Every Friday we will update you all with the week's theatrical documentary releases. Now, this will not be a perfect process as our beloved genre prefers the limited release schedule instead of a big nationwide or international-wide release. So apologies if a film isn't out in your area, or if you are a filmmaker and we missed the boat on announcing your documentary's big day (if that is the case, please let us know as we try to refine and hone this weekly post).
Now, with that introduction out of the way, here's this weekend's releases with their current rating on the amazing website Rottentomatoes.com:
Act of God - (no rating available) This documentary from Manufactured Landscapes director Jennifer Baichwal examines the effects of lightning strikes beyond just the physical. Act of God incorporates interviews with individuals who have been struck by lightning--including writer Paul Auster and musical improviser Fred Frith--and have had their perception changed by the event. (Rottentomatoes.com)
Killing Kasztner- (60% rating) - To an even greater degree than Oskar Schindler, Dr. Israel Kasztner played a key role in saving the lives of well over 1,000 Jews from the Holocaust. However, a fascinating and deeply sad irony lies buried in the differences between the men's stories: Schindler was a Nazi party member who manipulated the Gestapo to save individuals, and he died a veritable hero. Meanwhile, Kasztner was a Jew who bargained with Adolf Eichmann for the salvation of the 1,600 (whom he shuttled off to Switzerland on a train), and was not ultimately laurelled as a hero, but branded a traitor by his own people. This occurred largely because the notion of bargaining with the Nazis struck many as morally unacceptable. (Rottentomatoes.com)
Friday, October 23, 2009
Thursday, October 22, 2009
CNN's Latino in America Series
If you missed it, CNN premiered half of it's two part documentary titled Latino in America last night. This is the third installment in a series of documentaries of which the first two were titled Black in America. The previous two were highly regarded so it shouldn't come as a shock that this latest installment is quite engaging as well.
If you happened to miss it, don't fear, CNN is known for re-airing specials multiple times so check your local listings to see when it airs next. You can also head to the documentary's website for exclusive clips, open forums and other extra tidbits you might miss otherwise.
And if you are a Fox News, MSNBC, BBC or other 24 hour news network lover... my apologies for promoting another network.
If you happened to miss it, don't fear, CNN is known for re-airing specials multiple times so check your local listings to see when it airs next. You can also head to the documentary's website for exclusive clips, open forums and other extra tidbits you might miss otherwise.
And if you are a Fox News, MSNBC, BBC or other 24 hour news network lover... my apologies for promoting another network.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Ten9Eight: Shoot For the Moon Trailer
Let's face it, if you don't know it by now, you should realize I'm a sucker for inspirational stories. There's something about seeing someone overcome all odds to achieve success that just warms my soul.
With that in mind, coming across Maggie Mazzio's latest documentary Ten9Eight: Shoot For the Moon definitely falls into that category of overcoming obstacles. And it's not just one person either, it's several students rising up to grab the success they believe they deserve. The film follows several inner city teens (of different backgrounds, religion and ethnicity) from across the United States as they compete in an annual business plan competition run by the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE).
So if you want your day to feel a little brighter, head on over to the film's website to watch the trailer. Ten9Eight: Shoot For the Moon will hit theaters starting in mid November.
With that in mind, coming across Maggie Mazzio's latest documentary Ten9Eight: Shoot For the Moon definitely falls into that category of overcoming obstacles. And it's not just one person either, it's several students rising up to grab the success they believe they deserve. The film follows several inner city teens (of different backgrounds, religion and ethnicity) from across the United States as they compete in an annual business plan competition run by the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE).
So if you want your day to feel a little brighter, head on over to the film's website to watch the trailer. Ten9Eight: Shoot For the Moon will hit theaters starting in mid November.
Monday, October 19, 2009
'Schmatta' Turns Recession into a History Lesson
The recent worldwide recession has numerous filmmakers turning their cameras towards the economic systems that may or may not have contributed to our current dire straits. But while many are covering the 'why', documentarian Marc Levin is using the crisis as a starting point, not a destination. His most recent film, Schmatta: Rags to Riches to Rags, investigates New York's once-powerful garment trade before economics shifted production of 95% of U.S.-sold apparel overseas.
Admittedly, Levin's film sounds a little boring. But learning that the garment industry back in the 1950s was New York City's biggest employer makes you wonder how things changed so drastically. More importantly (for non-New York natives), it stands as a potential reflection as to why most of the U.S.' major industries now find themselves outsourced to foreign countries.
No, it most likely won't be the scathing investigation Michael Moore would desire, but considering Levin lost a relative to a major sweatshop fire, I doubt it will be all sunshine and roses either. Plus, with the powerful HBO Films helping develop the feature, it's sure to keep you engaged.
If you are interested, Schmatta: Rags to Riches to Rags airs tonight on HBO.
Admittedly, Levin's film sounds a little boring. But learning that the garment industry back in the 1950s was New York City's biggest employer makes you wonder how things changed so drastically. More importantly (for non-New York natives), it stands as a potential reflection as to why most of the U.S.' major industries now find themselves outsourced to foreign countries.
No, it most likely won't be the scathing investigation Michael Moore would desire, but considering Levin lost a relative to a major sweatshop fire, I doubt it will be all sunshine and roses either. Plus, with the powerful HBO Films helping develop the feature, it's sure to keep you engaged.
If you are interested, Schmatta: Rags to Riches to Rags airs tonight on HBO.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Theatrical Releases
Every Friday we will update you all with the week's theatrical documentary releases. Now, this will not be a perfect process as our beloved genre prefers the limited release schedule instead of a big nationwide or international-wide release. So apologies if a film isn't out in your area, or if you are a filmmaker and we missed the boat on announcing your documentary's big day (if that is the case, please let us know as we try to refine and hone this weekly post).
Now, with that introduction out of the way, here's this weekend's releases with their current rating on the amazing website Rottentomatoes.com:
Food Beware: The French Organic Revolution - (70% rating) - For the first time ever, our children are growing up less healthy than their parents. As the rate of cancer and childhood obesity climbs ever upward each year, we must ask ourselves, why is this happening? Food Beware takes a look at a small village in the mountains of France, where the town's mayor has declared that the school lunchroom will serve mostly local food, grown by organic methods. Featuring interviews with children, parents, teachers, health care workers, journalists, farmers, elected officials, scientists and researchers, we learn about challenges and rewards of their stand - the abuses of industry as well as the practical solutions at hand (Rottentomatoes.com)
One Fast Move or I'm Gone: Kerouac's Big Sur - (no rating provided) - In 1957, on the heels of the triumphant debut of his groundbreaking novel, On The Road, Jack Kerouac was a literary rock star. But along with sudden fame and media hype came his unraveling, and by 1960, Kerouac was a jaded cynic, tortured by self-doubt, addiction and depression. Desperate for spiritual salvation and solitude, he secretly retreats to a cabin in the Big Sur woods. But his plan is foiled by his own inner demons, and what ensues that summer becomes the basis for Kerouac’s gritty novel, Big Sur. The film takes viewers on an unflinching look at the compelling events the book is based on. The story unfolds in three ways: through the narrative arc of Kerouac’s prose (voiced by John Ventimiglia); through first-hand accounts and recollections of Kerouac’s contemporaries; by the interpretations and reflections of writers, poets, actors and musicians who have been deeply influenced by Kerouac’s unique gifts (Rottentomatoes.com).
Now, with that introduction out of the way, here's this weekend's releases with their current rating on the amazing website Rottentomatoes.com:
Food Beware: The French Organic Revolution - (70% rating) - For the first time ever, our children are growing up less healthy than their parents. As the rate of cancer and childhood obesity climbs ever upward each year, we must ask ourselves, why is this happening? Food Beware takes a look at a small village in the mountains of France, where the town's mayor has declared that the school lunchroom will serve mostly local food, grown by organic methods. Featuring interviews with children, parents, teachers, health care workers, journalists, farmers, elected officials, scientists and researchers, we learn about challenges and rewards of their stand - the abuses of industry as well as the practical solutions at hand (Rottentomatoes.com)
One Fast Move or I'm Gone: Kerouac's Big Sur - (no rating provided) - In 1957, on the heels of the triumphant debut of his groundbreaking novel, On The Road, Jack Kerouac was a literary rock star. But along with sudden fame and media hype came his unraveling, and by 1960, Kerouac was a jaded cynic, tortured by self-doubt, addiction and depression. Desperate for spiritual salvation and solitude, he secretly retreats to a cabin in the Big Sur woods. But his plan is foiled by his own inner demons, and what ensues that summer becomes the basis for Kerouac’s gritty novel, Big Sur. The film takes viewers on an unflinching look at the compelling events the book is based on. The story unfolds in three ways: through the narrative arc of Kerouac’s prose (voiced by John Ventimiglia); through first-hand accounts and recollections of Kerouac’s contemporaries; by the interpretations and reflections of writers, poets, actors and musicians who have been deeply influenced by Kerouac’s unique gifts (Rottentomatoes.com).
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Monty Python Documentary?!?!
Thank you to NPR for highlighting this great upcoming series.
And luckily for all you American audiences with premium cable channels, beginning this Sunday (October 18th), the IFC (Independent Film Channel) will present a six night, six-hour documentary titled Monty Python: Almost the Truth (The Lawyers Cut). This newest film is timed to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the groundbreaking British TV series and comedy troupe and gawd am I excited!
This new documentary is chock full of interviews with all the surviving members, footage from their movies, TV series and Broadway shows and, most importantly, full of the odd humor we've all come to know and love. Let's face it, this comedy group can't help but mock the documentary form.. even just a little.
Though I haven't seen the documentary yet, I can point out that each individual hour sports hilarious titles like "The Not-So-Interesting Beginnings" and "The Much Funnier Second Episode". And each hour has its own theme song- sung with increased frustration over the familiarity of the material and how endless the documentary is.
But why are you taking my word for anything. Head on over to NPR to read the brilliant description or check out IFC' website to learn more about when it will air in your area.
And luckily for all you American audiences with premium cable channels, beginning this Sunday (October 18th), the IFC (Independent Film Channel) will present a six night, six-hour documentary titled Monty Python: Almost the Truth (The Lawyers Cut). This newest film is timed to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the groundbreaking British TV series and comedy troupe and gawd am I excited!
This new documentary is chock full of interviews with all the surviving members, footage from their movies, TV series and Broadway shows and, most importantly, full of the odd humor we've all come to know and love. Let's face it, this comedy group can't help but mock the documentary form.. even just a little.
Though I haven't seen the documentary yet, I can point out that each individual hour sports hilarious titles like "The Not-So-Interesting Beginnings" and "The Much Funnier Second Episode". And each hour has its own theme song- sung with increased frustration over the familiarity of the material and how endless the documentary is.
But why are you taking my word for anything. Head on over to NPR to read the brilliant description or check out IFC' website to learn more about when it will air in your area.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Trailer: Not Evil, Just Wrong
Well we've had our Michael Moore documentary rebuttals and with more and more conservative activists realizing the power of documentary films, it's about time a rebuttal to An Inconvenient Truth came out. Not Evil, Just Wrong, is that anti-Gore film.
Phelim McAleer's film has a trailer up on it's site and is quickly positioning itself to attract an audience base. I'll be honest, I'm a bit intrigued by this film, but am worried (based solely on the trailer) that it may not have as many facts prepared as some would like. Then again, my doubts have been proven wrong many times before.
McAleer has already made headlines with his recent verbal confrontation with Al Gore. So to say this once unknown documentary has created some buzz is a bit of an understatement. But, as we've seen, conservatives don't rally around films as much as liberals so it will be interesting to see how Not Evil, Just Wrong fares (especially when it's by passing theaters and going direct-to-download format). The film becomes available in less than 5 days, so I'd definitely jump at the trailer if this sounds interesting to you.
Phelim McAleer's film has a trailer up on it's site and is quickly positioning itself to attract an audience base. I'll be honest, I'm a bit intrigued by this film, but am worried (based solely on the trailer) that it may not have as many facts prepared as some would like. Then again, my doubts have been proven wrong many times before.
McAleer has already made headlines with his recent verbal confrontation with Al Gore. So to say this once unknown documentary has created some buzz is a bit of an understatement. But, as we've seen, conservatives don't rally around films as much as liberals so it will be interesting to see how Not Evil, Just Wrong fares (especially when it's by passing theaters and going direct-to-download format). The film becomes available in less than 5 days, so I'd definitely jump at the trailer if this sounds interesting to you.
Monday, October 12, 2009
PBS/BBC - 4 part series "Latin Music USA"
Ask any non-Hispanic American what he or she knows about Latin music and they'll probably exhaust their knowledge in two short phrases: La Bamba and Salsa. And it's true, outside of its community, the rich heritage and influence of Latin music is rarely given proper respect. That is until now.
The BBC and PBS have combined on a joint venture to air a 4 part documentary series titled Latin Music USA. Filmmakers Elizabeth Deane and Adriana Bosch are the main influences behind this series that attempts to make mainstream audiences more aware of Latin culture, specifically its music.
The series not only highlights the history of Latin music, but also how it has influenced major bands from the Rolling Stones to the Beatles to even Smokey Robinson & the Miracles. More interestingly is how this music has been influenced since coming to America, including how German polka bands in Texas influenced one particular singer.
The series begins tonight on most PBS stations (no known BBC programing that I can find, sorry Brits!) and should be quite engaging. And, at an hour a piece, should be easily accessible to those with a rather hectic weekday lifestyle.
The New York Times has a great article about the series and its filmmakers, but if you want the facts, head on over to PBS' website.
The BBC and PBS have combined on a joint venture to air a 4 part documentary series titled Latin Music USA. Filmmakers Elizabeth Deane and Adriana Bosch are the main influences behind this series that attempts to make mainstream audiences more aware of Latin culture, specifically its music.
The series not only highlights the history of Latin music, but also how it has influenced major bands from the Rolling Stones to the Beatles to even Smokey Robinson & the Miracles. More interestingly is how this music has been influenced since coming to America, including how German polka bands in Texas influenced one particular singer.
The series begins tonight on most PBS stations (no known BBC programing that I can find, sorry Brits!) and should be quite engaging. And, at an hour a piece, should be easily accessible to those with a rather hectic weekday lifestyle.
The New York Times has a great article about the series and its filmmakers, but if you want the facts, head on over to PBS' website.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Theatrical Releases
Every Friday we will update you all with the week's theatrical documentary releases. Now, this will not be a perfect process as our beloved genre prefers the limited release schedule instead of a big nationwide or international-wide release. So apologies if a film isn't out in your area, or if you are a filmmaker and we missed the boat on announcing your documentary's big day (if that is the case, please let us know as we try to refine and hone this weekly post).
Now, with that introduction out of the way, here's this weekend's releases with their current rating on the amazing website Rottentomatoes.com:
Good Hair - (92% rating) - In the movie School Daze, Spike Lee staged a dance number in which two bands of African-American college students debated the merits of "Straight and Nappy" hair in song, and now comedian Chris Rock and filmmaker Jeff Stilson have extended the conversation to a full-length film in this witty documentary with serious undertones. Rock says he was inspired to make the film when his young daughter asked him, "Daddy, how come I don't have good hair?" and he and Stilson examine black America's obsession with their hair (Rottentomatoes.com).
Yes Men Fix The World - (82% rating) - Andy Bichlbaum and Mike Bonanno are two guys who just can't take "no" for an answer. They have an unusual hobby: posing as top executives of corporations they hate. Armed with nothing but thrift-store suits, the Yes Men lie their way into business conferences and parody their corporate targets in ever more extreme ways - basically doing everything that they can to wake up their audiences to the danger of letting greed run our world (Rottentomatoes.com).
The Heretics - (No rating provided) - The Heretics reveals the inside story of Heresies, a feminist art collective that was at the epicenter of the 1970s art world in lower Manhattan. Director Braderman, who joined the group in 1971 after moving to New York to become a filmmaker, charts the collective’s story for the first time in a feature-length film or video, revealing its pivotal role in the “second wave” of the Women’s Movement (Rottentomatoes.com).
Now, with that introduction out of the way, here's this weekend's releases with their current rating on the amazing website Rottentomatoes.com:
Good Hair - (92% rating) - In the movie School Daze, Spike Lee staged a dance number in which two bands of African-American college students debated the merits of "Straight and Nappy" hair in song, and now comedian Chris Rock and filmmaker Jeff Stilson have extended the conversation to a full-length film in this witty documentary with serious undertones. Rock says he was inspired to make the film when his young daughter asked him, "Daddy, how come I don't have good hair?" and he and Stilson examine black America's obsession with their hair (Rottentomatoes.com).
Yes Men Fix The World - (82% rating) - Andy Bichlbaum and Mike Bonanno are two guys who just can't take "no" for an answer. They have an unusual hobby: posing as top executives of corporations they hate. Armed with nothing but thrift-store suits, the Yes Men lie their way into business conferences and parody their corporate targets in ever more extreme ways - basically doing everything that they can to wake up their audiences to the danger of letting greed run our world (Rottentomatoes.com).
The Heretics - (No rating provided) - The Heretics reveals the inside story of Heresies, a feminist art collective that was at the epicenter of the 1970s art world in lower Manhattan. Director Braderman, who joined the group in 1971 after moving to New York to become a filmmaker, charts the collective’s story for the first time in a feature-length film or video, revealing its pivotal role in the “second wave” of the Women’s Movement (Rottentomatoes.com).
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Trailer: Act of God
Though I'm sure I've already mentioned this film, I'm just so blown away by the idea that I need to mention it again. Director Jennifer Baichwal's most recent documentary, Act of God, has one hell of a trailer posted over at Apple.com and it's hard not to think her film could be up for an Oscar.
Short and sweet, Act of God is a documentary about the metaphysical effects of being struck by lightning. Exploring seven stories from around the world, it raises and responds to questions about chance, fate and the meaning in life.
Baichwal's film hits theaters at the end of this month, so plan your Halloween activities around this documentary, because you certainly want to miss this visually impressive display. If you're having doubts, head on over to Apple.com to peak at the trailer.
Short and sweet, Act of God is a documentary about the metaphysical effects of being struck by lightning. Exploring seven stories from around the world, it raises and responds to questions about chance, fate and the meaning in life.
Baichwal's film hits theaters at the end of this month, so plan your Halloween activities around this documentary, because you certainly want to miss this visually impressive display. If you're having doubts, head on over to Apple.com to peak at the trailer.
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