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South by Southwest · 2021

South by Southwest 2021

Documentary Feature Competition

Programme

8 films · 2 reviews

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Introducing, Selma Blair

A portrait of the actress after she is diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and tries to try to slow the progression of her disease.

(Year: 2021; Director: Rachel Fleit)

Kid Candidate

Kid Candidate tells the story of Hayden Pedigo, an 24-year old experimental musician and his unlikely run for Amarillo city council after his Harmony Korine inspired spoof campaign video went viral.

(Country: US; Year: 2021; Director: Jasmine Stodel; Stars: Hayden Pedigo)

Lily Topples The World

A documentary about the world’s most acclaimed domino toppler and the only woman in her field.

(Country: US; Year: 2021; Director: Jeremy Workman; Stars: Lily Hevesh)

Not Going Quietly

Review preview for Not Going Quietly

Nicholas Bruckman's film follows Ady long enough that we see not just the impact upon him but the changes wrought in those around him.

Andrew Robertson · 3 out of 5
An intimate, inspiring look at activist and loving father Ady Barkan, diagnosed with ALS at age 32 and who, in spite of declining physical abilities, embarks on a nationwide campaign for healthcare reform.

(Year: 2020; Director: Nicholas Bruckman; Writer: Nicholas Bruckman, Amanda Roddy)

Full review

The Oxy Kingpins

The story of how a network of pharmaceutical manufacturers, distributors, and retailers worked together to orchestrate and perpetuate the opioid crisis.

(Country: US; Year: 2021; Director: Brendan FitzGerald)

The Return: Life After ISIS

Review preview for The Return: Life After ISIS

Clua's compassionate stance offers a counterweight to the way their stories are often presented by the populist press.

Amber Wilkinson · 4 out of 5
A documentary about women who left their countries to join ISIS and their fight for repatriation.

(Country: Spain, UK; Director: Alba Sotorra Clua; Stars: Shamima Begum, Hoda Muthana)

Full review

Subjects Of Desire

A documentary which ultimately deconstructs what we understand about race and the power behind beauty.

(Country: Canada; Year: 2020; Director: Jennifer Holness; Writer: Jennifer Holness; Stars: Jully Black, Alexandra Germain, Seraiah Nicole)

United States Vs Reality Winner

The story of a 25-year-old Reality Winner who disclosed a document about Russian election interference to the media and became the number one leak target of the Trump administration.

(Director: Sonia Kennebeck)