My DOC NYC preview wraps up for today with our Short List – a newly expanded section re-presenting some of the best docs of the year:
DOC NYC Short List
THE CASE AGAINST 8
Directors: Ben Cotner & Ryan White
Following the fight for marriage equality all the way to the Supreme Court, as former legal foes, progressive David Boies and ultra-conservative Ted Olson, join forces.
Expected to attend: Ben Cotner & Ryan WhiteI previously profiled the film here.
CITIZENFOUR
Director: Laura Poitras
A real-life thriller chronicling how Edward Snowden blew the whistle on the massive covert surveillance programs run by the NSA and other intelligence agencies.I previously profiled the film here.
E-TEAM
Directors: Katy Chevigny & Ross Kauffman
A look at the dangerous but life-affirming work performed by the Human Rights Watch Emergency Team, who enter hostile territories to document crimes against humanity that might otherwise go unreported.
Expected to attend: Katy Chevigny & Ross KauffmanI previously profiled the film here.
FINDING VIVIAN MAIER
Directors: John Maloof & Charlie Siskel
When Vivian Maier died in 2009 at age 83, she left behind more than 100,000 negatives of her street photography—images that she’d scarcely shared with anyone.
Expected to attend: John Maloof & Charlie SiskelI previously profiled the film here.
THE GREAT INVISIBLE
Director: Margaret Brown
An examination of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico and its impact on fishermen, oilmen and survivors.
Expected to attend: Margaret BrownI previously profiled the film here.
HAPPY VALLEY
Director: Amir Bar-Lev
An exploration of the Penn State scandal, focusing on hero worship and the court of public opinion, and their impact on everyday people caught in their wake.
Expected to attend: Amir Bar-LevI previously profiled the film here.
KEEP ON KEEPIN’ ON
Director: Alan Hicks
Celebrating mentorship as much as music, this inspirational and poignant film explores the common bonds between a 92-year-old jazz legend and his 23-year-old protégé.
Expected to attend: Alan HicksI previously profiled the film here.
LAST DAYS IN VIETNAM
Director: Rory Kennedy
In the final weeks of the Vietnam War, with the invasion of Saigon imminent, the White House ordered the evacuation of U.S. citizens—but their South Vietnamese allies flooded onto embassy grounds seeking help.
Expected to attend: Rory KennedyI previously profiled the film here.
LIFE ITSELF
Director: Steve James
Acclaimed filmmaker Steve James pays tribute to the late Roger Ebert and to the love of movies.
Expected to attend: Steve JamesI previously profiled the film here.
MERCHANTS OF DOUBT
Director: Robert Kenner
The director of FOOD, INC reveals how corporations affect what we think, exploring the shadow world of experts who stake claims contrary to scientific consensus.
Expected to attend: Robert Kenner
THE OVERNIGHTERS (pictured above)
Director: Jesse Moss
Pastor Jay Reinke offers newcomers seeking employment the chance to sleep in his church, setting off a controversy within his small North Dakota town and his congregation.
Expected to attend: Jesse MossI previously profiled the film here.
RED ARMY
Director: Gabe Polsky
This emotional look at the Soviet hockey team blends politics, sports and human drama.
Expected to attend: Gabe Polsky
RICH HILL
Directors: Tracy Droz Tragos & Andrew Droz Palermo
With roots in the eponymous, impoverished Missouri town, filmmaker cousins bring a sensitive touch to this richly observed and sublimely shot portrait of three boys.
Expected to attend: Tracy Droz TragosI previously profiled the film here.
THE SALT OF THE EARTH
Directors: Wim Wenders & Juliano Ribeiro Salgado
An insider and outsider’s perspective on photographer Sebastiao Salgado and the nature preserve Instituto Terra.
TALES OF THE GRIM SLEEPER
Director: Nick Broomfield
Nick Broomfield digs into a true crime story of a Los Angeles serial killer that raises larger questions about gender, race and class inequalities.
Expected to attend: Nick Broomfield
Why You Should Attend:
Last year, nine out of DOC NYC’s ten Short List selections ended up making it on the Academy’s own short list for Best Documentary Feature. With five more picks this year, audiences have a chance to revisit even more possible Oscar contenders that debuted earlier this year. Among their number are jury winners from Cannes, Sundance, SXSW, and Tribeca, as well as standouts from Toronto, and the NYFF.
More Info:
To purchase tickets, click on the individual titles above, and follow links for ticketing; or check out the new options for Passes.
what (not) to doc 