Hot Docs 2014: Mugshot Review

Mugshot

Mugshot

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Is someone’s arrest record snapshot something that the whole world should see? How much should the public be allowed to know after someone’s arrest? Historically, what if mugshots are the only ways of identifying certain marginalized people who have fallen through the cracks that should be preserved? These are the questions being asked in Dennis’ Mohr’s brief but insightful look at people caught at their lowest moments.

From professional grade old school booking photos to a modern day newspaper in the South dedicated solely to the faces of people busted for crimes before being proven innocent or guilty, Mohr looks at the history and art behind the mugshot. Focusing more on small time crooks and cons instead of big ticket celebrities or those who committed scandalous and hellacious crimes, Mohr asks if mugshots are truly art and if the art should be profited from in any way. It certainly nails the history of these snapshots down, but the questions are left to the audience to answer.

Check out our interview with Mugshot director Dennis Mohr here.

Screens

Monday, April 28th, Isabel Bader Theatre, 7:00pm

Tuesday, April 29th, Isabel Bader Theatre, 4:00pm

Saturday, May 3rd, Scotiabank 3, 1:00pm

For screenings at the Isabel Bader Theatre, audiences are invited before and after the film to view an on-site exhibit of original vintage mug shots, presented in collaboration with the Stephen Bulger Gallery.



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