Real to Reel

A well-made documentary can make the most inane things seem interesting, even if the subject matter is downright tedious. Just look at Scrabble flick Word Wars or the quarter-pumping arcade drama of King of Kong. Finding a good documentary amidst the mind-numbing blockbusters at your local cineplex can be an...

By Melissa Fossum

October 6, 2011

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A well-made documentary can make the most inane things seem interesting, even if the subject matter is downright tedious. Just look at Scrabble flick Word Wars or the quarter-pumping arcade drama of King of Kong. Finding a good documentary amidst the mind-numbing blockbusters at your local cineplex can be an even greater challenge.

Fortunately, Phoenix Art Museum will host Doc-tober Fest, a three-day documentary festival featuring seven of the best nonfiction feature films from around the world. Programmed by the folks at the Phoenix Film Festival, the event kicks off on Thursday with a screening of The First Movie, a film about children’s experiences in war-torn Iraq. .

Showtimes vary and the festival runs through October 9.

Thu., Oct. 6, 7 p.m.; Fri., Oct. 7, 2:30 p.m.; Sat., Oct. 8, noon; Sun., Oct. 9, 2 p.m., 2011

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