Political activism, complex character studies and moving personal journeys highlight this year's sweeping documentary mix at the 2007 Toronto International Film Festival.

From an 85-year-old surfing legend to a blacklisted screenwriter who fought to retrieve his Hollywood career, there's plenty to inspire today's most demanding documentary junkies.

Encounters at the End of the World
(Werner Herzog, USA)

In his first documentary since "Grizzly Man," Herzog travels to Antarctica with only his cameraman, the two of them scoring unrestricted access to the raw natural beauty of the ultimate Down Under.

Surfwise
(Doug Pray, USA)

The bizarre life of 85yearold surfer Dr. Dorian "Doc" Paskowitz gives a strange twist to this new documentary. Audiences get a rare look at the legendary surfer's career and how he and his wife raised and homeschooled nine kids in a camper on a Californian Beach.

Terror's Advocate
(Barbet Schroeder, France)

This veteran director delves into the life of celebrated criminal lawyer Jacques Verg�s, who represented such infamous 20th century figures as Klaus Barbie, Slobodan Milosevic and Saddam Hussein.

Trumbo
(Peter Askin, USA)

Donald Sutherland, Michael Douglas and Liam Neeson are featured in this engrossing portrait of blacklisted screenwriter Dalton Trumbo.

A Jihad for Love
(Parvez Sharma, USA/UK/France/Germany/Australia)

Can Islam and homosexuality coexist? That controversial question drives this new film about the hidden lives of gay and lesbian Muslins from 12 different countries.

Glass: A Portrait of Philip in Twelve Parts
(Scott Hicks, Australia)

Filmmaker Hicks documents an eventful year in the life of celebrated composer Philip Glass. The intimate character study also explores his relationships with Woody Allen and Ravi Shankar.

Darfur Now
(Ted Braun, USA)

In this call to action to stop the genocide in Darfur, Braun follows six different people (including actor Don Cheadle) who are determined to put this horrific human tragedy into the media spotlight.

Very Young Girls
(David Schisgall, USA)

In this gritty look at teenage prostitution in New York City, Schisgall showcases Rachel Lloyd, founder of Girls Education & Mentoring Services (GEMS), and her lifelong mission to help young women off the streets.

- Constance Droganes, entertainment writer, CTV.ca