provides a raw and unprecedented view of the consequences of ideological extremism in contemporary America.
I’m Not Everything I Want To Be: A quest for freedom
I’m Not Everything I Want To Be follows a young female photographer in post-Soviet Prague as she strives to break free from societal constraints. Directed by Klára Tasovskà, this film captures her journey towards freedom through thousands of photographs, offering a visual diary of rebellion and self-expression.
Kix: A symbol of national tragedy
Kix tells the story of Sanyi, an 8-year-old boy navigating the gritty streets of Budapest with his skateboard. Directed by Bálint Révész and Dávid Mikulán, the film follows Sanyi’s transformation from innocent pranks to actions with long-lasting consequences, reflecting the broader societal issues in Hungary. Watch the Kix trailer for a glimpse into this compelling narrative.
The Last Republican: A political stand
The Last Republican documents Congressman Adam Kinzinger’s decision to hold President Trump accountable for the January 6th Insurrection. Directed by Steve Pink, this film explores the personal and professional costs of Kinzinger’s stand, offering a unique perspective on political integrity and friendship across ideological divides.
Mistress Dispeller: A family drama
Mistress Dispeller follows a woman in China who hires a professional to break up her husband’s affair. Directed by Elizabeth Lo, this documentary provides intimate access to the unfolding family drama, exploring themes of love, betrayal, and the lengths people go to save their relationships.
Mother Vera: A nun’s journey
Mother Vera tells the story of a young Orthodox nun navigating her turbulent past and fragile future. Directed by Cécile Embleton and Alys Tomlinson, this film takes viewers from the snowy forests of Belarus to the heat of the French Camargue, offering a poignant look at faith and resilience.
No Other Land: A fight for justice
No Other Land follows a young Palestinian activist and an Israeli journalist as they fight against the forced expulsion of the Masafer Yatta community. Directed by a Palestinian-Israeli collective, this film provides a human insight into a decades-old conflict, highlighting the power of alliance and resistance.
Oasis: A new constitution
Oasis documents Chile’s journey to write a new constitution following an unprecedented social uprising. Directed by Tamara Uribe and Felipe Morgado, this film captures the colorful assembly tasked with realizing the dreams of dignity and social justice for an entire nation. Watch the Oasis trailer to learn more about this pivotal moment in Chilean history.
Patrice: The Movie: Marriage equality and disability
Patrice: The Movie is a documentary rom-com that explores the next phase of marriage equality, focusing on disability. Directed by Ted Passon, this film offers a heartfelt and humorous look at love, commitment, and the challenges faced by couples with disabilities.
Reas: Lives behind bars
Reas is a hybrid musical that re-enacts the lives of inmates in a Buenos Aires prison. Directed by Lola Arias, this film features diverse characters, from long-term inmates to newly admitted, exploring themes of identity, resilience, and the human spirit.
Rising Up At Night (Tongo Saa): A portrait of Kinshasa
Rising Up At Night (Tongo Saa) offers a fragmented portrait of Kinshasa’s population, navigating hope, disappointment, and religious faith. Directed by Nelson Makengo, this film captures the beauty of Kinshasa’s nights, highlighting the resilience and challenges of its people.
Seeking Mavis Beacon: A search for identity
Seeking Mavis Beacon follows two DIY detectives searching for the model behind the iconic Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing software. Directed by Jazmin Renée Jones, this film poses questions about identity and artificial intelligence, exploring the impact of a figure who lives in our collective imagination.
Soundtrack To A Coup D’etat: Music and politics
Soundtrack To A Coup D’etat delves into the role of jazz icons like Louis Armstrong and Nina Simone during the Cold War, revealing their unwitting involvement in a covert CIA operation. Directed by Johan Grimonprez, this film explores the intersection of music, decolonization, and political intrigue.
The Stimming Pool: An autistic lens
The Stimming Pool follows diverse characters navigating environments through an autistic lens. Co-created by neurodiverse directors and artist-filmmaker Steven Eastwood, this film strives to find space in a world free from societal norms, offering a unique perspective on neurodiversity.
Two Strangers Trying Not To Kill Each Other: A quest for peace
Two Strangers Trying Not To Kill Each Other is a beautiful and often humorous film about an aging artist couple facing the inevitability of impermanence. Directed by Jacob Perlmutter and Manon Ouimet, this film explores themes of life, death, and the search for deep peace in relationships.
Union: A fight for workers’ rights
Union chronicles the efforts of the Amazon Labor Union (ALU) in New York City’s Staten Island as they fight to unionize against one of the world’s largest companies. Directed by Stephen Maing and Brett Storey, this film is an intimate and surprising story of determination, unorthodox tactics, and the fight for workers’ rights.
Welcome Interplanetary And Sidereal Space Conquerors: A cosmic journey
Welcome Interplanetary And Sidereal Space Conquerors is a unique film that takes viewers on a cosmic journey, exploring themes of exploration and discovery. Directed by Andrés Jurado, this film offers a visually stunning and thought-provoking experience.
Each of these films offers a unique perspective on diverse narratives, inviting viewers to explore new worlds and reflect on the complexities of human experience. Whether you’re a cinema enthusiast, a TV series aficionado, or a music lover, these stories provide a rich tapestry of insights and emotions.# A journey through cinema and TV: Exploring new narratives and perspectives
Rediscovering the unknown: Astronauts in the Darien
Imagine being an astronaut, trained to survive the harshest conditions of space, only to find yourself lost in the dense, unforgiving jungles of the Darien. This scenario unfolds in a gripping deconstruction of tropical survival training archives, challenging the colonial narratives that have long been associated with the conquest of space. The encounter with an indigenous person in this context raises questions about survival, humanity, and the often-overlooked stories of those who inhabit these lands.
The White House effect: A historical dive into the climate crisis
The White House Effect is a compelling documentary that uses archival materials to narrate the dramatic origins of the climate crisis. Focusing on the pivotal years between 1977 and 1992, the film delves into how scientific understanding of climate change emerged, how political agendas began to overshadow the issue, and the crucial role played by the American public. This documentary offers a real-time experience of history, making the stakes feel immediate and personal. For more details, check out the trailer.
Wilfred Buck: A journey between earth and stars
Wilfred Buck is a hybrid documentary that follows the life of Wilfred Buck, a Cree Elder who has reclaimed ancestral star knowledge and ceremonies. This film moves seamlessly between the past and present, earth and stars, offering a rollicking and inspiring narrative. It’s a testament to resilience and the power of cultural heritage. Watch the trailer to get a glimpse of this extraordinary journey.
Will & Harper: A road trip of friendship and transition
In Will & Harper, Will Ferrell embarks on a cross-country road trip with his close friend of 30 years, who is transitioning to a trans woman. This intimate portrait explores themes of friendship, identity, and the evolving landscape of America. It’s a heartfelt narrative that promises to resonate deeply with audiences. Catch the trailer for a sneak peek.
Yintah: The fight for sovereignty
Yintah is a powerful documentary that chronicles the Wet’suwet’en nation’s decade-long struggle for sovereignty. The film follows Howilhkat Freda Huson and Sleydo’ Molly Wickham as they reoccupy and protect their ancestral lands from major fossil fuel companies. This narrative is a poignant reminder of the ongoing battles for indigenous rights and environmental justice. Watch the trailer to learn more about their fight.
Shorts: A diverse collection of stories
The short films featured in this collection offer a wide range of narratives and perspectives:
- A Body Called Life by Spencer MacDonald explores themes of identity and existence.
- Adura Baba Mi by Juliana O. Kasumu is a world premiere that delves into cultural heritage and personal history.
- Bisagras by Luis Arnías takes us on a journey through different cultures and landscapes.
- The Comeback Mill by Josh Gerritsen is a story of resilience and renewal.
- Contractions by Lynne Sachs offers a unique perspective on personal and collective experiences.
- Diary Of A Sky by Lawrence Abu Hamdan, a North American premiere, explores the intersection of memory and place.
- Dull Spots Of Greenish Colours by Sasha Svirsky, also a North American premiere, is a visual and emotional exploration.
- An Extraordinary Place by Tom Bell captures the essence of unique locations and their stories.
- Familia by Picho García and Gabriela Pena from Chile delves into family dynamics and cultural identity.
- Four Holes by Daniela Muñoz Barroso is a Cuban-French collaboration that offers a fresh narrative.
- The Great Big Nothingness: Conversations with Creators by Chase Overland is a world premiere that dives into creative processes.
- Heritable by Eli Kao explores themes of legacy and inheritance.
- History Is Written At Night by Alejandro Alonso from Cuba and France offers a historical perspective.
- Meditations On Silence by Sebastián Quiroz from Chile, an international premiere, is a contemplative piece.
- Motorcycle Mary by Haley Watson is a story of adventure and self-discovery.
- One Night At Babes by Angelo Madsen Minax captures a unique moment in time.
- Perfectly A Strangeness by Alison McAlpine, a US premiere, explores the unfamiliar.
- Take me to the Ocean by Elena Mozzhelina is a journey of exploration and discovery.
- The Tengu Club by Hilary Hutcheson and Britton Caillouette, a world premiere, offers a unique narrative.
- Through The Storm by Charles Frank and Fritz Bitsoie is a story of resilience.
- Two Refusals (Would We Recognize Ourselves Unbroken?) by Suneil Sanzgiri from India, Portugal, and the USA explores identity and belonging.
- Waldo County Woodshed by Julia Dunlavey is a narrative of community and support.
- You Can’t Get What You Want But You Can Get Me by Samira Elagoz and Z Walsh from the Netherlands and Finland offers a unique perspective on desire and fulfillment.
Each of these shorts provides a unique lens through which to view the world, offering fresh perspectives and compelling narratives.
A personal reflection
As a cinema and TV series enthusiast, I find these narratives not only entertaining but also deeply enriching. They offer a window into different cultures, histories, and personal journeys, reminding us of the power of storytelling. Whether it’s through the lens of a documentary, a feature film, or a short, these stories have the ability to connect us, challenge us, and inspire us. So, grab some popcorn, settle in, and let these narratives take you on a journey you won’t soon forget.