Category Archives: Recommendations

Coming to PBS’s Doc World this Sunday, October 7:
VISITOR’S DAY

Director:
Nicole Opper

Premiere:
AFI Docs 2016

Select Festivals:
DOC NYC, Miami, SF Latino, San Diego Latino, Guadalajara, Mill Valley

About:
A runaway tries to reconnect with his father.

I previously wrote about the film for DOC NYC’s program, saying:
Escaping an abusive home, Juan Carlos spent years on the streets of Mexico City before finding his way to a unique group home for runaway boys. As the 16-year-old adjusts to his new surroundings, receives educational and job training, and learns to trust adults again, he still longs for a connection to his father. With visitor’s day looming, will Juan Carlos find what he’s looking for, or only suffer disappointment once again?

New to DVD this week:
WILLIAM AND THE WINDMILL

Director:
Ben Nabors

Premiere:
SXSW 2013

Select Festivals:
Hot Docs, CPH:DOX, Virginia, Ashland, Camden, Bahamas, Leeds, SF DocFest, Sydney, BAMcinemaFest, Jerusalem

About:
A portrait of an industrious young Malawian man.

I previously wrote about the doc here.

Coming to VOD today, Tuesday, October 2:
WHITNEY

Director:
Kevin Macdonald

Premiere:
Cannes 2018

Select Festivals:
Edinburgh, Sydney, Munich, Biografilm

About:
A candid exploration of the rise and fall of Whitney Houston.

I previously wrote about the doc here.

Coming to theatres today, Friday, September 28 and Wednesday, October 3:
ABOVE AND BEYOND: NASA’S JOURNEY TO TOMORROW

Director:
Rory Kennedy

Premiere:
Sarasota 2018

Select Festivals:
Nantucket, AFI Docs, Hamptons, Martha’s Vineyard, GlobeDocs

About:
A celebration of the pioneering and continuing work of NASA.

I previously wrote about the doc for Nantucket’s program, saying:
In 1961, President John F Kennedy famously challenged NASA to put a man on the moon by the decade’s end. This year, on the occasion of NASA’s 60th anniversary, acclaimed director Rory Kennedy, JFK’s niece, considers the agency’s breathtaking achievements and ability to inspire wonder: NASA has taken us to the moon, to the surface of Mars, and beyond the solar system, but, just as importantly, it has played a vital, ongoing role in expanding our knowledge of our own imperiled planet.