Category Archives: Recommendations

Coming to DVD today, Tuesday, May 4:
FTA

Director:
Francine Parker

World Premiere:
Theatrical release (July 1972)

About:
A chronicle of the controversial anti-Vietnam War political vaudeville tour of American military bases, fronted by Jane Fonda and Donald Sutherland.

I previously wrote about the doc here.

Currently in virtual cinemas:
IN SILICO

Director:
Noah Hutton

World Premiere:
DOC NYC 2020

Select Festivals:
CPH:DOX

About:
The filmmaker traces a project to build a brain simulation over a decade.

The film screened as part of DOC NYC, for which our program notes read:
Director Noah Hutton embarks on a 10-year project following a visionary neuroscientist’s quest to build a computer simulation of a brain. With unprecedented access to the inner workings of a multimillion-dollar scientific project led by Henry Markram and a roster of characters that involves the who’s who of neuroscience, the audience is led on a journey that poses provocative philosophical, ethical, and scientific questions.

Coming to virtual cinemas today, Friday, April 30:
DOPE IS DEATH

Director:
Mia Donovan

World Premiere:
True/False 2020

Select Festivals:
DOC NYC, IDFA, Hot Docs, Denver

About:
The story of a pioneering acupuncture detoxification program led by the Black Panthers and the young Lords in 1970s South Bronx.

I previously wrote about the doc here.

Coming to theatres and to virtual cinemas tomorrow, Friday, April 30:
DUTY FREE

Director:
Sian-Pierre Regis

World Premiere:
DOC NYC 2020

Select Festivals:
Big Sky, Miami, ACT Human Rights

About:
As his recently laid off mother struggles to find a new job at the age of 75, the filmmaker celebrates her lifetime of self-sacrifice.

The film screened as part of DOC NYC, for which our program notes read:
After stints as a contributor to CNN and MTV, Sian-Pierre Regis makes his directing debut with this poignant story about his immigrant mother, Rebecca Danigelis. At the age of 75, she’s fired from her lifelong job as a hotel housekeeper. She has scant savings after supporting two sons as a single mother. As his mother struggles to find a new job and faces ageism, Sian-Pierre cares for Rebecca by giving her an unforgettable adventure. Their story was covered in The New York Times article, “My Retirement Plan Is You,” and resonates for a whole generation of adults grappling with how to care for their parents.

Coming to DVD tomorrow, Tuesday, April 27:
OTTOLENGHI AND THE CAKES OF VERSAILLES

Director:
Laura Gabbert

World Premiere:
Tribeca 2020 (unscreened)

Select Festivals:
Hot Docs, Sedona, Hot Springs Doc, Florida

About:
Renowned chef Yotam Ottolenghi assembles a confectionary tribute to Versailles for the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

I previously wrote about the doc here.