Author: Joey Ciaramitaro

Every October, the Cape Ann Community Cinema at 21 Main Street in Gloucester hosts a large block of documentary films, called DoctoberFest. This year’s line-up features 12 great films and an author event, and runs October 1-10, but this year is different than other years, in that it marks a special anniversary––this October 1, the Cape Ann Community Cinema turns 5.

“We have always hoped for this day to come, and are so grateful to the people that have made it possible––our patrons,” says Robert Newton, Cinema founder and creative director. “I’m so awed by what we have accomplished together.”

This summer, CACC and its patrons raised over $50,000 via a crowd-funding campaign on the web platform Indiegogo. The money raised is going toward a variety of fortifications, including a new industry-standard digital projection system, lighting and signage, and a feature film called “This Is Cape Ann,” which will premiere in 2014.

The line-up for this year’s DoctoberFest is as follows:

“Ocean Frontiers” [Tues. Oct. 1 @ 7:30pm]––How do we meet our ever-expanding demands on the ocean, without destroying it? The answer is explored in this award-winning film that presents inspiring stories of citizens coming together for the sake of their sea. Hosted by Sea Commons, the newly-formed local citizens’ group, which is offering tickets for just $5.00.

“In Conversation With… Author Ben Urwand” [Wed. Oct. 2 @ 7:30pm]––This author event features the acclaimed writer of the new book “The Collaboration,” which suggests that the Hollywood studios worked closely with the Nazi regime during the 1930s to tailor their films for a German audience. All guests of this event receive a free movie ticket.

“Herb & Dorothy 50×50” [Thurs. Oct. 3 @ 7:30pm]––Prolific art collectors Herb and Dorothy Vogel made one of the largest gifts in history, a whopping 2,500 pieces divided up among all 50 U.S. states. Director Megumi Sasaki personally presents her film and hosts a Q&A after.

“Furever” [Fri. Oct. 4 @ 7:30pm]––Join Cape Ann Animal Aid in this benefit evening with the new film that explores the dimensions of grief people feel over the loss of a pet, examining the sociological evolutions of pets in the U.S. today, particularly their position in the family unit, and how this evolution is affecting those in the veterinary profession and death care industry. Not for the super-sensitive.

“La Camioneta” [Sat. Oct. 5 @ 2:30pm]––Every day dozens of decommissioned school buses leave the United States on a southward migration that carries them to Guatemala, where they are repaired, repainted, and resurrected as the brightly-colored camionetas that bring the vast majority of Guatemalans to work each day.

“Red Obsession” [Sat. Oct. 5 @ 5:00pm]––For centuries, Bordeaux has commanded a mythical status in the world of fine wines as a leitmotif of wealth, power and influence, and recently, prices for its prestigious “first growth” red wines have been breaking all records, thanks to a booming Chinese economy. Narrated by Russell Crowe.

“Good Ol’ Freda” [Sat. Oct. 5 @ 7:30pm]––The Beatles’s secretary, Freda Kelly, is the enchanting subject of this warm, untold tale. Featuring a live Beatles set by local tribute band Studio Two.

“This Is Spinal Tap” [Sat. Oct. 5 @ 10:00pm]––Rob Reiner’s 1982 mockumentary, starring Michael McKean, Christopher Guest, and Harry Shearer as England’s loudest (heavy metal) band, has been called “the funniest movie ever made.”

“Nicky’s Family” [Sun. Oct. 6 @ 4:00pm]––Englishman Nicholas Winton (now 102 years old) organized the rescue of 669 Czech and Slovak children just before the outbreak of World War II, a story that would have been forgotten were it not for his wife’s discovery of a suitcase in their attic 50 years later. Eva Paddock, one of “Winton’s Children,” will appear at the screening and will host a Q&A after.

“The Act Of Killing” [Sun. Oct. 6 @ 6:30pm]––Documentary titans Werner Herzog and Errol Morris produced this haunting tale of mass murder, perpetrated by Indonesian gangster Anwar Congo in 1965-66, when he personally killed over 1,000 people. Congo reenacts some of his favorite murders for the cameras, and speaks about his memories and feelings. Not for the super-sensitive.

“The Triumph” [Mon. Oct. 7 @ 6:30pm]––From a tiny village in Bosnia-Herzegovina comes a warning to the world…and a message of hope. Does one woman know the future of mankind, or is it (Catholic) mass hysteria?

“Room To Breathe” [Tues. Oct. 8 @ 7:30pm]––A San Francisco public middle school, part of a troubled district high in suspensions and disciplinary actions, is introduced to mindfulness meditation. Hosted by Brenda Kelleher.

“Doctored” [Wed. Oct. 9 @ 7:30pm]––This shocking new documentary on the monopolization of our medical system is hosted by O’Maley Mobile Fitness.

“Ain’t In It For My Health: A Film About Levon Helm” [Thurs. Oct. 10 @ 8:00pm]––Director Jacob Hatley’s intimate documentary finds Levon Helm (legendary member of The Band) at home in Woodstock, NY, in the midst of creating his first studio album in 25 years. Shot during the course of two-plus years, this highly anticipated film focuses in on the four-time Grammy winner and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member after his 2007 comeback album, Dirt Farmer, brought him back to the spotlight. With a live Band tribute by Joe Unis, Ryan Alto & Friends.

Tickets for all features are $10.00 adults, $8.50 students & seniors, and $7.00 for Cinema Members. Tickets for all features are available at the box office, with tickets for select features available online atwww.CapeAnnCinema.com.

The CACC’s next festival is the Cape Ann Film Festival, which runs from November 1-17, with the line-up to be announced on Friday, October 11th.