Category Archives: Film

On VOD: LOS ULTIMOS FRIKIS

Coming to VOD tomorrow, Friday, September 3:
LOS ULTIMOS FRIKIS

Director:
Nicholas Brennan

World Premiere:
DOC NYC 2019

Select Festivals:
Miami, DOK.Fest Munich, Havana

About:
A Cuban heavy metal band explores their past and their nation’s changing future.

The film screened as part of DOC NYC, for which our program notes read:
Despite restrictions beginning under the regime of Fidel Castro, heavy metal band Zeus became icons of the Cuban music scene. Over the decades, the band and their front man, Diony Arce, have challenged the status quo under threat of government suppression. As the bandmates approach their 30th anniversary together in a shifting political and social climate, they embark on a national tour while contemplating the cultural influence of metal as a genre and music as their life’s purpose.

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In Theatres & On VOD: THE BIG SCARY “S” WORD

Coming to theatres and to VOD tomorrow, Friday, September 3:
THE BIG SCARY “S” WORD

Director:
Yael Bridge

World Premiere:
Mill Valley 2020

Select Festivals:
DOC NYC, Hot Docs, AFI Fest, Big Sky Doc, Cleveland, Wisconsin, Mountainfilm, DOXA, Thessaloniki Doc, Melbourne Doc

About:
A comprehensive exploration of the ideology of socialism, increasingly attracting both supporters and detractors in a polarized America.

The film screened as part of DOC NYC, for which our program notes read:
With debates on income inequality and healthcare becoming increasingly prevalent, and figures like Senator Bernie Sanders rising to prominence, socialism has found a new relevance. As Americans confront 21st century issues, the allure of the economic system attracts politicians and everyday citizens alike to its cause. Through a comprehensive history and expert interviews, Yael Bridge’s film unravels the decades-long debate around this misunderstood ideology.

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Telluride 2021: Documentary Overview

Festival:
The 48th Telluride Film Festival

Dates:
September 2-6

About:
More than 60% of the new feature offerings of this celebrated Colorado cinephile event are represented by nonfiction.

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On VOD: TURNING POINT: 9/11 AND THE WAR ON TERROR

Coming to Netflix today, Wednesday, September 1:
TURNING POINT: 9/11 AND THE WAR ON TERROR

Director:
Brian Knappenberger

World Premiere:
Netflix release (September 2021)

About:
A five-part series examining how the catastrophic events of September 11 changed the course of the United States.

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On DVD: LYDIA LUNCH: THE WAR IS NEVER OVER

New to DVD this week:
LYDIA LUNCH: THE WAR IS NEVER OVER

Director:
Beth B

World Premiere:
DOC NYC 2019

Select Festivals:
SXSW, Rotterdam, Jihlava, Doclisboa, Melbourne, Ashland, Revelation Perth

About:
A career-spanning exploration of the notable cultural figure.

The film screened as part of DOC NYC, for which our program notes read:
Turning trauma into precise and angry feminist rock, American singer, writer, and actress Lydia Lunch helped birth the No Wave music scene in the late 1970s and early ’80s—and she’s still killing it today. Fellow No Wave pioneer Beth B constructs a lively portrait of this innovative performer, whose confrontational artistry resonates loudly in today’s feminist landscape. Critics, filmmakers, musicians, and friends discuss the relevance of Lydia’s brilliantly vitriolic world.

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On VOD: CRIMES AND PENALTIES

Coming to Netflix’s UNTOLD series today, Tuesday, August 31:
CRIMES AND PENALTIES

Director:
Chapman Way, Maclain Way

World Premiere:
Netflix (August 2021)

About:
They were the bad boys of hockey—a team bought by a man with mob ties, run by his 17-year-old son, and with a rep for being as violent as they were good.

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Venice 2021: Documentary Overview

Festival:
The 78th Venice International Film Festival

Dates:
September 1-11

About:
The A list Italian festival returns with approximately 80 features, among them just 14 documentaries, while the autonomous sidebars present 17 docs among their 38 feature presentations, including the following.

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On TV: GENERATION 9/11

Coming to PBS tomorrow, Tuesday, August 31:
GENERATION 9/11

Director:
Liz Mermin

World Premiere:
PBS broadcast (August 2021)

About:
An exploration of the tragedy and legacy of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 through the stories of seven children whose fathers died that day.

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On TV: THE SONG OF THE BUTTERFLIES

Coming to PBS’s POV tonight, Monday, August 30:
THE SONG OF THE BUTTERFLIES

Director:
Nuria Frigola Torrent

World Premiere:
Hot Docs 2020

Select Festivals:
Seattle, Guadalajara, Havana, Lima

About:
Finding himself stumped for artistic inspiration, an Indigenous painter travels from Lima to his ancestral land in Amazonia, absorbing his family’s stories and finding the strength to confront the painful past of a people nearly extinguished.

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Special Screening: SEARCHERS

Coming to NYC’s Rooftop Films tomorrow, Saturday, August 28:
SEARCHERS

Director:
Pacho Velez

World Premiere:
Sundance 2021

Select Festivals:
Docaviv, Visions du Reel, Minneapolis-St Paul, AFI Docs

About:
An exploration of online dating apps and the need for human connection during a time of enforced isolation.

I profiled the doc before Sundance here.

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