2017 DOC NYC in Focus: Special Events

On Thursday, November 9, in just over two weeks, DOC NYC, America’s largest documentary festival, kicks off its eighth edition. As the fest’s Director of Programming, I’ve led the film selection, and, as in years past, will briefly spotlight programming here in the lead-up to opening night, beginning with two of our tentpole screenings:

Special Events

THE FINAL YEAR

THE FINAL YEAR
Director: Greg Barker
OPENING NIGHT
NYC PREMIERE
Greg Barker gives an unprecedented look at the shaping of US foreign policy by following key members of outgoing US President Barack Obama’s administration.
Expected to attend: Director Greg Barker, Ben Rhodes and other members of the Obama administration

ERIC CLAPTON: LIFE IN 12 BARS / Photo: Ron Pownall

ERIC CLAPTON: LIFE IN 12 BARS
Director: Lili Fini Zanuck
CLOSING NIGHT
NYC PREMIERE
An intimate, revealing musical odyssey on the life and career of guitar virtuoso Eric Clapton, told by those who have known him best.
Expected to attend: Director Lili Fini Zanuck, subject Eric Clapton

FAR FROM THE TREE

FAR FROM THE TREE
Director: Rachel Dretzin
CENTERPIECE
WORLD PREMIERE
An adaptation of Andrew Solomon’s bestselling book examining how parents face their children’s extreme differences, challenging ideas of “normalcy.”
Expected to attend: Director Rachel Dretzin, author Andrew Solomon

WORMWOOD

WORMWOOD
Director: Errol Morris
SPECIAL EVENT
NYC PREMIERE
DOC NYC’s Visionaries Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Errol Morris investigates the 1953 death of a CIA agent in this innovative new project.
Expected to attend: Director Errol Morris

Visionaries Tribute
This annual event gathers a who’s who of the documentary world to celebrate key figures in today’s nonfiction renaissance. This year’s event, taking place on Thursday, November 9, recognizes Errol Morris and HBO’s Sheila Nevins with Lifetime Achievement Awards, Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady with the Robert and Anne Drew Award for Documentary Excellence, and the Ford Foundation|JustFilms’ Cara Mertes with the Leading Light Award.

More Info:
For screening details 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 several Pass options for access to a variety of programming.