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Opening this Friday, July 27, 2012 at Bloor Hot Docs Cinema are two great docs for arts lovers, United States of Africa and Joffrey: Mavericks of American Dance.

United States of Africa is the fourth film from director Yanick Létourneau, who follows subject Didier Awadi as he crafts a hip hop album dedicated to great black revolutionary leaders who have struggled to make their dream of a united Africa a reality. This film won the Critics’ Choice award at the Montreal International Documentary Festival in 2011, and as a co-production of the National Film Board, this is one doc you won’t want to miss.

Joffrey: Mavericks of American Dance tells the story of the Joffrey Ballet, which began as the DIY dance company spearheaded by teacher Robert Joffrey and dancer Gerald Arpino. The company quickly grew into one of the world’s most exciting dance companies, transforming the dance world and challenging traditional ballet conventions. Crafted from archival footage, photographs and interviews with Joffrey himself, the film chronicles the history of this company that changed the face of dance.

Joffrey: Mavericks of American Dance begins with two screenings on Friday, July 27 at 3:30 pm and 8:45 pm. United States of Africa premieres at 6:45 pm and director Yanick Létourneau will be in attendance. Check our listings or the Bloor Hot Docs Cinema’s website for showtimes.

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Trista DeVries

Like most people who write for the web, I’ve been obsessed with movies since I was very young. My favourite movies are The Social Network, Easy A and Garden State, but I try to spend my time broadening my film horizons. I’m the Publisher of Toronto Film Scene and I Heart Movies, and in my “spare” time, I’m a web designer and strategist. (Gotta support my movie habit somehow…)

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