Real stories that bring the world to VIFF
If reality is getting to you these days — and who could blame you — don’t give up on it just yet. There are still some great documentaries to see at this year’s Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF).
From architecture to underground artists in Africa, the world is on display for VIFF-goers to see.
Here are three documentaries that you can still take in as the film festival heads into its final week:
GATEWAYS TO NEW YORK: OTHMAR H. AMMANN
AND HIS BRIDGES WHEN: OCT. 6, 11 A.M., VANCITY
This is the story of Swiss structural engineer Othmar H. Ammann (1879-1965) who came to the U.S. in 1904 and proceeded to embrace the acceleration of 20th century America and redefine bridge-building along the way. Ammann was a big hit in New York thanks to his designs for, most notably, the George Washington and Verrazzano-Narrows bridges.
For the record, he also oversaw the construction of the Lincoln Tunnel and helped out with the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.
A fun fact: He was a popular choice for bureaucrats as his (almost exclusively) suspension-bridge style meant lighter, less-expensive bridges that still stood up esthetically.
THE MEN’S ROOM WHEN: OCT. 9, 9:30 P.M. INTERNATIONAL VILLAGE
This Norwegian film follows an all-male rock choral group that meets weekly and bonds over songs and beer.
The film visits with the group as they prepare for their biggest gig — opening for a Black Sabbath show with Ozzy Osbourne. It’s Norway, and metal is king here, so the gang is giddy with the idea of warming up the crowd for the Prince of Darkness himself.
While they don’t take themselves too seriously, they’re not hacks. They can sing and they know how to put on a show — and can do so in a car park or a pub.
At the end of the day, they seem to be there to please each other. They even have a pact that states they must sing at each other’s funerals.
Sadly that occasion arises. In the end, this is one of those sweet-but-sad films that will stay in your head like a catchy tune.
SCHEME BIRDS WHEN: OCT. 9, 6:30 P.M., CINEMATHEQUE, OCT. 10
At the beginning of Scheme Birds, teenage Gemma pronounces that, if you live in Motherwell, Scotland, you have two potential outcomes for your life: knocked up or locked up. Sigh.
This film follows Gemma and her contemporaries through an adolescence that’s soaked in cheap booze, weed and cigarettes.
The pastimes are a list of crimes and misdemeanours.
But Gemma loves Motherwell, touting it as "a non-snobby place to stay.”
Filmed over four years by Swedish directors Ellen Fiske and Ellinor Hallin, Scheme Birds apparently came about while the filmmakers were working on another project in Scotland and ran into a then-16-year-old Gemma.
She told them the documentary they were working on was boring and that they should make a movie about her instead.
Gemma was right.
This film is as riveting as it is heartbreaking.