The opening night of Doc Edge with Strange Journey: The Story of Rock Horror.
BY JUDY BAILEY
We find ourselves at a point in history when reliable information is more important than ever. With that in mind, it’s time to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of New Zealand’s Doc Edge Documentary Festival.
Over the past 20 years, Doc Edge has grown from a small, passionate gathering of filmmakers, to an internationally respected platform that encourages courageous, provocative storytelling from across the globe.
Documentaries not only entertain us but also have the power to stimulate debate and inspire real change. They also, crucially, when the world is so divided, encourage understanding between people.
Among this year’s offerings is ‘Os Barcos’, the story of a Brazilian favela, where Monica’s open-air restaurant has become the place to be, much to the disapproval of its wealthy neighbours. This is a beautiful tale of dignity and survival.
From here at home comes a gripping story of justice and perseverance, ‘Mana Moana Mana Tangata’, which chronicles Maori struggles against the system to reclaim their fishing rights.
And don’t miss ‘Strange Journey: The Story of Rocky Horror.’ It’s a son’s intimate exploration of the show’s history and of his father, the genius who created a cultural phenomenon that’s become a beacon for those who’ve ever felt marginalised.
Doc Edge celebrated the 20th Anniversary at a gala night at SkyCity Theatre last Thursday, 26 June with STRANGE JOURNEY: THE STORY OF ROCKY HORROR to an incredible crowd. (Story below)
There are so many films, ninety in all, and all with a unique story to tell. They come from countries as diverse as Cuba and Israel, the Czech Republic and Afghanistan, Japan and Norway, as well as Britain and the U.S.
AVAILABLE ONLINE
Many of the screenings will be followed by question-and-answer sessions with the film makers, adding a whole other dimension to the viewing experience. And happily, for those of us on the Coromandel all this will be available online, for you to view at home with the click of a button.
More than forty international producers and directors are here to present their work and with the festival’s Oscar qualifying status, a number of those who win awards at the festival will be eligible for Oscar nominations.
The Doc Edge Festival is truly a viewing feast, one that will, as the team says, ‘Broaden your mind, give you a more nuanced understanding of the world and may even result in your becoming ‘Sapiosexy,’ a term used to describe those who’ve become so smart, it’s downright sexy!’
I hope you’ll enjoy this special 20th Anniversary offering as much as I intend to!
Doc Edge Festival proudly marks its 20th anniversary with the first release of films for its 2025 programme, running from 25 June – 13 July in Auckland and 16 Jul – 27 Jul Wellington and Christchurch.
Doc Edge is available online from 28 July till 24 August.
DOC EDGE IS A NON-PROFIT CHARITY #CC54892. © Doc.
Three Doc Edge movies
