On Thursday, November 14, the 4th edition of DOC NYC opens, now the country’s largest nonfiction film festival. It’s my second year with the festival, and my first as Senior Programmer. Over the past several months, I’ve worked with Artistic Director Thom Powers and Executive Director Raphaela Neihausen to put together an expansive selection of some of the most compelling new documentary films for NYC audiences. Over the next two and half weeks leading up to our opening, I’ll be profiling different programming strands here, starting with our Gala presentations.
DOC NYC Galas
THE UNKNOWN KNOWN
Director: Errol Morris
OPENING NIGHT
NYC PREMIERE
A penetrating and combative interrogation of former Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld by the renowned filmmaker of THE FOG OF WAR.
Errol Morris expected to attend.My previous coverage may be found here.
FINDING VIVIAN MAIER
Directors: John Maloof & Charlie Siskel
CENTERPIECE
US PREMIERE
The strange story of how the work of one of the 20th century’s greatest unheralded photographers was brought to light.
Followed by a Q&A with the directors moderated by Michael Moore.My previous coverage may be found here.
MARVIN HAMLISCH: WHAT HE DID FOR LOVE
Director: Dori Berinstein
NYC PREMIERE
An affectionate and entertaining tribute to the legendary music, film, and theatre hit-maker.
Followed by a Q&A with the director. Subjects Terre Blair Hamlisch, star of A CHORUS LINE Donna McKechnie, and composer/songwriter Rupert Holmes expected to attend.
IS THE MAN WHO IS TALL HAPPY? AN ANIMATED CONVERSATION WITH NOAM CHOMSKY
Director: Michel Gondry
CLOSING NIGHT
WORLD PREMIERE
A wildly inventive encounter between the provocative intellectual and the acclaimed filmmaker.
Michel Gondry and Noam Chomsky expected to attend.
Why You Should Attend:
DOC NYC’s Galas shine a spotlight on some of the most eagerly anticipated films in our line-up. Morris’ new film has already been met with acclaim from its berths at Venice, Telluride, and Toronto, while Maloof and Siskel’s portrait was the talk of the latter fest. Theatregoers will have multiple reasons to cheer for Broadway insider Berinstein’s ode to the beloved musical genius, while Gondry fans will be lining up to see the debut of his latest. Experience all of these films surrounded by a sea of NYC’s nonfiction lovers at the SVA Theatre, DOC NYC’s largest venue, with high-profile guests in attendance, including Errol Morris, Michel Gondry, and Michael Moore.
More Info:
To purchase tickets, click on the individual titles above, and follow links for ticketing.
what (not) to doc 