Now in its second year, the 2018 edition of DocLands Documentary Film Festival kicks off Thursday, May 3 with the California Premiere of Anote’s Ark; director Matthieu Rytz and former president of Kiribati/film subject Anote Tong will be in attendance. The four-day festival will showcase 43 films from 10 countries, with 50 filmmakers in attendance. The Festival will close with the World Premiere of 16 Bars with director Sam Bathrick and film subjects Todd “Speech” Thomas of hip-hop group Arrested Development (Tennessee, Mr. Wendell) and Teddy Kane attending.
Showcasing documentary film in a variety of genres and with a diversity of content, while exploring three main programming sections (Art of Impact, The Great Outdoors, and WonderLands) and highlighting films that transcend the traditional definition of the documentary—films that break form in terms of creativity and entertainment. DocLands is a non-competitive, inclusive festival dedicated to fostering connections and partnerships that will invigorate the business and art of nonfiction filmmaking. Through public screenings, engaged conversations, and grassroots networking events, the Festival aims to build an active, involved, and fully supportive community around documentary film, with organizational goals that include gender equality and zero waste.
Opening Night
ANOTE’S ARK – California Premiere
Thursday, May 3 | 7:00pm | Smith Rafael Film Center
In Person: Director Matthieu Rytz and former president of Kiribati/film subject Anote Tong
Climate change is no abstraction to the people of Kiribati, a series of low-lying atolls in the central Pacific Ocean that are being swallowed by the rising sea. Photographer-ethnologist Matthieu Rytz’s exquisitely shot film portrays the slow, dignified demise of an entire culture—soon to be global refugees—while sounding a clarion call for meaningful political action.
Closing Night
16 BARS – World Premiere
Saturday, May 5 | 6:30pm | Smith Rafael Film Center
In Person: Director, Sam Bathrick and film subjects Todd “Speech” Thomas of Arrested Development and Teddy Kane
In Sam Bathrick’s transformative film, Todd “Speech” Thomas of hip-hop group Arrested Development instigates a unique rehabilitation program in Richmond, Virginia, helping prisoners write and record their own songs. The filmmaker lovingly follows four inmates battling cycles of incarceration and addiction. Through superbly produced recording sessions, the men reach out from behind bars to bring their poignant stories to life through music.