Author Archives: basiltsiokos

Premiere:
New York Film Festival 1970

About:
A classic behind-the-scenes look at the album recording of a Sondheim musical.

As explained in its opening card, Pennebaker was approached to film the album recording as a pilot for an intended television series, but the larger project never took off after the lead producers left NYC to head MGM in Hollywood. What remains is this compelling hour-long film, one of Pennebaker’s most enjoyable projects. The Direct Cinema master films the marathon 14-hour recording session with the COMPANY cast, plus a notable pick up shot a few days later, distilling it into a compelling exploration of artists performing under intense pressure. Recorded just after COMPANY debuted on Broadway, the cast gamely belts out their songs as the session wears on, taking direction from the cocky young Stephen Sondheim and producer Thomas Shepard. It all culminates in the dramatic final scene, the recording of the final song, Elaine Stritch’s solo “The Ladies Who Lunch,” which doesn’t go according to plan despite take after take.

Coming to Discovery+ today, Monday, August 16:
THE SMARTEST KIDS IN THE WORLD

Director:
Tracy Droz Tragos

World Premiere:
DOC NYC 2018

About:
American teens studying abroad offer a lens on contrasting educational systems.

The film screened as part of DOC NYC, for which our program notes read:
Based on Amanda Ripley’s bestselling book, Tracy Droz Tragos’ film follows four American teenagers who go abroad to study in the Netherlands, Finland, Switzerland, and South Korea–nations that dramatically outperform the US in education. Following her acclaimed debut about three boys in an impoverished community, RICH HILL, the filmmaker now turns to those who are most impacted by the shortcomings of the US education system—students themselves—to find out what could improve our schools.

Coming to MUBI today, Friday, August 13:
THE AMERICAN SECTOR

Director:
Courtney Stephens, Pacho Velez

World Premiere:
Berlin 2020

Select Festivals:
Art of the Real, Docaviv, Camden, AFI Fest, RIDM, Maryland

About:
A road trip tracking several of the remnants of the Berlin Wall now held by American collectors and institutions.

Coming to theatres and VOD today Friday, August 13:
THE MEANING OF HITLER

Director:
Petra Epperlein, Michael Tucker

World Premiere:
DOC NYC 2020

Select Festivals:
Docaviv, Atlanta Jewish, Sofia, Philadelphia

About:
A provocative consideration of the lasting influence and draw of Hitler.

The film screened as part of DOC NYC, for which our program notes read:
What can history tell us about the present? Filmmakers Petra Epperlein and Michael Tucker search for answers, taking inspiration from Sebastian Haffner’s 1978 German best-selling book The Meaning of Hitler. Shot in nine countries, the film explores what Hitler means in the current waves of white supremacy, antisemitism, and the weaponization of history. We hear provocative insights from historians and writers such as Martin Amis, Deborah Lipstadt, and Saul Friedlander, along with famed Nazi hunters Beate and Serge Klarsfeld, on why understanding history is more urgent than ever. 

Coming to theatres and virtual cinemas tomorrow, Friday, August 13:
SEARCHING FOR MR RUGOFF

Director:
Ira Deutchman

World Premiere:
DOC NYC 2019

Select Festivals:
Palm Springs, Cleveland, Wisconsin, Galway, Mill Valley

About:
A look back at the outsized personality behind legendary art house distributor Cinema 5.

The film screened as part of DOC NYC, for which our program notes read:
Ira Deutchman reveals the untold story of the creative genius behind 1960s-’70s film distribution company Cinema 5. Filmmakers, critics, collaborators, and family members paint a vivid portrait of Donald Rugoff, a volatile, self-destructive, and fearless champion of independent and art films. Drawing from a rich archive and colorful interviews, veteran distributor, producer, and former Rugoff employee Deutchman brings us closer to his legendary and controversial mentor, who took risks and fought for great cinema while facing personal battles of his own.