Austin Film Festival Preview: Top 5 Documentaries [#aff10]

Even though they can be just as powerful and well-told as invented narratives, films of the nonfiction variety too often go unnoticed or under-appreciated. It’s safe to believe the eight films that make up Austin Film Festival’s 2010 Documentary Feature category have been chosen for good reason from among a mountain of entries, so, next week at the fest, take this opportunity to give a little love where it’s due. Here are five docs that we found especially intriguing.

Ballhawks
Directed by Michael Diedrich

Few other pastimes inspire the same kind of fanaticism that baseball does, and this documentary focuses on a small and dedicated group of Cubs fans as they hope to catch fly balls outside of Wrigley Field during the 2004 World Series. Narrated by Bill Murray. [Ed Note: We'll have a more thorough preview of this film closer to the screening date]
Screenings: Friday at 4 p.m. and Sunday at 5:15 p.m.

The Disappearance of McKinley Nolan
Directed by Henry Corra

Presented in partnership with the Texas Observer, this film explores the disappearance of a soldier sent to Vietnam. The questions surrounding his fate continue to haunt those left behind and force us all to examine the repercussions of war.
Screenings: Saturday at 4:30 p.m. and Tuesday at 9:15 p.m.

Make Believe
Directed by J. Clay Tweel

The World Magic Seminar is nearing, the title of Teen World Champion is at stake, and six junior magicians from around the world have their hearts set on winning it all. This endearing film explores a small but passionate community and was created by the team who brought us King of Kong.
Screenings: Friday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m.

Rubble Kings
Directed by Shan Nicholson

New York City was in many ways a dark place during the late '60s and early '70s, but from that era of gang violence has sprung a fascinating documentary that outlines a powerful counter movement as well as the birth of hip-hop. [Ed Note: We'll have a more thorough preview of this film closer to the screening date]
Screenings: Saturday at 8:15 p.m. and Sunday at 10 p.m.

Shelter in Place
Directed by Zed Nelson

In places like East Texas, a business-favoring loophole allows refineries to spew dangerous chemicals into the air with little fear of punishment. The toll such a policy takes on the surrounding communities is documented in this film, and the scene is neither fair not pretty.
Screenings: Friday at 6 p.m. and Monday at 5 p.m.

Tickets for Austin Film Festival, which will run from Oct. 21-28, can be purchased here.

Austinist is a proud returning media sponsor of Austin Film Festival 2010. You can check out all of our festival coverage with the tag "aff2010". If you're a filmmaker, actor, screenwriter or otherwise involved in something screening at the festival, we invite you to get in touch with us at film@austinist.com.

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