Several Danish Films appeared at this year’s Hot Docs Film Festival here in Toronto. Below are some some observations from 3 amazing documentaries that I managed to see. All are worth watching if you get the chance.
The Arms Drop
North American Premier, Hot Docs, (2015), D. Andreas Koefoed
“After narrowly escaping execution and surviving eight years in an Indian prison, a British arms dealer hunts down the MI5 agent who betrayed him…”
Fascinating real life doc thriller where things are not what they seem. Captivating, extraordinary, complex true life doc that plays like the best hollywood fiction – actually better as the bizarre but spectacular arms drop operation is all too real. The director does an excellent job of character development for British arms dealer, Peter Bleach, and Danish terrorist, an unlikely Niels Holch. Enough suspense and mystery to capture any audience. A must see if you are lucky enough to come across this excellent doc-thriller.
Warriors from the North
North American Premier, Hot Docs (2015), D. Soren Steen Jespersen, Nasib Farah
“This complex, multilayered story (centering around) a father desperately trying to make contact with his son who has (joined a radical group outside Denmark) offers chilling insight into what fuels the current trend of Western Muslim youth joining radical groups abroad”.
Loved this documentary despite the fact that I was reluctant to watch it because of what I felt was a depressing subject. Warriors of the North was an excellent production, a rare and intimate account which bravely tackled the question of ‘why’ Danish Muslim youth preferred to die rather than lead seemingly meaningless lives back home. Excellent discussion after doc by directors who discussed four year journey in making doc.
WINNER. HOT DOCS 2015. CONGRATULATIONS!!
The Circus Dynasty
D. Anders Riis-Hansen
“The success and longevity of two of Europe’s greatest circus families hangs in the balance as their respective heirs fall for one another”.
Good, highly watchable production but I found the narrow, one dimensional quality of the doc limiting. However, enjoyed interesting character development and portrayal of past glory and a dying circus world eclipsed by modern sensibility.