This year's batch of mini-docs run the gamut of hot topics in the genre: terrorism, global warming, pollution, the war in Iraq, and education. Each one approaches its subject matter in a unique manner, though, focusing on elements or angles that film-goers aren't normally treated to. On the whole, the documentary line-up proves to be the most satisfying of the shorts programs: interesting topics, masterful filmmaking, and emotional heft make each one engaging in its own right.
The race comes down to two main contenders: Poster Girl and Strangers No More, the two docs that played post-intermission, thereby qualifying the tired phrase "Save the best for last." Poster Girl chronicles the long-term effects her deployment in Iraq has on Sgt. Robynn Murray. Murray is a compelling presence, speaking candidly about her frustration, explaining her copious medications, and befriending a Vietnam War vet who helps her navigate the system that doesn't provide enough for the men and women who offer up everything to protect us. Murray unwillingly becomes a poster girl for the Iraq War, and the film follows her as she refutes that image and finds a means of expression through artistic means alongside fellow soldiers. Murray's frankness and emotional instability are shattering, creating a fascinating, moving portrayal of what war does to those who wage it, and thus the strongest short in the bunch.
Strangers No More is the more feel-good choice for Academy voters. It takes a look at a school in Tel-Aviv that hosts kids from all over the world, resulting in an eclectic mix of languages and religions. The film focuses on a few students in particular, following their first hesitant steps into the school, then tracing their progress as they learn Hebrew and come into their own. The kids are adorable, the subject matter is powerful, and the overall effect of the film makes the audience glad to know that such institutions exist. In a way, it's the antithesis of Waiting for "Superman," celebrating that there are successful educational establishments out there that truly cater to each student's individual needs.
Killing in the Name is a sort of insider look at terrorism, in that the man questioning the morality and divine justification of acts of terrorism is himself a Muslim. Ashraf Al-Khaled, after his wedding is ruined by a suicide bomber, seeks to educate the Muslim world on the negative effects of terrorism, quoting scripture that denounces murder and emphasizing that there are more Muslim than non-Muslim casualties in the attacks. Ashraf meets with a suicide bomber's father, widows of the Bali bombings, and children being indoctrinated in their schools to support such acts. His efforts are heroic and seem to be having some effects, though this film doesn't portray the full scope of his work. My main complaint is the lack of some definition for a few of the terms, which makes certain conversations and points confusing, but the film is powerful nonetheless.
The remaining two docs, The Warriors of Qiugang and Sun Come Up, are my least favorite of the bunch, though they're both interesting accounts of more localized issues. The titular Warriors are the villagers of Qiugang who defy an industrial plant that is slowly destroying their land and quality of life. The film details an aggravating battle to get authorities to uphold the laws that they make and (presumably) enforce, as the villagers seem to be on their own against the industrial giant. Their efforts are admirable - out of 1876 villagers, 1801 sign a petition that is taken to Beijing - and, though it's a long affair, effective. The story of a village rallying together to affect change is empowering, though it's tinged with sadness because of certain long-term effects (i.e. the cancer rate in the village) that cannot be so easily fixed.
Sun Come Up tackles global warming on a more concrete level than is usual for the subject, so often steeped in abstract postulations of what might happen far down the road. The Carteret Islanders send a group of their youth to ask for land on the mainland, as their island is being gradually swallowed by the sea, and food is scarce. As the youth travel from village to village, picking up supporters but not finding any willing donors, the situations becomes increasingly dire. When a willing village is finally found, it's a beautiful illustration of what it means to really be loving, compassionate, and concerned with the welfare of your fellow man.
Though all worthy of their nominations, I'll be cheering for (and expecting) Poster Girl to win, though I wouldn't be upset with a victory for Strangers No More, as well.
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