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Ex Libris: The New York Public Library

October 21, 2017Wylie Writes Staff0 Comments

By: Jessica Goddard Frederick Wiseman’s Ex Libris: The New York Public Library is a slow and detailed documentary about the vast institution of the New York Public Library (not to be confused with its famous headquarters in Midtown Manhattan).  The film focuses on the NYPL’s many branches and services and functions, offering long samples of footage of what goes on from day-to-day in different branches, ranging from the micro to the macro.  Famous speakers and…

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Reviews

Unarmed Verses

October 8, 2017Addison Wylie0 Comments

Signs posted around a low-income housing block in Toronto announcing “new developments” promises desirable changes, but it’s the community who are woefully anticipating the shift.  This upcoming demolition, in pending stages of growth, means permanent relocation for these residents.  Kids and teenagers are encouraged to direct their focus on other, less stressful interests, such as poetry and music.

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Reviews

School Life

October 7, 2017Mark Barber0 Comments

Neasa Ní Chianáin and David Rane’s observational documentary, School Life, is an intimate look at the daily life at Headfort, a centuries old primary Irish boarding school.  The school is run by John and Amanda Leydon, who instruct their young students on a the usual range of disciplines – math, science, languages, sport, and music.

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Reviews

Long Time Running

September 25, 2017Addison Wylie0 Comments

A documentary about The Tragically Hip’s Man Machine Poem Tour needed to be made.  After all, it was a pivotal imprint in modern Canadian culture as the entire nation collectively considered the band’s timeless legacy and paid respects to terminally ill musician Gord Downie.  Finding filmmakers to handle such sensitive subject matter would be an intimidating order, yet Jennifer Baichwal (Watermark) and Nicholas de Pencier (cinematographer on The Ghosts in Our Machine) rise to the occasion and exceed…

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Festival Coverage

TIFF 2017: ‘Luk’Luk’I’

September 14, 2017Addison Wylie0 Comments

Let’s assume that bad things are always happening.  While someone finds enjoyment in life, someone else may be barely hanging on to their reality.  That’s basically the gist of Wayne Wapeemukwa’s debut feature Luk’Luk’I, an obvious stream of consciousness that doesn’t expand beyond that idea.

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Reviews

Le Ride

August 22, 2017Addison Wylie0 Comments

Le Ride is proof of the intrepid courage and exhausting circumstances that happen during long cross-country treks.  The documentary is also proof that writer/director/star Phil Keoghan can walk the walk and talk the talk.

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