Antenna Documentary Film Festival 2012

Overview

From the deepest oceans to the highest peaks, the wonders of the Earth defy belief. To some Earth is a battleground, a place to be feared, and plays host to danger, torment, and horror. While the rich live in splendor, the poor fight, and die, for scraps. But a brave few dare to talk, to share the marvellous and the macabre, the savage and the serene. They are the documentary-makers, and their medium is showcased stunningly in another round of the annual Antenna Documentary Film Festival.

There are more than 30 feature-length documentaries in 2012's festival, but here's a list of five most intriguing titles to get you started.

1. Tomorrow
Outraged by a Russia gagged by Putin's regime, anarchist art collective Voina ('War') stage prankster stunts that have won them worldwide admiration and support from the likes of Banksy. Tomorrow, an unnerving but highly captivating portrait, follows the group as, led by the brave and fearless Vor, they plan to leave their mark on their authoritarian state that holds them in shackles.

2. The Ambassador
Featuring murderous thugs, shady opportunists, and crooked diplomats, The Ambassador is a frank and daring but also comical investigation into the African diamond trade. Director Mads Brügger infiltrates this dark world, disguising himself with an alter ego that verges on being a Borat-like caricature and tests the limits of those he encounters.

3. Mongolian Bling
Old meets new and east meets west as Benj Binks investigates the Mongolian hip hop scene, and its unique characters, all of who come together in a fascinating mix of bouncing beats and broken stereotypes in Mongolian Bling.

4. Girl Model
In a film filled with shocking revelations and stark realities, Girl Model sees the dark truths of the beauty industry torn open and shows the world the shocking exploitation and global trafficking that exists at its heart.

5. We Are Legion: The Story of the Hacktivists
They started simple, just a group of pranksters working together to have a laugh, but the online activists known to the world as Anonymous grew serious quickly, attacking authority and spawning a global disobedience movement. We Are Legion is their story.

The Antenna Documentary Film Festival screens at the Dendy Newtown and Dendy Opera Quays.