Category Archives: Hot Docs

Hot Docs Documentary Film Festival

The Hollywood Complex

The Hollywood Complex (Directors: Dylan Nelson and Dan Sturman): The Hollywood Complex looks at the trials and tribulations of aspiring child actors and their families who make their way to Hollywood every spring for television’s “pilot season,” when most networks … Continue reading

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In Heaven Underground: The Weissensee Jewish Cemetery

In Heaven Underground: The Weissensee Jewish Cemetery (Director: Britta Wauer): In 2007, one of the best films I saw at Hot Docs was Forever, directed by Heddy Honigmann. It’s about the Père-Lachaise cemetery in Paris where so many famous artists … Continue reading

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Eco-Pirate: The Story of Paul Watson

Eco-Pirate: The Story of Paul Watson (Director: Trish Dolman): There’s been no shortage of the spotlight on environmental and animal rights activist Paul Watson in recent years. In 2008, the Pirate for the Sea documentary examined his life, the popular … Continue reading

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Interview: Matt Gallagher

Matt Gallagher’s latest documentary Grinders (review) just premiered at Hot Docs. I spoke to him about the film and about his own time as a struggling poker player on Toronto’s underground circuit.

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Grinders

Grinders (Director: Matt Gallagher): A “grinder” is someone who plays poker to pay their bills, typically reaping small to modest winnings. Grinders, which received its premiere at Hot Docs, is the latest documentary from director Matt Gallagher and it takes … Continue reading

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