Category Archives: Recommendations

Coming to theatres tomorrow, Friday, September 11: MEET THE PATELS

Geeta V Patel and Ravi V Patel’s funny look at love and tradition had its world premiere at Hot Docs last year, where it claimed an audience award. Its festival circuit also included DOC NYC, Los Angeles, Traverse City, CNEX Doc, Hamptons, Hot Springs Doc, Citizen Jane, San Diego Asian, Dubai, Sebastopol Doc, Bentonville, Seattle, and Sydney, among others.

I previously wrote about the film for DOC NYC’s program, saying:
Nearing 30, first-generation Indian-American Ravi Patel breaks up with his secret white girlfriend to seek the Indian woman of his parents’ dreams – who should also be named Patel, keeping with tradition. Eliciting the matchmaking skills of his hilarious, unforgettable parents, Ravi – with sister Geeta behind the camera – subjects himself to delightfully awkward blind dates across North America, a bride-hunting trip to India, and even a Patel convention, as he questions if he’s really doing this for himself or for his family.

New to DVD this week: SHOWRUNNERS: THE ART OF RUNNING A TV SHOW

Des Doyle’s exploration of the television creative process made its premiere at Dublin’s Stranger Than Fiction doc festival. Screenings followed in Zurich, Austin, New York and Los Angeles.

I previously wrote about the doc here.

Coming to DVD today, Tuesday, September 8: BLACKOUT

Callie T Wiser’s revisitation of an infamous citywide power outage debuted as part of PBS’ American Experience series this Summer.

I previously wrote about the doc here.

Coming to DVD tomorrow, Tuesday, September 8: THE LAST IMPRESARIO

Gracie Otto’s profile of an unsung creative made its bow at BFI London in 2013. Other screenings have included DOC NYC, Hamptons, Dubai, Glasgow, Biografilm, and Sydney.

I previously wrote about the doc here.

Coming to theatres and VOD tomorrow, Friday, September 4: STEVE JOBS: THE MAN IN THE MACHINE

Alex Gibney’s exploration of the pioneering Apple co-founder made its debut at SXSW earlier this year. Other fests have included Nantucket, San Francisco, Seattle, AFI Docs, and Melbourne, among others.

I previously wrote about the film for Nantucket’s program, saying:
When Steve Jobs died in 2011, he left behind not only the Apple empire, with all of its MacBooks, iPhones, iPods, and iPads, but millions of devoted – if not rabid – followers of his cult of better living through technology. An iPhone devotee himself, Academy Award-winning director Alex Gibney sets out to understand the world-shaping genius and why he continues to engender such reverence. In the process, Gibney offers not only a candid look at the iconoclast’s many successes, but a critical examination of his failings, both professional and personal. Drawing from a wealth of archival interviews with Jobs, as well as new footage of former colleagues, the film crafts an engrossing portrait of a complex, influential, and flawed figure.