The AFI's annual celebrations of documentaries returns this week. The Silverdocs festival will screen 114 films in only 7 days.
Regardless of your interest in the subject matter, each film has the potential to entertain or educate. Alas, it's impossible to consume each feature and short, so we've picked ten of the movies we're especially excited to catch. And we're definitely going to check out the Insane Clown Posse scene.
"The Imposter"
This story should end up as a major studio movie. A 13-year old boy from San Antonio disappears. He resurfaces three years later in Spain. What? Why? Tuesday at 2 p.m., Wednesday at 10:15 p.m.
"Meet The Fokkens"
A glimpse into the life of twin sisters who have been working as prostitutes in Amsterdam for fifty years. If this punny title says anything about such a unique topic, expect a brutally honest but not too heavy ride. Tuesday at 9:15 p.m., Friday at 10:15 a.m.
"The Punk Syndrome"
The members of Pertti Kurikka's Name Day are mentally challenged. We're hoping these guys become the next Avail. Tuesday at 10:45 p.m., Wednesday at 4:45 p.m.
Shorts Program "View Askew"
It's a shame this program will only run twice, both during typical work hours. Each of the seven shorts appeal to the hipster in all of us. Juggalos, cats, musicians that look like war criminals, anatomically correct robots, heroin addition, Christmas decorations and carnivourous plants. It's like your favorite issue of VICE in a movie theater. Wednesday at 12 p.m., Thursday at 4:45 p.m.
"STRONG!"
The life of American Olympic female weightlifter Cheryl Haworth has to be interesting. 5 feet 8 inches, 300 pounds. What does a weightlifter do after the games? Wednesday at 1:45 p.m., Sunday at 6:15 p.m.
"Seeking Asian Female"
This has the potential to be re-made into a Rob Schneider film and we mean that in a nice way. When a twice-divorced 60 year old white, male San Francisco resident marries a 30-year-old Chinese woman, the downsides of the fantasy become real. Wednesday at 6 p.m., Thursday at 2 p.m.
"Detropia"
From the filmmaker that brought us the wonderfully creepy "Jesus Camp" comes this look at modern day Detroit. Based on the credentials of the filmmakers and the press artwork, it's our pick of the fest. Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday at 10:30 a.m.
"Bad Brains: A Band In DC"
Our mandatory D.C. pick for the music fan/local historian. Thursday at 10:45 p.m., Saturday at 10 p.m.
"The Source"
A popular gathering spot for actors, musicians and scenesters doubled as a meeting place for a cult in the 1970s on Sunset Strip. How did this film take so long to be made? Friday at 10:45 p.m., Saturday at 9:30 p.m.
"Beauty Is Embarrassing"
Outsider art is outsider art for a reason. Due to a lack of schooling or social standing or formality, the pieces that don't fit in with modern masterpieces tend to be more fun. Wayne White, whose art is the subject of this film, is fun. As a co-creator of "Pee-Wee's Playhouse," he'll always have our attention. Saturday at 5:30 p.m., Sunday at 8:15 p.m.