More than 35 documentaries will be screened at the 2008 Toronto International Film Festival, taking TIFF's armchair travellers along for the ride to undiscovered worlds and familiar places. The viewing experience, says TIFF documentary programmer Thom Powers, "is like ploughing through a stack of Lonely Planet travel guides but doing so in the dark with beautiful images and music moving around you."
Documentaries in different years have concentrated on certain regions. "Last year, it was Iraq," says Powers. "Now the environment and a widening world perspective from filmmakers is a strong trend."
From Tibet's border to the Arctic Sea and the aristocratic villa of an Italian fashion king, TIFF audiences are in for the trip of a lifetime.
Youssou N'Dour: I Bring What I Love
(Chai Vasarhelyi, USA)
Named one of Time Magazine's 100 most influential people in the world in 2007, African singer Youssou N'Dour rose to fame through his collaborations with Peter Gabriel and Neneh Cherry. This new film documents N'Dour's release of "Egypt," a deeply personal album about his connection to Islam. "It sparked controversy in his home country of Senegal and around the world," says Powers. "But N'Dour is so accessible. He makes a wonderful guide for Westerners into foreign territory."
Valentino: The Last Emperor
(Matt Tyrnauer, USA)
This film could have been a vanity project by a "Vanity Fair" writer. But Matt Tyrnauer's debut documentary is loaded with insight and emotional layers. "It's such a sweet love story," says Powers. With unprecedented access to Valentino's entourage, Tyrnauer serves up a funny, fly-on-the-wall exploration into one of the world's most famous men. Valentino's 50-year relationship with his business partner and companion Giancarlo Giammetti makes this flick a winner.
Religulous
(Larry Charles, USA)
"Here's what you call an equal opportunity offender," says Powers. Political humorist Bill Maher ("Real Time with Bill Maher," "Politically Incorrect") travels the world interviewing people about God and religion. "It's a funny, sacrilegious film from two comic masters," says Powers. "It's bound to attract a big TIFF audience and stir up some controversy during the fall election season, when religious pieties will certainly be played to by American politicians."
Every Little Step
(James Stern, Adam Del Deo, USA)
Two generations of dance hopefuls star in this documentary about the making of "A Chorus Line" and its current revival. Filled with behind-the-scenes footage of the auditions, rehearsals and performances of the 1975 original and the 2006 Broadway production, this film isn't unlike "American Idol" or "Canadian Idol" says Powers. "It brings audiences into the world of show business and showcases the talent and perseverance it takes to go through a major audition."
The Biggest Chinese Restaurant in the World
(Weijun Chen, China)
The director of TIFF's 2007 crowd-pleaser "Please Vote For Me," Weijun Chen returns with a look at the West Lake Restaurant in Changsha, China - the world's largest restaurant. With a staff of nearly 1,000 (including 300 chefs) and 5,000 seats, this combination theme park and eatery illuminates China's changing society. "There's a lot of attention on China this year and Chen has a real feel for interpreting this country for an outside audience," says Powers.
It Might Get Loud
(Davis Guggenheim, USA)
The Oscar-winning director of "An Inconvenient Truth" spotlights three electric guitar virtuosos: Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin, The Edge of U2 and Jack White of The White Stripes. "Many musical films are about things other than music - the backstage drama, the love stories. All those clich�s we know from watching VH1's "Behind the Music," says Powers. Seen composing tunes that have yet to be released, Powers says, "If these stars do attend the red carpet will rock."
More Than a Game
(Kristopher Belman, USA)
Before LeBron James became an NBA superstar, novice director Kristopher Belman had to foresight to follow him and a remarkable high school basketball team in Akron, Ohio on an inspirational journey. "This is such a great story about family and working hard towards a goal," says Powers. With unprecedented access to the behind-the-scenes locker room drama, Belman's characters, says Powers, "Emerge as strong personalities just as much as LeBron James."
The Real Shaolin
(Alexander Sebastien Lee, China/USA)
The rigors of martial arts training set the stage for this Kung Fu-inspired documentary. Rich with dazzling acrobatic displays, this film follows two Chinese and two Western students for one year as they study martial arts at the Shaolin temple in Central China. "The action scenes in this film are a total delight. But the challenges these students face, both physically and mentally, are just as compelling," says Powers.
Examined Life
(Astra Taylor, Canada)
Director Astra Taylor features an intimate and engaging conversation with some of the greatest minds of our era, among them African American scholar Cornel West and Australian philosopher Peter Singer. "Anyone who loves challenging their mind will eat this up," says Powers. "We get to spend chunks of time with some of the world's most provocative thinkers. But they're so accessible. It's a real treat watching these brains tackle today's trickier issues."
T�moin ind�sirable (Unwanted Witness)
(Juan Jose Lozano, Switzerland/France)
Exposing Colombia's social and political troubles to the world is what investigative journalist Hollman Morris does best. Yet this Colombian reporter's dedication to tell the truth has cost him dearly. "Morris had a real commitment to bring to light many of his country's untold stories. His work made him and his family the target of intimidation and multiple death threats," says Powers. "This film as a real portrait of great personal courage."
