BEST DOCUMENTARY
NOMINEES 2020
KILLING TONY
DIRECTOR: PANU SUURONEN
Jenni (21) is a vibrant butterfly, however she has a shadow that prevents her from living her life to the fullest. The only thing stopping her is ”no-life loser” flatmate Tony (47). They are both unhappy, living like an old couple that doesn’t have the good sense to get divorced. What makes their situation intolerable is that Jenni and Tony are actually the same person.
barefoot: the mark baumer story
DIRECTOR: JULIE SOKOLOW
BAREFOOT is a portrait of Mark Baumer, a writer and activist who walked barefoot for over 100 days to protest climate change. In a voice The New Yorker praised as “reminiscent of Andy Kaufman”, Baumer narrates his walk in self-recorded videos, sharing his offbeat take on life and how we all can make a difference.
THE RISE OF THE SYNTHS
DIRECTOR: IVÁN CASTELL
Narrated by iconic director John Carpenter, The Rise Of The Synths is a journey back and forth in time, from to the roots of the synthwave scene to its impact on today's pop culture. So what is Synthwave? An irresistible blend of nostalgia and music; of creative processes and cultural references; of re-appropriation and legitimate creation. Is a random revival or an emerging cultural phenomenon?
WILD BUTTERFLY
DIRECTOR: SHIREEN NARAYANAN
Catholic institutional cover-up, medical negligence, missing police records, and trial by mainstream and social media, are all at play in this heartbreaking and gripping real-life drama.
THE FADING VILLAGE
DIRECTOR: LIU FEIFANG
Unlike the other young people, Hou Junli has not left for the city but has remained with his family in their forlorn mountain village. This observational documentary presents an engaging and comprehensive look at one year in the life of humble people who love their birthplace despite its harsh realities.