Films about music legends Nina Simone, Mavis Staples head to Hot Docs film fest

By The Canadian Press

TORONTO – Portraits of music legends Nina Simone and Mavis Staples are among the slate of music-focused projects at this year’s Hot Docs festival.

The Canada-U.S. film “Mavis!” traces six decades of songs and stories about Staples and the Staple Singers, while “What Happened, Miss Simone?” is billed as an intimate look at Simone’s tumultuous life.

Meanwhile, organizers say “Around the World in 50 Concerts” will look at the Netherlands’ prestigious Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, and the Canadian film “Music Lessons” profiles the children and music teachers at Sistema Toronto.

Other films delve into the world of foodies, explore controversies surrounding U.S. nuclear power, examine the perils of online vigilantism, and investigate allegedly “non-lethal” Taser guns.

They join previously announced films including features about Kurt Cobain and white supremacy.

The Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival runs April 23 to May 3.

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