Sheffield DocFest — A–Z of films

The smoke, the blasts, the spinning of ejecting shell casings, yells that become cries, the front-line as it becomes frantic.

As Kethiwe weaves together her mother’s story, she also considers her family’s part within it and the film is considerably richer for the documentarian’s decision to give her own doubts and thoughts some space.

Successfully finds insight and social commentary

Gibson’s modesty about language is among the film’s most moving qualities

The documentarians strike a careful balance themselves, channelling the joy and energy of the group as they come together to create puppets or work on raps and drum routines but never forgetting the difficult and melancholy backdrop they’re doing this against.

Troyanovsky also communicates the mental toll that comes with being away from the frontline, not just for those who have been in active service, like Alaska, but also parents and family.

Universal ideas interlock with this personal and resonant story.

Gonçalves’ film is one that lives in the moment.

Despite the depressing nature of what’s happening at the school, Talankin’s affection for his students and his resilient sense of humour ensure that the film is always engaging.

Cinemtographer Noah Collier deserves a lot of credit for keeping himself largely invisible so that people reveal themselves, while working with editor Pablo Proenza, Herbert smoothly brings together these facets so that a bigger picture begins to be formed.

Mexican director Kani Lapuerta invites both viewers and star to change their frames of reference in a documentary as bold as it is charming.

Mora draws us into the emotional space of those on the move.

The film is a triumph of editing by Viridiana Lieberman, in terms of storytelling

Sometimes unashamedly gossipy, frequently poignant and generally philosophical and upbeat.

The sense of hopefulness in people’s urge to continue and to rebuild shines through but this film also looks the lasting more negative impact of war unflinchingly in the eye.

Whilst the film sets out to explore the psychology that drives people to do this sort of work, what emerges is more complicated.

Full of engaging material yet sometimes stretched a little too thin, the film is less pop biopic, more a meditation on ageing, and over time it takes on an increasingly melancholic tone.

A fine example of on-the-ground reportage.

At times this is an achingly painful film, as Katya determinedly ploughs on hoping that love and stoicism can conquer all