TIFF Unveils Star-Studded Documentary Lineup: Louis C.K., Racism, and Michelin Stars
The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) revealed its selection of documentaries this morning, unveiling high-profile offerings including the world premiere of a film on the "uncanceled" comedian, Louis C.K., and fresh pieces from esteemed documentary filmmakers Raoul Peck, Frederick Wiseman, Errol Morris, Lucy Walker, and Roger Ross Williams. "Sorry/Not Sorry," helmed by Caroline Suh and Cara Mones, highlights the women comedians who accused C.K. of sexual harassment and illustrates the backlash they faced. C.K. confessed in 2017 to the shocking allegations, which seemed to end his once prosperous stand-up and acting career. However, after a brief hiatus, he resumed stand-up performances to sold-out crowds.
"Sorry/Not Sorry" arrives at TIFF, along with a raft of sales titles. An Amazon-distributed documentary already slated for TIFF is Raoul Peck’s "Silver Dollar Road," which illuminates the struggle of an African American family in North Carolina against land-hungry developers. Oscar winner Roger Ross Williams is slated to bring "Stamped From the Beginning," a Netflix title, based on the book by Dr. Ibram X. Kendi. It provides a thorough insight into the history of anti-Black racist ideas. Meanwhile, TIFF will host the international premiere of Errol Morris' "The Pigeon Tunnel," about former British spy turned novelist David Cornwell, better known as John le Carré.
Frederick Wiseman will take "Menus-Plaisirs Les Troisgros," a film about a highly-rated Michelin restaurant in western Lyon, from Venice to Toronto. Also on deck is the world premiere of Lucy Walker’s "Mountain Queen: The Summits of Lhakpa Sherpa," which follows the extraordinary journey of Sherpa, a Nepalese-born woman and single mother who has climbed Mt. Everest 10 times. Tennis legends Venus and Serena Williams have lent their executive producing prowess to world premiere "Copa 71," the opening night documentary at TIFF, which explores an international women’s soccer tournament held in Mexico City in 1971, an event lost to history despite attracting a record crowd for women’s sports.
TIFF's documentary selection also includes prize-winners from the Cannes Film Festival and Sheffield DocFest, showcases "The Mother of All Lies" by Asmae El Moudir, and "Four Daughters" by Kaouther Ben Hania, along with "In the Rearview," a riveting documentary about Ukrainians attempting to flee the Russian invasion, by Maciek Hamela.
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And now, the juicy part - some opinions you didn't ask for.
Can we all just take a moment to appreciate the melodrama of the documentary format? Yes, we're looking at you, "Sorry/Not Sorry." Combining the controversy of Louis C.K. with the narrative power of those he wronged certainly makes for a compelling story. It's well past time these women comedians had their say. But can it unwrite his continued success? Let's see.
Then there's the allure of "Silver Dollar Road," which promises to tackle the omnipresent issue of systemic racism through the lens of a single family's struggle. Given Peck's previous work on the acclaimed, Oscar-nominated James Baldwin documentary "I Am Not Your Negro," one can only maintain sky-high hopes.
And let’s not forget the sheer gastronomic audacity of Frederick Wiseman's "Menus-Plaisirs Les Troisgros." Seriously - who thought it was humane to make us all salivate over unattainable Michelin-starred cuisine? Make sure you've got a gourmet takeout lined up for this viewing.
Finally, the "Copa 71" documentary paves the way for a captivating history lesson, bringing tennis powerhouses Venus and Serena Williams into the film arena. Lost in history? Not on their watch.
Just a piece of advice for those documentary enthusiasts: Keep an eye on the TIFF sales titles this year; they look like the cream of the crop. After all, all documentaries have a bias - it's the viewer's job to see past it.
Overall, with such a diverse roster, this 48th TIFF documentary lineup proves yet again that there are always fresh stories to be told and retold, and the medium of the film will forever find new ways to hold a mirror to all aspects of our society.
Let the cinematic feast begin! Ready your popcorn or, for the discerning viewer, perhaps your gourmet takeout. This is TIFF - expect nothing less than an array of intellectual appetizers, emotional main courses, and thought-provoking desserts. Disappointment is not on the menu.
