The 5th edition DOC SCREENINGS INTERNATIONAL DOCUMENTARY FILM FESTIVAL

Filmed in Mongolia, this documentary is an intimate portrait of an elder female shaman named Altantsetseg. We have rare, complete access to be with Altantsetseg as she prepares for, and goes into a shaman's trance. Much of what is known about shamanism focuses on objects and rituals, because that is all the uninitiated can see. But shamans see with much more than their eyes alone. Many sacred healers within indigenous and native communities are still following the ways of the ancestors. Uniquely, this film was written and directed by first time filmmaker Frances Ulman, who is also an initiated shaman, and a mentee of Altantsetseg. Previously Frances was a clinical psychologist in the USA, but left it all behind when the spirits called her onto her path. This is a film about a shaman, directed by a shaman. The close, personal relationship between these two women from different parts of the world is the alchemy of the film. It allows us into spaces within shamanism others have not brought to the screen. The weaving of similarities and profound differences between Altantsetseg and Frances emerges as an exploration of shamanism and much more. We see decolonisation as an action, the power of relationships, the wisdom of a living drum, myths of western psychology, and ways of balancing living sacredly with cellphones. Living in a world that doesn't always remember, here we are shown a way home to our hearts. This film was made following the Shaman 95 Filmmaking Manifesto: “This film is a living being. The film creates itself.” -No pre-filming script -No second takes -No alteration of light and sound beyond what is natural, or already present on location -No outsider film crew: All filming is done by those who are also on camera participating in the actions captured on film -No false relationships: The main people on screen have longstanding and ongoing relationships with each other off screen -Nothing fake: All situations, actions, and objects are part of the regular life of a shaman and those in community with shamans -No pretending humans alone made this film

In search of the perfect sound, musician Tigran Paravyan embarks on a journey through the unique acoustic places of Armenia, experimenting with sound recording methods.

Cleaning & Cleansing spans an associative range of images from cleaning and hygiene work of the human body and psyche to objects and rooms to cleaning that creates associations to ethnic cleansing and racial hygiene. The film addresses the medical, aesthetic, spiritual and (bio)political dimensions and links areas that are often perceived as separate from one another. It raises, in a minimalist and sensual way, a topic that remains central to society: the optimization and improvement of life, which, if pursued with too much commitment and carelessness – can quickly turn against itself.

The short film Palmento offers an intimate look into the winemaking traditions of Sicily’s Mount Etna region, focusing on the ancient practice of using palmenti—stone wine presses carved into volcanic rock. These structures, dating back centuries, are a testament to the island's deep-rooted viticultural heritage. The film explores how these traditional presses, once widespread across the slopes of Etna, were integral to the local wine production process, allowing generations of winemakers to ferment and press grapes in harmony with nature. In modern times, the traditional use of Palmenti has been outlawed by governmental agencies and today a group of winemakers are fighting to protect an important winemaking heritage. The spectacular images of volcanic eruptions are all filmed by cinematographer and Etna local Giuseppe Distefano.

In a quiet alley in the middle of downtown Toronto lies an unassuming independent cinema and bike shop. Martin Heath has been the proprietor of CineCycle since 1991. The documentary follows him as he explains his story of opening the store and what led to the birth of CineCycle, as he prepares the space for a screening. Through his love of bikes and passion for cinema, he created a unique, treasured space for Torontonian cinephiles to come together and screen all types of films.

In the shadow of conflict and conspiracy, Polio and Prejudice unearths the gripping story of a fearless Lady Health Worker in Pakistan’s tribal regions, where administering a simple vaccine is an act of defiance. Navigating villages steeped in suspicion, she confronts deeply entrenched prejudices that have turned vaccination into a battleground. Amid police surveillance and deep-seated resistance, she risks everything to battle both disease and prejudice—armed only with courage, resilience, and a vial of vaccine.

Days after 9/11, Blerim Skoro was recruited from a Manhattan prison by the CIA. For over a decade, he was America’s infidel mole, roaming the Middle East as a spy deep inside al-Qaeda. Blerim lived in constant danger amongst terrorists, leaking intelligence to the US government in the desperate hope of getting a Green Card and a ticket back to his family in Brooklyn. The Accidental Spy is the story of how one man became tangled in a complex geo-political web, how he risked everything to protect his family, and how he was cruelly betrayed by the country he strived to defend.

Three women compare the current tourist with the all times traveller, establishing a dialogue between today's society and the world of other times.

"Those who love India know...it’s hard to explain exactly why. It’s dirty, it’s poor, it’s infested. Sometimes it’s deceitful and dishonest, often smelly, corrupt, merciless, and indifferent. Yet, once you encounter it, you can't live without it" Tiziano Terzani.

Follow the journey of the lives of 5 children given a death sentence in the 90's, only to be given a second chance. This miraculous story heralds a common chance meeting of a person, Dr. Burzynski, who would bring them to a common place, finding hope and being Alive 30 years later to tell their story.

FOUR MOTHERS share the story of four Gold Star Mothers, who discuss how to continue living after the war. Listening to the quartet describe their grief is helpful in a very practical way. They offer guidelines for dealing with loss and how to approach others who might be struggling with grief. Although specific to the circumstances of the Gold Star families, who lost their beloved ones in the American wars, it’s a useful manual for all of us, as we will all encounter loss, both our own and others. This film focuses on the female contribution to the community of wartime bereaved and generates renewed discussion of the human price of conflict.

A spiritual road movie, a girl’s search for the sacred that uncovers the most controversial animals: humans. Irene grew up in the Italian Alps in a family that loved travel and the scout culture. Now, while in Turin because the Holy Shroud is on display, Irene starts down a new path – to faith. Her journey, teeming with playful encounters and small revelations, turns the film into a genuinely spiritual road movie. Yet Irene is restless, with no answers to her questions – until reality changes into a poetic universe. After Mexico’s syncretism and clamour, Vietnam’s hustle and bustle, and the temples at Angkor Wat in Cambodia, Irene backs away from religion and embraces the sacred.

Girls are made to make love follows a sociologist's investigation into sexuality in couples. She meets heterosexual women aged between 25 and 45. The interviews deal with experiences, desire and love, as well as norms in male/female relationships but also paths to emancipation.