Category Archives: Recommendations

Coming to The WORLD Channel’s America ReFramed today, Tuesday, May 25:
HAMTRAMCK, USA

Director:
Razi Jafri, Justin Feltman

World Premiere:
SXSW 2020 (unscreened)

Select Festivals:
DOC NYC, DOXA, Sarasota, St Louis, CAAMFest, Melbourne Doc, Virginia

About:
An election in America’s first majority Muslim city splits the community along ethnic lines.

The film screened as part of DOC NYC, for which our program notes read:
Formerly a solid Polish Catholic town, Hamtramck MI is America’s first majority Muslim city. During one election cycle, popular incumbent Karen Majewski faces Muslim challenger Mohammed Hassan for mayor, and the typically harmonious, culturally commingling community begins to split along ethnic lines. Going behind the scenes of small-town politics to explore the beauty and challenges that come with multiculturalism, Razi Jafri and Justin Feltman’s film is a heartwarming reminder that civility and respect can coexist in our political races.

Coming to virtual cinemas tomorrow, Friday, May 21:
TWO GODS

Director:
Zeshawn Ali

World Premiere:
Full Frame 2020 (unscreened)

Select Festivals:
DOC NYC, BlackStar, Montclair, Hot Docs, Camden

About:
A Black Muslim casket maker mentors two boys.

I previously wrote about the doc here.

Coming to DVD today, Tuesday, May 18:
WOJNAROWICZ

Director:
Chris McKim

World Premiere:
Tribeca 2020 (unscreened) / DOC NYC 2020

Select Festivals:
Hot Docs

About:
A powerful elegy to the late New York artist, writer, and filmmaker.

I previously wrote about the doc here.

Coming to theatres and to virtual cinemas tomorrow, Friday, May 14:
LOS HERMANOS/THE BROTHERS

Director:
Marcia Jarmel, Ken Schneider

World Premiere:
Woodstock 2020

Select Festivals:
DOC NYC, Miami, Havana, GlobeDocs, BendFilm, Mill Valley, Ashland

About:
During the thaw in US/Cuban relations, two brothers, both gifted musicians, long separated by borders, reunite for a joint tour through both countries.

The film screened as part of DOC NYC, for which our program notes read:
Brothers and gifted musicians, pianist Aldo and violinist Ilmar were separated during childhood after Ilmar left their native Cuba to study abroad, beginning a lifetime of being physically apart, yet alway connected by music. Brief windows of open US/Cuban relations allow the brothers’ joyous reunions where they revel in each others’ company and create beautiful classical, jazz, and Latin music together. Filmmakers Ken Schneider and Marcia Jarmel take the viewer on a delightful musical tour through Cuba and the US, with appearances from acclaimed violinist Joshua Bell.

New to DVD this week:
MARTIN MARGIELA: IN HIS OWN WORDS

Director:
Reiner Holzemer

World Premiere:
DOC NYC 2019

Select Festivals:
CPH:DOX, New Zealand

About:
The elusive fashion designer reflects on his career.

I previously wrote about the doc here.