MIFF 2018 - Day 16

Pope Francis: A Man Of His Word

I overheard some call this film a 90 minute sermon. And truthfully, it is. But given the message is to love each other, care for the environment and all the other things that the modern church seems to have lost sight of in pursuing culture wars, it's a sermon worth listening to. Time will ultimately tell how far Pope Francis can steer the Catholic Church into a more progressive stance. Vatican II tried and was eventually defeated by conservative forces in the church. But at least he is trying.

The Dawn Wall

Don't watch if you're afraid of heights. This is a fun doco about a remarkable free climb up a cliff face in Yosemite National Park. It was thought to be impossible, until it was done. Really inspiring and a remarkable story.

I Used To Be Normal

A really sweet doco about boyband fangirls. It runs the gamut from how they're manufactured and manipulative to who really cares when they bring joy. And community, and a kind of empowerment. It's such a positive and happy film. Really enjoyable.

Tigers Are Not Afraid

Wow. The Mexican cartel wars viewed through the magic realist lens of children whose parents are it's victims. Full of wild and dark fantasy mixed with the horrifying reality of cartel violence, it's amazing to watch. The child actors are really impressive too. So good.

Animation Shorts

A hell of a lot of technical ability on display, but far less in the storytelling department. I liked an animated memoir of Hiroshima called Oban, and there was a trippy one called [O] that recalled Peter Chung's work. Otherwise it was all pretty forgettable.