Film & Documentary
August 10, 2020
Letter from the editor:
The black-and-white photo challenge has resurfaced, with many in Turkey using the trend to call attention to the country's high rate of femicide. Alicia Eler writes about how Turkish women and their allies are trying to raise awareness. In other news, the 2020 Emmy nominations have been announced, and fellow editor Dessane Lopez Cassell has rounded up some of Hyperallergic's favorite nominees. And in a drastically different realm of entertainment, Robert Greene examines how professional wrestling has evolved to be more cinematic in recent years, and how this might help guide the sport through a rough patch during the pandemic.
On the new release front, Ela Bittencourt reviews Song Without a Name, about political upheaval, kidnapped children, and Indigenous rights in Peru. Monica Castillo writes about the Colombian film Days of the Whale, about a pair of graffiti artists who stand up to local gangs. Bedatri Choudhury talks to the director and main subject of A Thousand Cuts, a documentary about the war on the free press in the Philippines. And Juan Barquin critiques a new biographical documentary on beloved lyricist Howard Ashman, the man behind the songs for The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, and Aladdin.
As long as cinema is quarantined online, Hyperallergic will be on top of everything streaming. Until we can see you at the movies again, stay safe.
Exposing Rodrigo Duterte’s War on the Free Press
Director Ramona Diaz and journalist Maria Ressa discuss their struggles to make A Thousand Cuts, a film about the autocratic president of the Philippines.
Bedatri D. Choudhury
Professional Wrestling Takes a Cinematic Turn Amid the Pandemic
Having to put on shows without crucial audience participation is forcing new evolution within wrestling.
Robert Greene
Howard, a Lackluster Tribute to Beloved Disney Lyricist Howard Ashman
Known for his songs for The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, and Aladdin, Ashman deserves a documentary passionate enough to match his legacy.
Juan Barquin
In Days of the Whale, Art Challenges Power on Colombia’s Streets
An empowering testament to the need for self-expression, Catalina Arroyave Restrepo’s feature debut captures the youthful zeal of two young graffiti artists in Medellín.
Monica Castillo
The Stark Elegance of Song Without a Name, a Portrait of Inequality in Peru
Inspired by true events, Melina León’s debut drama is a captivating vision of unredeemed humanity.
Ela Bittencourt
Stream Your Heart Out: Emmy Nominations Are In
Here are a few of our favorites, including Watchmen, Pose, and more.
Dessane Lopez Cassell
For Turkish Women Artists and Advocates, #challengeaccepted Is About More Than Just Selfies
As femicide rates continue to rise in the country, there’s more to consider than just the surface-level gesture of #womensupportingwomen.
Alicia Eler
“The Maladjusted RULE!”: A Conversation With Vaginal Davis
The intersectional nature of Davis’s commentary on Black feminism, sexuality, and the distinction between sex and gender has aged incredibly well — much like the artist herself.
Keenan Teddy Smith
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