About: In 2009, Bebe Zahara Benet was crowned the first winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race, but the franchise hadn’t yet achieved notoriety, so without an infrastructure to support her next steps, Bebe is confronted with the fickleness of fame.
Coming to HBO and HBO Max today, Monday, June 20: MIND OVER MURDER
Director: Nanfu Wang
World Premiere: HBO (June 2022)
About: A docuseries chronicling the bizarre and psychologically complex story of the “Beatrice Six,” convicted for the 1985 murder of a beloved 68- year-old grandmother, Helen Wilson, in Beatrice, Nebraska, but later exonerated by DNA evidence, dividing the rural town.
Notable Recognition: The film was was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.
About: An in-depth investigation into the racially motivated murder of Vincent Chin, a Chinese American, murdered by two white men, Ronald Ebens and Michael Nitz, in Detroit, Michigan on June 19, 1982, and a chronicle of how the case brought together disparate Asian American communities into a national movement. Re-presented in commemoration of the 40th anniversary of Chin’s murder.
About: Two 16-year-olds film themselves with a cell phone to tell the story of their friendship, the tragedy of Davide, and their lives in the rough Traiano district of Naples.
Coming to theatres tomorrow, Friday, June 17: BITTERBRUSH
Director: Emelie Mahdavian
World Premiere: Telluride 2021
Select Festivals: Visions du Réel, San Francisco, Sydney
About: Two women set up camp at a tiny cabin and begin their season of work, to feed their dreams: to own their own livestock, to have true independence, and to start a family.
Coming to theatres tomorrow, Friday, June 17: STAY PRAYED UP
Director: DL Anderson, Matt Durning
World Premiere: Telluride 2021
Select Festivals: DOC NYC, Virginia
About: The gospel trio The Branchettes prepare to record their live album in the modest congregation of their youth, in this passionate yet humble portrait of an artist.
Coming to ESPN and ESPN+’s 30 for 30 series today, Wednesday, June 15: DREAM ON
Director: Kristen Lappas
World Premiere: ESPN (June 2022)
About: A look back at the 1996 USA Women’s Basketball Dream Team and the 14-month odyssey that would forever change the landscape of women’s athletics.