My preview of 2016 DOC NYC film programming concludes with a look at our Shorts offerings, which have once again expanded to include special presentations in addition to thematic programs, shorts screening before features, and student film focused DOC NYC U:
Shorts Programs
Thematic groupings in 10 separate programs:
THE ARTIST IS PRESENT
Five portraits of artists in five different mediums.
CONCERNING HER
Stories about women and their work.
THE CREATIVE SPARK
Films about artistic inspiration and creativity.
I ♥ NY
Short films about New York, NY. If you can make it here…
L-O-V-E
Four letters that make the world go round.
PERSPECTIVES
Enigmas, innovations and histories.
SPEAKING UP SPEAKING OUT
Films on seeking justice.
THRILLS & AGONIES
The sporting life, on and off the field.
CLINICA DE MIGRANTES + EMERGENCY ROOM (pictured above)
Two shorts offer contrasting looks at health care: a volunteer-run clinic serving undocumented Latinos and an understaffed hospital in small-town China.
LA LAGUNA + A HOUSE WITHOUT SNAKES
Two short films explore the lives of young people caught between their traditional communities and the promise of modern living.
Shorts Before Features
Nine short films will screen prior to feature presentations:
Barbie Beach
A quirky couple explains their odd artistic hobby, which has captured the attention of their small community.Screening before THE INCOMPARABLE ROSE HARTMAN.
Culcha
In the foothills of Jamaica, a man struggles to relate to his father.Screening before VISITOR’S DAY.
Dangerous Curves
An amusement park serves as a haven for a young woman with a troubled past.Screening before THE JONESES.
Grandma Shirley
A woman must come to terms with moving into an assisted-living community.Screening before PLEASE REMEMBER ME.
High Chaparral
An unconventional Swedish amusement park serves a new, unanticipated purpose.Screening before SERENADE FOR HAITI.
Keeping Balance
An amusement park serves as a haven for a young woman with a troubled past.Screening before CIRCUS KID.
Skatekeet
A 10-year-old bucks gender expectations to pursue her passion for skateboarding.Screening before BECOMING MORE VISIBLE.
Soul City
In 1970s North Carolina, Black Power activists set out to build a multiracial utopia.Screening before AGENTS OF CHANGE.
Stepping Up
Musicians and their families attempt to balance the roles of artist, caregiver and patient.Screening before CARE.
Special Programs
Two programs specially curated by festival partners:
FUSION PROJECT EARTH DOC CHALLENGE
Filmmakers from around the world were challenged to create short documentaries focused on the environment in just five days.
THE NEW YORK TIMES OP-DOCS: A CONVERSATION ON RACE
In this series, a broad group of contributors with diverse perspectives aim to advance discussions about the state of race relations in America. An extended conversation will accompany the screening.
DOC NYC U
Our showcase of NYC university documentary programs returns, adding an additional school:
Hunter College
A spotlight on work being made by students in Hunter College’s MFA Program in Integrated Media Arts.
New York Film Academy
A spotlight on work being made by students in NYFA’s intensive, hands-on programs in documentary filmmaking.
New York University
A spotlight on work being made by students in NYU Journalism’s News and Documentary program.
Columbia University
A spotlight on work being made by students in The Documentary Project at Columbia Journalism School.
School of Visual Arts
A spotlight on work being made by students in the School of Visual Arts’ MFA Social Documentary Film, SocDoc.
Why You Should Attend:
Festivals offer a rare chance for short filmmakers to engage directly with audiences, and for viewers to witness the promising emerging nonfiction filmmakers of the future.
More Info:
For full descriptions, a list of expected special guests, and to purchase tickets, click on the individual titles above, and follow links for ticketing, where still available. Or consider purchasing one of DOC NYC’s Pass options for access to a variety of programming.

























