If you've ever basked in the glory of cardboard armour, then you've probably met Skull Man (a.k.a. Greg Sommer) the loveable weirdo that brought Box Wars to Canada, and the split personality star of the documentary Skull World. Greg looks like the kind of guy you might cross the street to avoid, but I have to tell you that if you did so, you'd be missing out on meeting a larger than life character with a heart of gold.

Box Wars, the international underground movement of Cardboard-based combat (yes, cardboard), started in Australia and has since been championed in Canada by Skull Man and his Rockers. Participants build armour, helmets, and weapons out of cardboard and tape, often making giant elaborate costumes which are ceremoniously destroyed in Braveheart style combat.

Hot Docs, North America's largest documentary festival will present its 20th annual edition this Spring from April 25th to May 5th. Today, the festival announced a number of the films that have already been selected to screen this year. Here are five films I'd suggest adding to your personal must-see list.

Now in its 10th year, the Toronto Human Rights Watch Film Festival returns with a ten film lineup of politically charged, inspiring stories covering themes of oppression, violent struggle and resilient humanity.

Co-presented with TIFF, the festival opens at TIFF Bell Lightbox next Tuesday (February 26th) with films that highlight human rights issues around the world, from North Korea to Northern Ontario, and telling many empowering stories in the process.

Here are five films not to miss.

The 8 Fest is one of the only festivals in the world devoted to all forms of small-gauge film, including Super 8, 8mm, 9.5, and loops, that also shows the films in their original formats.

The 8 Fest showcases the entire history of small gauge film--from contemporary artist works, to home movies, instructional loops, and more. Some of the work I've had the chance to preview felt much like I raided grandpa's closet, took a handful of psychedelic drugs, or a combination of the two. I can't recommend that you take drugs, but if you already find yourself on drugs, why not put the 8 Fest on your calendar?

Starting today and running through April 6th fans of all things Japanese must check out Spotlight Japan at the TIFF Bell Lightbox. This is a collaboration of the Japan Foundation, TIFF, Canadian Stage, the Japan Cultural Centre and Soundstreams. My favourite part of this festival is the three film series presented by TIFF Cinematheque. Here's a look at what to check out at the festival.

This Week in Film rounds up noteworthy new releases in theatres, rep cinema and avant-garde screenings, festivals, and other special cinema-related events happening in Toronto.