Shadows on the Wall | Arthouse Films

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On this page: MAYA AND THE WAVE | STUDIO ONE FOREVER | WILL & HARPER

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See also: SHADOWS FILM FESTIVAL | Last update 18.Oct.24

Maya and the Wave
Review by Rich Cline | 4/5

dir-prd Stephanie Johnes
scr Jordana Berg, Shannon Kennedy
with Maya Gabeira, Carlos Burle, Garrett McNamara, Yame Reis, Fernando Gabeira, Sebastian Steudtner, Pedro Scooby, Tami Gabeira, Ross Clarke-Jones, Eric Rebiere, Miguel Moreira, Luis Pimenta
release US 13.Sep.24,
UK 4.Oct.24
22/US 1h35

TORONTO FILM FEST

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In a sport dominated by men, Brazilian surfer Maya Gabeira has taken on the biggest waves in the world. Spectacularly photographed and skilfully assembled, this empowering documentary tells her story with insight into the way she stood up to sexism. The cameras follow her into some very dark moments that challenger her profoundly. And most importantly, filmmakers create a depiction of heroism that is grounded in earthy thoughts and feelings.

"I was born a dreamer," Maya says about growing up in a place that doesn't have giant waves. So her first trip to Hawaii was like a fantasy come true. Her hero Carlos becomes her mentor and coach, towing her into the most enormous waves on earth. The men are shocked at her tenacity, and she becomes world champion and a global icon. Surviving crashes and prejudice, she's determined to be the first woman to break the world record. But a devastating injury requires years of medical treatment. And her comeback demands a huge effort.

For Maya, surfing feels like magic, a key part of who she is. And she says that it wouldn't be so exhilarating if she wasn't truly scared. The footage of her crashes is heart-stopping. But her parents Yame and Fernando note that she has chased adrenaline rushes since she was a toddler. And the film also cleverly juxtaposes her upbringing with a politician father who consistently took on injustice and had his own triumphs from setbacks. This makes it even more involving to watch Maya fight through the pain to surf again after multiple surgeries, battling both physical and mental trauma.

The film's introspective approach and fluid editing bring Maya's story to life in an unusually nuanced way. Aware that she never fit into the social roles set out for her, Maya has to fight attitudes that see men as heroes when they crash while demanding that women quit at the first sign of difficulty. Indeed, before Maya, only male surfing achievements were properly recognised. This is a stirring exploration of a person who feels that she isn't living if she's playing it safe. Watching her defy expectations and relentless sexism to plot a path down a 22-metre monster wave is simply spine-tingling. As is the way her loved ones and fans rally around her to make sure she gets the honour she deserves.

themes, language, violence 1.Oct.24

Studio One Forever
Review by Rich Cline | 3.5/5

dir Marc Saltarelli
prd Stephen Israel, Marc Saltarelli, Michael Alden, Michael Roth
with Bruce Vilanch, Chita Rivera, Lloyd Coleman, John Duran, Ron Hamill, Michael Koth, Gary Mortimer, Gary Steinberg, Roslyn Kind, Julie Budd, Charlo Crossley, Leigh McCloskey, Felipe Rose, James 'Gypsy' Haake, Lance Bass
release US 13.Sep.24,
UK 18.Oct.24
23/US 1h36

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Briskly edited with archival clips and fabulous disco tracks, this documentary revisits an iconic club that ruled Los Angeles nightlife for nearly 20 years. More breathing space might have allowed us to better take it in, but this is a vivid look at Studio One's history and legacy. And it includes fascinating intimate accounts of events over the years, including a moving firsthand reminiscence of the Aids epidemic.

As plans emerge in 2018 to knock down a derelict factory in West Hollywood, locals speak up about the building's legacy as the pioneering gay and straight-friendly nightclub Studio One. So six old friends revisit the space, remembering the heyday when Hollywood's biggest stars dropped in for extravagant shows in the Backlot performance space. Predating Studio 54, the club was opened by Scott Forbes in 1974 and remained the hottest spot in town into the 1990s. And now a full house of revellers gather to celebrate the venue's history, campaigning to save it from demolition.

Alongside photos, footage and animation, a blinding array of interviewees recount terrific stories that are packed with insight. Drugs were rampant at the bar, so Vilanch notes that "anyone who says they remember Studio One from the 1970s wasn't actually there". The film doesn't shy away from personality clashes among the staff, the club's worryingly racist door policy or the deep horror these men felt watching so many of their friends die from Aids-related illnesses. But as these men look back, they can see their community members as angels who helped make sure they made it through the darkest days.

At the centre of this film is the sense that Studio One was a place where gay men felt like they belonged, a rare oasis where they could be safe and free when things weren't so good outside. So it's unsurprising that the club became a refuge and an epicentre for activism and fundraising around Aids, even though relatively very few survived. It's also no wonder that these men aren't willing to let such an important historical landmark be unceremoniously knocked down. So even if the film is a bit too densely packed, it's full of details that touch on important themes that echo far beyond the gay community.

themes, language 17.Oct.24

Will & Harper
Review by Rich Cline | 4/5

dir Josh Greenbaum
prd Jessica Elbaum, Will Ferrell, Rafael Marmor, Josh Greenbaum, Chris Leggett
with Will Ferrell, Harper Steele, Kristen Wiig, Molly Shannon, Will Forte, Tina Fey, Seth Meyers, Tim Meadows, Paula Pell, Colin Jost, Lorne Michaels
release US/UK 13.Sep.24
24/US Netflix 1h54

SUNDANCE FILM FEST
TORONTO FILM FEST

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Beautifully shot and edited, this documentary traces a long friendship through the prism of an urgent topic, as Will Ferrell crosses the country with his old pal Harper Steele, just after she came out as a trans woman. Avoiding politics, director Josh Greenbaum maintains focus on Will and Harper's profoundly human experience, as they tease each other, ask strikingly honest questions and surprise each other with their answers.

Will met kindred-spirit comedy writer Harper at Saturday Night Live nearly 30 years ago, and their friendship has deepened significantly over the decades. So after Harper sends Will an email explaining her gender identity and decision to change her life, Will suggests driving from New York to California, offering them a chance to explore their friendship. This also allows Harper to revisit the rural America she loves so much, this time without hiding herself. And along the way, they call up their friend Kristen Wiig and ask her to compose a theme song for them.

Over the course of their 16-day drive, the film captures the close connection between Will and Harper, highlighting their shared sense of absurd humour and a willingness to ask each other the tough questions. So the audience reaction is like theirs: both laughing and crying. Harper's gender transition is never an issue between them, while the attitudes of people they meet along the way offer bracing counterpoints, finding encouragement in unexpected places and of course unspeakable hatred on social media. And a couple of chance encounters are almost startlingly serendipitous. These terrific moments provide extra layers of meaning.

Director Josh Greenbaum and editor Monique Zavistovski craft a strong narrative out of hundreds of hours of material, finding engaging threads along the way. Most notable is how Will and Harper like to sit in camp chairs in offbeat eye-catching places, simply to chat and watch the world go by. Various encounters along the road carry powerful kicks of meaning, even if some of them feel a bit truncated. But the intimacy makes this a vital, important documentary that approaches a big issue in a way that's entertaining, involving and moving.

themes, language 14.Sep.24

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See also: SHADOWS FILM FESTIVAL