Homer Alaska - Arts

Now in its ninth year, the Homer Documentary Film Festival brings its usual mix of movies. The festival opens Sept. 20, and runs through Sept. 27. Topping the list is this year's 3-D film, "Pina," a tribute to the German dancer Pina Bausch.

"It's amazing to watch," said Mac Sutton, organizer with his father Jamie Sutton of the festival. "These dancers spin out of the screen at you."

Another visual treat is "Samsara," a plotless journey comparing the cycles of nature to those of humans.

"It goes from everything to industrial machinery at work to wide open scenes of nature," Sutton said. "Just sit back and go for this magical musical journey."

One film Sutton highly recommends is "Bully," about the cruelty some children inflict on others.

"It's got an incredible message for families and young kids," he said.

Teachers who use "Bully" in classes and who want students to see it can send the theater a class list and students will be admitted for free, Sutton said.

Marley

Bob Marley's universal appeal, impact on music history and role as a social and political prophet is both unique and unparalleled. The definitive life story of the musician, revolutionary legend, and the man, from his early days to his rise to international superstardom.

"A rousing tribute to a mesmerizing performer. Love reggae or not, you will love Bob!" – Village Voice

Bully

An emotional documentary about the cruelty some children inflict on those they perceive to be weak, the film follows five kids and their families over a school year and reveals the tragic ineptitude of an adult establishment that insists on defining peer torment as "horseplay."

"This film should be mandatory viewing for all schools." – New York Times

Ai WeiWei: Never Sorry

China's most renowned contemporary artist, Ai WeiWei is also its most outspoken critic. He has waged an uncompromising battle against authoritarian government censorship, incompetence and corruption, using imagination, skill, humor and his remarkable art.

"A courageous, charismatic, highly original man." – Observer Special Jury Award: Sundance

Pina in 3-D

An exhilarating spectacle of bodies in motion, "Pina" tells the story of German dancer and artist, Pina Bausch.

"Took the audience on a sensual, visually stunning journey of discovery; And in 3-D!!" – Rolling Stone

Year's Best Documentary: Chicago and London critics, and European Film Awards

In 24 hours and with 247 patients, "Waiting Room" takes a raw and intimate look at the heart of the American health care debate as seen in the emergency room of Oakland, California's Highland Hospital. How do trauma patients, the indigent and the uninsured cope with injury, disease and the bureaucracy that can lead to them and their doctors and caregivers making hard choices?

In the middle of building a 90,000-square-foot mansion, the recession hit timeshare magnate David Siegel and his wife Jackie. Construction stopped, they're left reeling by the vagaries of living beyond their means and the cost of living an unexamined life.

Director's Award: Sundance

Directed and photographed by Ron Fricke, "Samsara" — Sanskrit for "the ever turning wheel of life" — is an imagistic film showing the links between humanity and nature and how human cycles mirror the rhythm of the world.

In a 10-seat restaurant at a Tokyo subway station, Jiro Ono, has become known as the world's greatest sushi chef. Known as a national treasure, his sushi restaurant is the only one in the world to earn three Michelin stars. Best documentary at the Tribeca and Berlin Film festivals, critics have called this film "mouthwatering", "breathtaking", "elegant" and 'a work of art."

In the past 40 years, the War on Drugs has accounted for 45 million arrests and made America the world's largest jailer. "The House I Live In" looks at one the biggest issues in American society today.

The eclectic mix is typical of modern documentaries. Marginalized in the past as educational films, documentaries have become not just serious, thought-provoking films, but art and entertainment.

"They're an enthralling form of film," Sutton said. "Now they're getting to do that, but in their own way — real stories about interesting, cool people."

As before, buying a festival pass offers the best deal. At $50 general, $40 with discounts, film goers can see all nine films and attend the opening night gala next Thursday with a barbecue, "Marley," about reggae legend Bob Marley, and a concert by Homer reggae band Uplift.

This year, to honor his fellow Peace Corps veterans, Jamie Sutton extends the student, senior, children and military discount to anyone who has served in the Peace Corps.