Category Archives: Film

Coming to VOD today, Tuesday, November 18: HOTLINE

Tony Shaff’s exploration of the power of connections made between strangers debuted at Hot Docs. It has gone on to screen at DOC NYC, New Orleans, Denver, Portland, Rhode Island, Brooklyn, and Camden. Gravitas Ventures now releases the film on iTunes and other VOD platforms.

I previously wrote about the film for DOC NYC’s program, saying:
Once ubiquitous, but surprisingly still in regular use despite our increasingly detached digital world, telephone hotlines connect strangers for a multiplicity of purposes. Some are for profit, others for the public good – from the titillation of phone sex or the spiritual advice of Ms. Cleo, to the lifesaving potential of a suicide prevention line. Tony Shaff’s inquisitive film explores what motivates individuals to reveal personal details of their lives in conversations with faceless strangers.

Coming to Fusion tomorrow, Tuesday, November 18: TRUE SON

Kevin Gordon’s profile of a young politician bowed at Tribeca this Spring. It went on to SF DocFest, Oakland Underground, the United Nations Association, and Indie Memphis before a limited theatrical release.

I previously wrote about the doc upon its theatrical release here.

Coming to HBO tonight, Monday, November 17: BANKSY DOES NEW YORK

Chris Moukarbel’s exploration of a month-long public art sensation debuted at the Hamptons last month. It went on to screen at DOC NYC this past weekend.

I previously wrote about the film for DOC NYC’s program, saying:
Last October, when infamous street artist Banksy revealed his New York City residency, he set off a daily scavenger hunt among curious fans, would-be art collectors, and, of course, the police. With camera phones at the ready, everyone wanted a piece of his ephemeral works before they were destroyed – or removed for profit. Chris Moukarbel tracks the course of Banksy’s secretly created public works from the Lower East Side to Staten Island, Williamsburg to Willets Point, and explores the unprecedented speed of the public’s reaction.

Coming to Audience DirecTV tomorrow, Saturday, November 15: LUCKY

Laura Checkoway’s portrait of an edgy aspiring model with a troubled past debuted at Hot Docs last year. It went on to screen at DOC NYC, BAFICI, Urbanworld, and Atlanta, among others.

I included the film in my Hot Docs coverage, which may be found here.