what (not) to doc

Coming to VOD tomorrow, Tuesday, October 15:
RUDEBOY: THE STORY OF TROJAN RECORDS

Director:
Nicolas Jack Davies

World Premiere:
London 2018

Select Festivals:
DOC NYC, IDFA, CPH:DOX, Doc’n’Roll, Glastonbury, Thessaloniki Doc

About:
The history of the pioneering label that popularized Jamaican music in the UK and beyond.

The film screened as part of DOC NYC, for which our program notes read:
During the late 1960s and early 70s, London’s Trojan Records label became one of the most influential record companies in history. By tapping into Jamaican migration to England, the label became a force in spreading ska, rocksteady, and reggae. Rich interviews with colorful characters reveal the stories behind beloved songs such as “Rudy, A Message to You,” “The Israelites,” and “You Can Get if You Really Want.” The film celebrates how immigration and innovation transformed popular culture.

Coming to VOD tomorrow, Tuesday, October 15:
WORLDS OF URSULA K LE GUIN

Director:
Arwen Curry

World Premiere:
Sheffield 2018

Select Festivals:
DOC NYC, Ashland, Mill Valley, BendFilm, Austin, Boston Sci-Fi, Berlin Sci-Fi, Sebastopol Doc, Belfast, Newport Beach

About:
An intimate portrait of the pioneering author.

I previously wrote about the doc here.

Coming to PBS’s POV tonight, Monday, October 14:
THE FEELING OF BEING WATCHED

Director:
Assia Boundaoui

World Premiere:
Tribeca 2018

Select Festivals:
Hot Docs, BlackStar, Camden, Glasgow, Double Exposure, GlobeDocs, Chicago, Woodstock, Milwaukee, Human Rights Watch London, Movies That Matter, Freep, CAAMFest

About:
A personal investigation of FBI surveillance of a Muslim American community.

I previously wrote about the doc here.

Coming back to theatres today, Friday, October 11:
EMANUEL

Director:
Brian Ivie

World Premiere:
Bentonville 2018

Select Festivals:
DOC NYC

About:
The aftermath of the church shooting in Charleston.

I previously wrote about the doc here.

Coming to Fuse tomorrow, Friday, October 11:
DON’T BE NICE

Director:
Max Powers

World Premiere:
Hot Docs 2018

Select Festivals:
AFI Docs, Palm Springs, Urbanworld, Bushwick, Black Harvest, Brisbane, Guelph, Vail

About:
The Bowery Slam Poetry Team prepares for the national championships.

I previously wrote about the doc here.

Coming to theatres tomorrow, Friday, October 11:
THE GIFT: THE JOURNEY OF JOHNNY CASH

Director:
Thom Zimny

World Premiere:
SXSW 2019

Select Festivals:
CPH:DOX, Telluride, Nashville, Belfast, Melbourne, New Zealand, Mill Valley

About:
An oral history of and tribute to the legendary country musician.

Taking on a subject as storied as the Man in Black, director Thom Zimny wisely pares things back, opting for an intimate reflection that is largely told from Johnny Cash’s own perspective. While fellow musicians like Emmylou Harrison, Dwight Yoakum, and Bruce Springsteen and family members like daughter Rosanne Cash offer their appreciation for the man and his work, they are left unseen, with the film’s visuals instead reflecting evocative period footage and photos. At the heart of the film is Cash himself recounting his own story, and, further, the significance of the 1968 concert he gave at Folsom Prison. Zimny artfully and comprehensively conveys the scope of Cash’s life, including the demons he battled, and, of course, incorporating a remarkable amount of music, making this a must-see for fans of the artist.

Coming to OVID.tv today, Wednesday, October 9:
MISS KIET’S CHILDREN

Directors:
Peter Lataster and Petra Lataster-Czisch

Premiere:
IDFA 2016

Select Festivals:
CPH:DOX, True/False, DOXA, Munich Dok.Fest, Thessaloniki Doc, Melbourne Doc, Goteborg, St Louis

About:
A portrait of a Dutch grade school class made up of refugee children.

I previously wrote about the doc here.