Category Archives: Recommendations

Coming to PBS’s POV tonight, Monday, September 17:
93QUEEN

Director:
Paula Eiselt

Premiere:
Hot Docs 2018

Select Festivals:
San Francisco Jewish, Marfa, Charlotte Jewish

About:
A driven woman faces controversy when she sets out to form the first all-female Hasidic EMT corps.

I previously wrote about the doc here.

Coming to theatres and to Netflix today, Thursday, September 13:
REVERSING ROE

Directors:
Ricki Stern and Annie Sundberg

Premiere:
Telluride 2018

About:
An exploration of the politicization of the abortion debate over time.

Coming at a sadly all-too-timely moment in American political history, Stern and Sundberg’s carefully composed and illuminating film puts into perspective abortion both before Roe v Wade, when the procedure was generally considered a personal matter between women (or couples) and their doctors, and after, when it quickly erupted into a deeply divisive political issue, spurred on by a highly mobilized evangelical Christian base. While the film covers somewhat familiar ground about TRAP laws already explored in other documentaries on the topic, this makes it no less urgent as it chronicles the coordinated campaigns by anti-choice forces to put ever-increasing restrictions on abortion providers, leading to widespread closures of clinics and reduced access to women in need of such services, with the ultimate goal of reversing Roe via a conservative, anti-choice US Supreme Court. Significantly, Stern and Sundberg don’t rely on preaching to only one choir here, instead giving space for both sides of the bitter debate to have their say, and offering hope that they might watch – though it’s hard to be optimistic that they’ll find any common ground.

Coming to PBS’s American Masters tomorrow, Friday, September 14:
BASQUIAT: RAGE TO RICHES

Director:
David Shulman

Premiere:
BBC broadcast (October 2017)

About:
An exploration of the life and art of Jean-Michel Basquiat.

Basquiat emerged in late 1970s New York, anonymously using the graffiti tag SAMO© together with collaborator Al Diaz. Eventually, he revealed himself, alienating Diaz and launching himself fully into the vibrant arts and cultural scene with his expressive, singular paintings. Using evocative period footage and interviews with Basquiat’s sisters, friends, and lovers, as well as fellow artists and gallerists, Shulman’s thoughtful film traces the artist’s rise to fame, while also exploring formative influences, and the subtle and overt racism that threatened to limit his potential, and, ultimately, contributed to the self-destructive behavior that cost him his life at the age of only 27.

Coming to theatres this Friday, September 14:
ANTONIO LOPEZ 1970: SEX FASHION & DISCO

Director:
James Crump

Premiere:
London 2017

Select Festivals:
DOC NYC, IDFA, Guadalajara

About:
A portrait of an unheralded figure in the 1970s fashion scene.

The film screened as part of DOC NYC, for which our program notes read:
Antonio Lopez was the most influential fashion illustrator of 1970s New York and Paris, known for discovering talents such as Pat Cleveland, Grace Jones, and Jerry Hall. Filmmaker James Crump takes us back to the swinging seventies when fashion designers and their entourages gained the prominence of rock stars. He explores the intimate relationship between Antonio and Karl Lagerfeld, while unpacking Lagerfeld’s deep-seated rivalry with Yves Saint Laurent. Interviews with Grace Coddington, Jessica Lange, Bill Cunningham, and many others bring this crucial chapter of fashion history to vivid life.

Coming to theatres tonight, Wednesday, September 12:
LIFE IN THE DOGHOUSE

Director:
Ron Davis

Premiere:
Provincetown 2018

Select Festivals:
Frameline, Newport, Sedona

About:
A gay couple turns their home into a dog rescue.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, partners Danny and Ron traveled from their home in North Carolina to lend their support. When they discovered that many dogs had to be left behind during the evacuation and flooding, the pair stepped in. Without intending to, the professional show horse trainers had discovered a new mission in life, and continued their efforts since, taking in unwanted and problem canines through their nonprofit, Danny & Ron’s Rescue, successfully adopting out 10,000 dogs over the next ten years. Davis’ affectionate and often emotional film brings viewers into the controlled chaos of their home – regularly shared with 70 dogs – and offers insight into their passionate advocacy for animals.

Coming to VOD today, Tuesday, September 11:
TWO TRAINS RUNNIN’

Director:
Sam Pollard

Premiere:
Full Frame 2016

Select Festivals:
New York, New Orleans, Sheffield, Traverse City, Vancouver, Portland, DocuWest, deadCENTER, March on Washington, Hot Springs Doc, Woodstock, Austin, Chicago

About:
A chronicle of the 1964 search for unsung blues performers.

I previously wrote about the doc here.

New to DVD today, Tuesday, September 11:
WYETH

Director:
Glenn Holsten

Premiere:
Provincetown 2018

About:
An exploration of the popular American painter Andrew Wyeth.

I previously wrote about the doc here.