Calling all film lovers! The 2023 Doc Edge Festival has revealed 71 films, 22XR projects and a photo exhibition celebrating the late Ans Westra will feature in this year’s festival, which runs in Auckland, Wellington and online nationwide.
The festival’s opening film is The Endangered Generation?, an Australian documentary that follows a new generation of scientists, artists and First Nations leader in the fight for survival. The film is directed by Celeste Geer and narrated by Laura Dern.
A selection films showcase the hardship and hope on the frontlines of conflict. 20 Days in Mariupol documents a team of Ukrainian journalists trapped in Mariupol as Russia launches its invasion. Iron Butterflies attempts to find out the truth of what happened with the MH17 flight that was shot down by Russian forces. All Static & Noise follows Uyghurs and Kazakhs detained in Chinese “re-education” camps.
The festival also features tales of human spirit. Jane Campion finds herself in front of the camera in Jane Campion – The Cinema Woman. Directed by Julie Bertuccelli, the film follows Campion’s trailblazing journey in cinema and life. A street dancer from Mumbai carves out his own path in Call Me Dancer, a powerful story of one person’s determination when the odds are stacked against him.
Knowing the Score follows classical conductor Simone Young who made a name for herself in the face of sexism.
Love to Love You – Donna Summer tells the extraordinary story of disco queen Donna Summer through never-before-seen archive footage, artworks, personal recordings and home videos.
Many films present innovative ideas and bold activists fighting for change. Australian filmmaker Rachel Ward joins a farming revolution in Rachel’s Farm and Deep Rising dives into the deep ocean as a secretive organisation allows the extraction of seabed metals. African Moot follows Africa’s top law students as they compete in a mock debate case on the topic of refugee rights.
Doc Edge has also announced a new membership programme for 2023, which offers exclusive access to thought-provoking films, discounted tickets, early bird access to the programme and invitations to special events including the programme launch on 26 April.
The 2023 Doc Edge Festival runs from 24 May – 5 June in Auckland, 7 – 18 June in Wellington and 19 June – 9 July for the Virtual Festival nationwide.
Tickets are on sale from 26 April at docedge.nz
