Evan Crean traveled to Montreal for the 21st annual Montreal International Documentary Festival (RIDM), which took place November 8 to 18, 2018. Of the 157 films from 47 countries it screened, he offers reviews of the seven he was able to squeeze into his weekend there.
The Independent catches up with Yvonne Michelle Shirley, creator of the new documentary, Miasia: The Nature of Experience. The film, which featured at BlackStar Film Festival, chronicles the life of Brooklyn teenager Miasia Clark as she navigates her everyday world and prepares to present at the first ever Black Girl Movement National Conference. Miasia is joined in this effort by members of her activist group, Girls for Gender Equity.
Mike Sullivan reviews Liyana, a new documentary directed by Aaron and Amanda Kopp (former 10-to-watch series winners!) The film, which employs stunning animation, tells the story of five orphaned children living and dreaming in Swaziland. Liyana premiered at the LA Film Festival in June, where it won “Best Documentary.”
Film critic Evan Crean reviews Matthew Heineman’s documentary “City of Ghosts,” which screened at the 2017 Independent Film Festival Boston (IFFBoston).
Veteran SXSW-goer Steven Abrams takes in what has become a monolithic, all-things cultural experience. Here he offers the film highlights from 2016, including documentaries about silence, disabilities, and going from YouTuber to star.
After 12,166 submissions turned into 10 days of festivities with 123 features and 60 shorts, the 2015 Sundance Film Festival wrapped another stellar showing. The Independent’s Maddy Kadish was on the scene and at the party where feature film winners picked up their awards.