Music is everywhere, as Canadian filmmakers are well aware. From April 17-27, Toronto is hosting the Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival, which presents over 100 cutting-edge documentaries from Canada and around the globe. This year, there are some noteworthy music-focused pieces that will tear your heart out and stitch it back up again. Each documentary tells the story of amazing people that overcome obstacles through their love for music. And come on, we all know you're a sucker for a "music saved my life" tale. I know I am. Here are the must-see documentaries that prove just how important music can be.
Life. Support Music (April 18 and 20)
When music is your life and suddenly you can no longer play the guitar you love, what do you do? Jason Crigler, a guitarist living and working in New York City, suffers a brain hemorrhage during a 2004 concert. His prognosis: it is doubtful he will ever walk, play guitar or even live outside of a facility again. But Crigler's pregnant wife and family refuse to accept that fact that is no future for him. So instead, they take his recovery into their own hands, doing everything they canto get him back. This documentary is truly the meaning of family and love.
As Slow As Possible (April 18, 22, 27)
A man on the verge of going blind decides to travel to an ancient church in Germany to hear the note change in the 639-year-long organ performance of the John Cage composition "As Slow As Possible." He compares the note to the North Star— something to navigate by— as he prepares for a new life as a non-sighted person. His journey takes him through chance encounters that change his life forever as he goes through this transformation into a new life. The comparison between the change in the music and the change in his life shows just how important musician be.
Song Sung Blue (April 18 and 20)
Rock 'n roll with the Neil Diamond tribute band Lighting and Thunder. Mike and Claire Sardina formed the band, followed their dreams and worked as hard as they could to get a big break. When their careers are soaring, a freak accident changes everything. The accident sends the band into a tailspin of financial difficulty, family dysfunction and artistic irrelevancy. But these two are fighters and they persevere. This story is one of hope, faith and unwavering optimism. With a little help from a soundtrack full of Neil Diamond tunes, The Sardinas show us the value of never giving up on your dreams.
Wesley Willis' Joy Rides (April 20 and 22)
This heart-warming bio details the remarkable life of Wesley Willis, an artist and musician diagnosed with schizophrenia who became an underground icon before his death in 2003. Wesley grew up drawing and, after meeting a musician, began to write, perform and tour. On the road, Willis often forgot to look after himself and his mental illness. By the time he died, he had made 50 albums and thousands of drawings. Interviews with Willis, friends and family, along with footage from his live performances, paint a portrait of a loveable man who found happiness in creativity.
In each of these documentaries, music plays an important part of getting through the harsh times life throws our way. I'm sure we can all relate to that in one way or another. Check out www.hotdocs.ca for a full schedule of the documentaries.
- by Jennifer
Kentfield -
