The Judge
This documentary introduces audiences to Kholoud Al-Faqih, the first female judge appointed to the Middle East’s Shari’a courts. With such a strong and dynamic subject as it’s focus, The Judge looks to be a fascinating story that is beautifully filmed, and one that provides insight into Islamic law, gendered justice, and the culture of the surrounding landscape.
(Jane McCullough)
Don’t Break Down: A Film About Jawbreaker
Anyone who was into the punk music scene in the late ’80s and into the ’90s knew Jawbreaker, and most likely loved them. Find out what led to their breaking up in 1996 and where they’re at now, as told by the band and those who were inspired by them.
(Kari Watson)
Mansfield 66/67
Personally, as a teen I was obsessed with the blonde bombshells of the ’50s and ’60s – not only obsessed with how they lived, but particularly with how they died. Jayne Mansfield was killed in a car crash in 1967. Was it an accident or the result of a satanic curse placed on her by her alleged romantic interest and leader of the Church of Satan, Anton LeVey? Let John Waters and Tipi Hedron try to clear things up for you.
(Kari Watson)
The Problem With Apu
“Apu, a cartoon character voiced by Hank Azaria — a white guy. A white guy doing an impression of a white guy making fun of my father.” That’s how comedian Hari Kondabolu describes the figure that has tormented him for the past 28 years. In this very funny, very thoughtful doc that could be called Hank and Me, Kondabolu discusses with a host of other South-Asian actors and comics such as Kal Penn, Aziz Ansari and Russell Peters, what it was like growing up with the popular Simpsons character as their only representation in popular culture. The 50-minute film also looks at the broader questions of immigrant struggles, racism in America and even what can be construed as comedy, while doing so on a personal, human and humorous level.
(Mike Bell)
Spettacolo (US 2017)
Okay, this film is about a village in Tuscany, Italy that puts on a play each year based on the lives of its residents as a means to deal with their issues. Seriously. With every villager playing a part, which is themselves. Come for the Italian scenery, stay for the real-life Waiting for Guffman that unfolds. I laughed out loud at the trailer. Just sayin’.
(Kari Watson)
(Photo: The Problem With Apu, courtesy truTV.)
CUFF.Docs takes place Nov. 16 to 19 at the Globe Cinema. For the complete schedule of of films and for tickets please click here.
