Category Archives: Documentary

Coming to theatres today, Friday, November 17:
ATOMIC HOMEFRONT

Director:
Rebecca Cammisa

Premiere:
AFI Docs 2017

Select Festivals:
DOC NYC, St Louis, DocuWest, Hot Springs Doc

About:
Ordinary citizens uncover the atomic secrets of St Louis.

The film screened as part of DOC NYC, for which our program notes read:
Oscar®-nominated filmmaker Rebecca Cammisa (WHICH WAY HOME, SISTER HELEN) explores the atomic secrets of St Louis MO documenting the history of a uranium processing center. The film investigates how government and corporate negligence led to the illegal dumping of Manhattan Project radioactive waste throughout North County neighborhoods. We witness the power of a citizens’ movement that confronts state and federal agencies in an effort to get to the truth and keep their families safe.

Coming to theatres and to Netflix tomorrow, Friday, November 17:
JIM & ANDY: THE GREAT BEYOND – FEATURING A VERY SPECIAL, CONTRACTUALLY OBLIGATED MENTION OF TONY CLIFTON

Director:
Chris Smith

Premiere:
Venice 2017

Select Festivals:
DOC NYC, Toronto, AFI Fest

About:
A candid behind-the-scenes look at an actor committing to a role.

The film screened as part of DOC NYC, for which our program notes read:
Director Chris Smith (AMERICAN MOVIE) teams with producer Spike Jonze to create an unforgettable portrait of two comedians, Jim Carrey and Andy Kaufman. Carrey was so dedicated to embodying the role of comedian Kaufman that he constantly stayed in character for the months of filming THE MAN ON THE MOON. During that time, a camera crew captured his disruptive behavior on and off set. Now that footage is interwoven with a probing new interview with Carrey.

Coming to Discovery tonight, Thursday, November 16:
HOT GREASE

Directors:
Sam Wainwright Douglas, Paul Lovelace, and Jessica Wolfson

Premiere:
DOC NYC 2017

About:
An intimate and at times humorous portrait of an unstoppable Holocaust survivor.

I previously wrote about the film for DOC NYC’s program, saying:
Over the past decade, biodiesel has developed from a curiosity to a growing industry with the potential to undercut the dominance of Big Oil and fuel America’s transportation needs – and it all starts with recycled cooking oil. Once considered waste, fast-food grease is now a hot commodity, supporting a cottage industry of grease collectors and even grease thieves. Sam Wainwright Douglas, Paul Lovelace, and Jessica Wolfson’s engaging film profiles biodiesel’s innovators, entrepreneurs, and influential supporters like Senator Al Franken, working to ensure the future of this green energy source.

Coming to theatres this Friday, November 17:
BIG SONIA

Directors:
Leah Warshawski and Todd Soliday

Premiere:
Napa Valley 2016

Select Festivals:
DOC NYC, Seattle, Cleveland, Sun Valley, Big Sky Doc, Milwaukee, Durban, Jewish fests in San Francisco, Boston, Atlanta, Palm beach, Charlotte, Kansas City, Southampton, and Miami

About:
An intimate and at times humorous portrait of an unstoppable Holocaust survivor.

I previously wrote about the film for DOC NYC’s program, saying:
As one of the few remaining survivors of the Holocaust, Sonia has shared her inspirational story for years. More recently, after initial resistance, her daughter has joined her, taking on the legacy so that no one ever forgets. The colorful 90-year-old, filmmaker Leah Warshawski’s grandmother, has spent decades honoring another legacy, running her late husband’s tailoring business, the last shop in an otherwise dead mall. When she is served with an eviction notice, Sonia must face her biggest fear: retirement.

Coming to theatres today, Wednesday, November 15:
REBELS ON POINTE

Director:
Bobbi Jo Hart

Premiere:
Santa Barbara 2017

Select Festivals:
DOC NYC, Hot Docs, DocEdge, Raindance, Calgary, Vancouver, Ashland, Hot Springs Doc, Cuculorus, Napa Valley, AmDocs, Frameline, Outfest, Inside Out, QDocs, LGBT fests in Amsterdam, Miami, Denver, Austin, Atlanta, and Rochester

About:
An intimate look at a long-running all-male drag ballet troupe.

I previously wrote about the film for DOC NYC’s program, saying:
New York City’s Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo has charmed audiences for more than four decades, bringing the dance form to a modern audience… with a decided twist. Formed in an era of newfound gay liberation, the Trocks, as the all-male troupe is affectionately known, fuses camp humor with classical ballet, performing in drag and lending a refreshing satirical edge that upends elitist expectations of the art form. Bobbi Jo Hart reveals the past and present of this talented ensemble as they perform around the world.

Coming to DVD tomorrow, Tuesday, November 14:
KEDI

Director:
Ceyda Torun

Premiere:
!f Istanbul 2016

Select Festivals:
DOC NYC, Full Frame, Sheffield, Seattle, Melbourne, Vancouver, DocPoint, Goteborg, Salem, Palm Springs

About:
Istanbul through the eyes of its colorful street cats.

I previously wrote about the doc here.