Now in its sixteenth year, the Doc Edge Festival is New Zealand’s premier documentary film festival which has tells compelling, thought-provoking and at times bizarre stories from around the world. With 2021’s offering including 83 films screened across 38 days. Here are express’ top picks of a festival packed with unexpected gems.
Workhorse QueenFollowing the life Ed Popil, RuPaul Drag Race Season Seven alumni Kasha Davis, from before she was cast on the show, to many years beyond her season’s screening. Workhorse Queen is a particularly compelling watch in the current climate of kiwi talent competing on the show. From the thrill of being cast, the disappointment of being sent up home early, the love of a loyal husband, the agony of alcoholism and the desperation to retain fame at the cost of so much, are all explored in this intimate depiction of a search for fulfilment.
A celebration of a global superstar who overcame extreme adversity to define herself on her own terms. Born Anna Mae Bullock in Tennessee, this documentary examines the poverty and dysfunction of her early life before she achieved international stardom, only for the cycle to be repeated when she found fame alongside her abusive bandleader husband, Ike. Eventually leaving him, Tina forged a new identity as an even bigger solo star. It’s a story about survival and the endurance of talent which continues to inspire. Oprah Winfrey and Angela Bassett star.
The Doc Edge film festival runs Sunday 11 July across multiple venues. For more information visit docedge.nz
