TRYING TO BE SOME KIND OF HERO (37 min. 2003) A surprisingly fresh take on the personal documentary, which deftly sidesteps the genre’s potential for exploitation and solipsism. Armed with a couple of cameras and an intimate visual flair, Alfonso travels to the Philippines to find out the truth about his real grandfather. With the aid of his mother and his hesitant, but resilient grandmother, he manages to show the investigation of a family secret can be approached with grace and charm. — Images Festival 2003 Program Description
REVIEW
“Alfonso leaves Canada for the Philippines, looking to solve the mystery of which American soldier fathered his own mother. In the process, he crafts a smart, snappy portrait of a woman striking her own deal with a probing camera.” -Cameron Bailey (NOW Magazine Rating: NNN)
Trying to Be Some Kind of Hero (Special Edition) now available with over 17 minutes worth of bonus material.
WINNER “Best New Movie Maker” COGECO / Optic-Nerve Film Festival
I love her.