Category Archives: Recommendations

Available for free online now:
THANK YOU FOR COMING

Director:
Sara Lamm

World Premiere:
LA Film Festival 2017

Select Festivals:
DOC NYC, Woodstock, Carmel

About:
An in-depth look back at the Chinese student protest movement that captivated the world three decades ago.

I previously wrote about the film for DOC NYC’s program, saying:
More than a decade after learning she was conceived via a sperm donor, filmmaker Sara Lamm is still on the hunt for her biological father. Using online registries and the scant clues provided by her parents, she is able to track down Jennifer, a woman sharing remarkable similarities who might just possibly be her half-sister. Working together, they become genealogical detectives, navigating ancestry databases and DNA tests as they explore the meaning and power of family in this alternately funny and bittersweet personal film.

Photo © Agence Vu/Gabriel | Courtesy PBS

Director:
Ian MacMillan

World Premiere:
PBS (June 2019)

About:
An in-depth look back at the Chinese student protest movement that captivated the world three decades ago.

In the decade following China’s opening up to the Western world, the country had experienced unprecedented reform, but its leaders remained resistant to the growing voice of the people and rumblings of demands for more democratic freedoms. Following the death of a former Communist Party head and reformist, Hu Yaobang, protests began in Beijing’s iconic Tiananmen Square, with students largely leading the charge. Director Ian MacMillan’s film follows the seven weeks beginning from this point in mid-April 1989 as demonstrations grew and spread around the country, creating division within the Communist Party leadership as to how to address the crisis. Eventually, hardline tactics saw troops let loose on the peaceful protest, resulting in a bloody massacre on June 3 and 4 that drew the attention of the entire world. Drawing from extensive archival footage as well as the reflections of protestors, the film contextualizes this pivotal event in China’s history and explores its continuing impact.

Photo by Kimmer Olesak

Director:
David Sutherland

Premiere:
San Diego Latino 2019

Select Festivals:
Salem, Garden State, Ft Myers

About:
A Marine Corps vet struggles to reunite her family after her husband is deported to Mexico.

I previously wrote about the doc here.

Coming to PBS’s POV tonight, Monday, June 24:
THE GOSPEL OF EUREKA

Directors:
Michael Palmieri and Donal Mosher

Premiere:
SXSW 2018

Select Festivals:
Sheffield, AFI Docs, Nashville, BAMcinemaFest, Provincetown, Indie Grits, Ashland, Frameline, Portland QDoc

About:
A small Arkansas town hosts both a spectacular Passion Play and a gospel drag show.

I previously wrote about the doc here.

New to DVD this week:
OZONE HOLE: HOW WE SAVED THE PLANET

Director:
Jamie Lochhead

Premiere:
InScience 2018

About:
A look back at how the world came together to address a potential global catastrophe.

I previously wrote about the doc here.