Category Archives: Recommendations

New to VOD this week:
THE DISRUPTED

Director:
Sarah Colt

Co-Director:
Josh Gleason

World Premiere:
DOK.fest Munich 2020

Select Festivals:
Mountainfilm, Woods Hole

About:
A portrait of three working class individuals facing disruption and change in their economic situations.

I previously wrote about the doc here.

Coming to DVD today, Tuesday, October 13:
THE DOG DOC

Director:
Cindy Meehl

World Premiere:
Tribeca 2019

Select Festivals:
Nantucket, Boulder, Palm Springs, Sedona, St Louis, Hot Springs Doc, Heartland, Mill Valley, Berkshire

About:
A portrait of a pioneering alternative holistic veterinarian.

I previously wrote about the doc here.

Coming to virtual cinemas and to VOD today, Tuesday, October 13:
TOTALLY UNDER CONTROL

Director:
Alex Gibney, Ophelia Harutyunyan, and Suzanne Hillinger

World Premiere:
Drive-in engagements (October 2020)

About:
A thorough investigation of the failures of the US government to properly manage the COVID-19 pandemic.

Synthesizing the detection, spread, and failed response to COVID-19 over the past nine months in a surprisingly cogent and relatively concise manner, Alex Gibney, Ophelia Harutyunyan, and Suzanne Hillinger’s film, released less then a month before the US presidential election, has an obvious urgency and mission: to rightfully hold the Trump administration to task. While unlikely to reach, much less convince, die-hard MAGA supporters, one hopes that it may have some impact on those who are either on the fence or potentially considering avoiding the polls. While the film is crystal clear in its criticism of the administration, it backs up its arguments with legitimate science and facts, delivered by actual pandemic experts and whistleblowers, creating a sharp contrast with the federal government’s pandemic response: denial and dismissal of science, management by political yes-men with no scientific expertise, passing the buck to either the Obama administration or to state governments, and sowing misinformation, including unfounded pseudo-science. While those who have been closely following the unfolding story of the pandemic may already know much of what is onscreen, the film’s careful organization of every misstep and deliberate obfuscation allows for focused concentration in contrast to the dizzying news cycle we’ve grown accustomed to over the past seven months. It’s an infuriating watch, and that’s the point.

Coming to Nat Geo Wild tonight, Monday, October 12:
THE LAST ICE

Director:
Scott Ressler

World Premiere:
Mountainfilm 2020

Select Festivals:
Hot Springs Doc, Take One Action, Movies That Matter, Edmonton, United Nations Association

About:
Arctic Inuit communities are threatened by exploitative development made possible by climate change.

In the Arctic, Inuit communities in Canada and Greenland have been separated for centuries by a frozen ocean, developing their own way of life in harmony with nature. As the impact of climate change is felt in rapidly vanishing ice, these communities must face not only a transformation in their traditions, but the encroaching presence of new colonial forces eager to exploit now accessible natural resources and shipping routes. Filmmaker Scott Ressler provides a sobering reality check in his strikingly shot portrait of the fragility of indigenous sovereignty in the face of global corporate interests.

Coming to DVD tomorrow, Tuesday, October 13:
HOUSE OF CARDIN

Directors:
P David Ebersole and Todd Hughes

World Premiere:
Venice 2019

Select Festivals:
DOC NYC, Chicago, Frameline, Provincetown, Palm Springs, Cleveland, RiverRun, Outfest

About:
A portrait of legendary fashion designer Pierre Cardin.

I previously wrote about the doc here.

Coming to VOD today, Friday, October 9:
JIMMY CARTER: ROCK & ROLL PRESIDENT

Director:
Mary Wharton

World Premiere:
Tribeca 2020

Select Festivals:
Nantucket, AFI Docs, Hot Springs Doc, Vancouver, Victoria

About:
A consideration of the importance of popular music in the life and political career of the former US president.

I previously wrote about the doc here.

Coming to VOD tomorrow, Thursday, October 8:
WINE CRUSH (VAS-Y COUPE!)

Directors:
Laura Naylor

World Premiere:
DOC NYC 2019

Select Festivals:
Salem, Vail

About:
A portrait of seasonal labor at a family-owned French vineyard.

The film screened as part of DOC NYC, for which our program notes read:
Director Laura Naylor presents an observational portrait of seasonal labor during the harvest of a family-owned vineyard in France’s Champagne region. Many of the hired hands have returned year after year for decades, becoming part of the celebrated vintner’s extended family. Their closeness lends an affectionate tone to scenes of their everyday activities – work, meals, and off-hours revelry. But as the next generation begins to take over the business in a challenging economy, will these loyal workers survive the transition?

Coming to OVID.tv this Thursday, October 8:
FARMSTEADERS

Director:
Shaena Mallett

World Premiere:
Athens International Film and Video Festival 2018

Select Festivals:
Cucalorus, Big Sky Doc, IFF Boston, Indie Grits, Hot Springs Doc, Newburyport Doc, Chagrin Doc, Southern Circuit

About:
An Ohio couple attempts to restart a family dairy farm.

I previously wrote about the doc here.