A large chunk of this week’s paper is devoted to Silverdocs, the massive annual festival of non-fiction films. But where 2010’s event was heavy in somber, issue-focused films, the emphasis this year seems to be on lighter, and often more soulful, fare. That’s what I write, anyway, in my lead essay. Benjamin R. Freed also does some thinking about Silverdocs, looking into the industry business that happens (and doesn’t!) at the festival each year. And we reviewed more than 50 films, including the opening- and closing-night selections, The Swell Season and Revenge of the Electric Car.

Chris Klimek leads the arts section with his reviews of Scena’s harrowing, Estonia-set drama Purge and Penumbra Theatre’s play about a short-lived Nat “King” Cole TV show, I Wish You Love. Rebecca J. Ritzel reviews Keegan’s zippy take on The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Ben Westhoff reviews the new memoir of punk icon and former D.C. resident Bob Mould. Tricia Olszewski enjoys The Trip, in which Steve Coogan plays, well, himself. And in One Track Mind, Joe Warminsky talks to rapper/producer June G. about his debut mixtape.