Dokumentale review: Grasshopper Republic by Daniel McCabe
A beautifully immersive examination of the cycle of grasshopper harvesting in Uganda, Grasshopper Republic works both as an analysis of a ramshackle and potentially dangerous makeshift industry and an intimate examination of the life of the grasshopper. Elegantly shot in cinemascope, the film offers a fascinating glimpse into an industry that is both mesmerising and brutal.
Searching for Amani awarded Top Doc at first Dokumentale
Ten films were nominated for the main prize of €20,000, which was awarded at the close of the Berlin-based fest’s inaugural edition. "Searching for Amani (by Nicole Gormley and Debra Aroko) is a multi-layered film that begins with journalistic investigations into the death of Simon Ali's father and then seamlessly transitions into a story that addresses culture, tradition, identity, and the climate crisis, which affects all of us – though some more directly than others,” said the jury.
Sisterqueens to open new Dokumentale festival (Berlin, 10-20 Oct)
Dokumentale (10-20 October) is described as “a festival for documentary formats dedicated to the promotion of film, new media, non-fiction and podcasts.” The new festival provides a forum for exchange between filmmakers, journalists, authors, artists, academics and the public and will take place annually in Berlin. The festival also offers an extensive professional programme in the form of D'Hub, which takes place from 14 to 16 October.
First Dokumentale announces Competition and full programme, including d’Hub
The inaugural Dokumentale International Documentary and Media Festival Berlin (10-20 October) has announced the ten films selected for its Competition programme. The documentaries, which include 8 German premieres and two international premieres, will compete for the main prize of €20,000, of €10,000 will go directly to the filmmakers while the remainder will support marketing efforts around the film's release.
BDE interview: Vivian Schröder & Anna Ramskogler-Witt, Dokumentale
October 10 sees the launch of a new European doc fest and Industry programme that has Impact at its root. The Berlin-based Dokumentale offers a programme of 47 dynamic and very diverse docs as well as an Industry programme that will encourage the formation of “purpose-driven partnerships that have the potential to bring about real change.” Festival founders Vivian Schröder & Anna Ramskogler-Witt explain all to BDE.
