Ep 5. A Town, a Gangster, a Festival

A Town, a Gangster, a Festival is the fifth episode of the first season of the acclaimed documentary parody series, Documentary Now! This episode takes on the genre of classic gangster documentaries and tells the "true" story of the small town of Juarez, Mexico, which hosts an annual music festival that has become a hotbed of violence and danger.

The episode is presented in the style of a traditional documentary, with voiceover narration from fictional filmmaker Orson Welles (played by Fred Armisen). Welles recounts the history of Juarez, which was once a peaceful town until the arrival of a notorious gangster named Amador Garcia. Garcia quickly took control of the town, bringing in drugs and prostitutes and establishing a powerful criminal empire.

Despite the violence and corruption, the town continued to hold its annual music festival, known as the "Mexican Woodstock." The festival attracted thousands of tourists, eager to experience the vibrant music and culture of Mexico. However, as the festival grew in popularity, so did the danger. Gang violence and drug use became more prevalent, and the festival became synonymous with danger and chaos.

The episode features interviews with a variety of colorful characters who were involved in the festival over the years, including a former festival organizer, a local politician, and a drug smuggler. These interviews are intercut with footage from past festivals and newsreels, creating a rich and immersive world that feels both authentic and absurd.

At its core, A Town, a Gangster, a Festival is a hilarious and subversive take on the true crime genre. By presenting the story of Juarez as a classic "rise and fall" tale, the episode allows us to laugh at the absurdity of the situation while still acknowledging the very real violence and corruption that exists in the world. It's a smart and provocative piece of satire that will leave you laughing and thinking at the same time.

Overall, A Town, a Gangster, a Festival is a standout episode of Documentary Now! that showcases the series' ability to skewer and pay homage to classic documentary styles in equal measure. Whether you're a fan of true crime documentaries or just looking for a good laugh, this episode is not to be missed.