what (not) to doc

Festival:
DOC NYC

Dates:
November 8-15

Section:
Viewfinders, our competition section highlighting features which demonstrate distinct directorial vision: Continue reading →

In just over two weeks, on Thursday, November 8, the ninth edition of DOC NYC, America’s largest documentary festival, begins. As the event’s Director of Programming, I’ve led the film selection, and, as in years past, will briefly spotlight our programming here, section by section.

Section:
Special Events, our tentpole screenings:

THE BIGGEST LITTLE FARM
Director: John Chester
OPENING NIGHT
NYC PREMIERE
For over eight years, John and Molly Chester struggle to work with nature to establish a biodynamic farm, like a modern-day LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE.

BRESLIN AND HAMILL: DEADLINE ARTISTS
Directors: Jonathan Alter, John Block, and Steve McCarthy
CLOSING NIGHT
WORLD PREMIERE
Legendary newspaper columnists Jimmy Breslin and Pete Hamill are profiled in this essential look at journalism in New York City.

DOCUMENTARY NOW! PRESENTS ORIGINAL CAST ALBUM: CO-OP
Director: Alex Buono
CENTERPIECE
WORLD PREMIERE
IFC’s comedy series DOCUMENTARY NOW!, which pays homage to nonfiction classics, presents an episode inspired by D.A. Pennebaker’s ORIGINAL CAST ALBUM: COMPANY.

More Info:
For full descriptions, a list of expected guests, screening details, and to purchase tickets, click on the individual titles above, and follow links for ticketing, where still available. Note that anything indicating Rush Only may still have tickets available day-of at the venue. Or consider purchasing one of DOC NYC’s several Pass options for access to a variety of programming.

Festival:
The 30th NewFest

Dates:
October 24-30

About:
NYC’s LGBT fest celebrates an anniversary year, presenting 15 docs among its 40+ offerings.

Nonfiction in key slots include closing night selection MAKING MONTGOMERY CLIFT, Robert Clift and Hillary Demmon’s intimate reassessment of the life, career, and legacy of the Hollywood legend; and doc centerpiece DYKES, CAMERA, ACTION!, Caroline Berler’s survey of queer women’s cinema.

Among the fest’s other documentaries are: Gustavo Sánchez’s I HATE NEW YORK, a portrait of three trans artists in NYC’s nightlife scene; Laura Marie Wayne’s LOVE, SCOTT, about the transformation a gay musician goes through after a vicious attack; Tristan Aitchison’s SIDNEY & FRIENDS, on the struggles of trans and intersex Kenyans; and Christian Sonderegger’s COBY, on life after transitioning for a transman in Ohio.