People came in droves to get a glimpse of documentaries, directors and film stars during the eighth annual Doc(k) Day April 6.
The documentary film festival at the Pinestone Resort sold its most tickets ever according to organizer Tammy Rea, with hundreds of people attending to watch the slate of four movies. The event also featured special guests behind the films’ creation, including Dr. Anne Dagg, the subject of The Woman Who Loves Giraffes.
Rea said it was great to see so many people interested in the festival this year.
“We work really hard to do that,” Rea said. “To find stories that teach us but also inspire us and also touch us. The documentary has become a really interesting art form and these stories really spoke to people.”
The festival included a screening of The Woman Who Loves Giraffes which tells the story of Dagg’s work studying giraffes in South Africa in 1956 and the obstacles she faced as a female scientist.
Dagg and director Alison Reid held a question and answer session after the film. Dagg was asked what advice she would give young women.
“Just struggle on,” Dagg said. “It’s a matter of just thinking you’re a person and I’m equally as good as any other person.”
Rea said it is very important for the festival to be able to feature discussions with the people behind the movies.
“When Haliburton gave Dr. Dagg that standing ovation, I was so happy for Anne, who is just really seeing her life’s work find a new audience,” Rea said. “She was amazing.”
The festival also screened Three Identical Strangers about triplets separated at birth, ANTHROPOCENE: The Human Epoch about human impact on the planet and You Are Here: A Come From Away Story about a Newfoundland community helping US residents stranded after 9/11.
Jim Blake regularly attends Doc(k) Day and said it is great to experience an event like this close to home.
“A lot of the same people here all day, they’re people you know in the community,” Blake said. “It actually generated a conversation that happens for years to come. It’s really nice to do something together as a community.”
Attendee Cheryl Bathe said the community enhances the film viewing experience.
“I love watching with a group of people. I love the audience reaction when there’s laughter,” Bathe said. “To me, it feels like a family watching it together.”
