The following is a list of episodes from PBS series POV, a production of American Documentary, Inc. Since 1988, POV has presented over 400 independently produced documentary films to public television audiences across the country.[1] The series began its 35th season on PBS in 2022.
| Contents |
Seasons:1 (1988) • 2 • |
| • References • External links |
Season 1 (1988)
| Title | Premiere | Director | Synopsis |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Tongues | July 5, 1988 | Louis Alvarez and Andrew Kolker | Infused with humor and local flair, this occasionally uproarious movie uses language as a lens to uncover our perceptions of others' speech. From Boston elites to young Louisiana residents, Texas ranchers to NYC professionals, American Tongues elicits amusing, insightful, occasionally startling, and consistently revealing observations on the rich diversity of American English.[2] |
| Acting Our Age | July 5, 1988 | Michal Aviad | Enola Maxwell sets the tone with her candid words: "Nobody escapes aging, except through death." This captivating and rejuvenating film introduces us to six women, aged 65–75, offering a diverse array of insights into aging. It tackles intricate themes like evolving body image, sexuality, family dynamics, and confronting mortality, all seen through their unique perspectives.[3] |
| Fire From the Mountain | July 12, 1988 | Deborah Shaffer | Adapted from Omar Cabezas' life story, ""Fire From the Mountain"" presents a poetic, down-to-earth, amusing depiction of his political evolution. From a student activist to a guerrilla fighter and eventually a government official in Nicaragua.[4] |
| Living With AIDS | July 19, 1988 | Tina DiFeliciantonio | This poignant film captures a compassionate community's support and care for a brave 22-year-old AIDS patient, touching hearts with its grace and emotion.[5] |
| Knocking on Armageddon's Door | July 19, 1988 | Torv Carlsen, John Magnus | A blend of comedy and horror, this unsettling movie follows spokespeople of the survivalist movement, delving into their mindset, lifestyle, and preparations for an impending global conflict.[6] |
| Rate It X | July 26, 1988 | Paula de Koenigsberg | In a clever montage, two filmmakers engage with an array of men, creating candid conversations. From pornographers and corporate executives to a funeral parlor director and even Santa Claus, unexpected revelations surface. This documentary provides an unanticipated glimpse into men's perspectives on women, offering insights fifteen years post the women's movement's inception.[7] |
| The Mothers of Plaza de Mayo | August 2, 1988 | Susana Munoz, Lourdes Portillo | In the late 1970s, a right-wing military regime in Argentina carried out mass abductions of countless individuals, including men, women, and children. Amidst widespread terror, a courageous group of mothers whose children had vanished started regular protests, demanding the release of their loved ones and accountability for the abductors. |
| The Good Fight | August 9, 1988 | Noel Buckner, Mary Dore, Sam Sills | Five years before the United States entered World War II, 3,200 Americans went off to Europe to fight the spread of fascism. At 18, 19 and 20 years old, they volunteered to risk their lives defending a democratically elected government in the Spanish Civil War. Fifty years later, in their own words, the survivors recount a vivid story of those years — and what's happened to them since.[9] |
| Metropolitan Avenue | August 16, 1988 | Christine Noschese | "Metropolitan Avenue" presents an uplifting modern narrative of women navigating the blend of evolving roles and enduring principles in a swiftly changing world. In a vibrant Brooklyn locale, a circle of "conventional" homemakers step up as trailblazers, uniting to preserve their community and emerge as leaders. |
| Louie Bluie | August 23, 1988 | Terry Zwigoff | A vivid portrayal of Harold "Louie Bluie" Armstrong, a 76-year-old artist, musician, storyteller, and charming maverick.[11] |
| Gates of Heaven | August 30, 1988 | Errol Morris | Initially centered around pet cemeteries and their proprietors, this film takes an unexpected turn, delving into complex and eccentric territory. Ultimately, it explores profound themes like love, morality, disappointment, and the elusive nature of the American Dream.[12] |
| Best Boy | September 6, 1988 | Ira Wohl | "Best Boy", often acclaimed as a masterpiece, explores the poignant journey of Philly, a 53-year-old mentally challenged individual, as he navigates the transition to an autonomous life as he moves away from his aging parents.[13] |
Season 2 (1989)
| Title | Premiere | Director | Synopsis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who Killed Vincent Chin? | July 16, 1989 | Christine Choy, Renee Tajima | Amidst a sweltering Detroit summer, auto worker Ronald Ebens fatally assaults a Chinese-American engineer using a bat. Despite confessing, he evades prison. An intense Oscar-nominated film delves into the murder's impact on Detroit's streets, the families, and the U.S. legal system.[14] |
| Coming Out | July 23, 1989 | Ted Reed | "Coming Out" exposes that the debutante tradition is still ongoing.[15] |
| Wise Guys! | July 23, 1989 | David Hartwell | In "Wise Guys!", contestants from diverse backgrounds – a Los Angeles stamp dealer, a former Miami school teacher, a Las Vegas born-again Christian, and a brilliant law student – compete in the Jeopardy! $100,000 Tournament of Champions.[16] |
| The Family Album | July 30, 1989 | Alan Berliner | "The Family Album" evokes the feeling of discovering a forgotten box of family photos - a captivating, funny, and occasionally unsettling experience. Director Alan Berliner merged home videos and recordings from 60 diverse American families, crafting a collective life journey from youth to maturity, innocence to wisdom.[17] |
| Dark Circle | August 6, 1989 | Christopher Beaver, Judy Irving, Ruth Landy | In this unsettling yet ultimately optimistic film, the premise is that The Bomb is silently claiming the lives of everyday Americans, beyond a nuclear war. Through poignant and personal stories, the movie powerfully delves into how the nuclear era has impacted us all.[18] |
| Jack Levine: Feast Of Pure Reason | August 13, 1989 | David Sutherland | David Sutherland's audacious and nontraditional cinematic portrayal showcases a prominent Social Realist artist in his element: expertly criticizing corrupt politicians, passionately addressing social inequalities, and cleverly satirizing human idiosyncrasies.[19] |
| No Applause, Just Throw Money | August 20, 1989 | Karen Goodman | In the vibrant streets and subways of New York, 101 wandering artists dazzle with firesticks, mimicry, Stevie Wonder tributes, tap dancing, and classical tunes. Karen Goodman's No Applause, Just Throw Money captures these enchanting moments, blending music and magic to celebrate the delightful encounters found amidst the city's hustle.[20] |
| Whatever Happened to Zworl Quern? | August 20, 1989 | Deborah Matlovsky | "Zworl Quern" was the alter ego of Janet Wolfe, who embarked on a short yet peculiar acting journey, highlighted by being sawed in half by Orson Welles. Loved ones share tales of this spirited individual, unafraid to explore the globe for love, art, and excitement.[21] |
| Partisans Of Vilna | August 27, 1989 | Aviva Kempner | This compelling movie unveils the hidden narrative of a small group of Jewish youths who orchestrated a covert resistance movement against the Nazis within the confines of the Vilna Ghetto.[22] |
| The Fighting Ministers | September 3, 1989 | Bill Jersey, Richard Wormser | Stirred by the deepening plight of countless steelworkers left jobless, a cohort of Pittsburgh ministers challenges the city's influential corporations and government. Their fervent, contentious, and unconventional tactics prompt introspection, ecclesiastical rifts, and incarceration.[23] |
| Binge | September 17, 1989 | Lynn Hershman | In the film Binge, Lynn Hershman, the videomaker, takes a candid and witty approach, placing herself at the forefront of the narrative. She delves into her personal journey of weight management with intimacy and insight.[24] |
| Cowboy Poets | September 17, 1989 | Kim Shelton | Over a century, cowboys have passionately penned their connection to the cherished life and land. In Kim Shelton's ""Cowboy Poets"", a captivating portrayal emerges of modern poet lariats who uphold this legacy, even showcasing it on the Johnny Carson show.[25] |
| Doug And Mike, Mike And Doug | September 17, 1989 | Cindy Kleine | In "Doug And Mike", Mike And Doug, Cindy Kleine delves into the realms of identical twins Doug and Mike Starn. Renowned for their collaborative painting and photography, the film intimately explores their inner and outer worlds as they rapidly rise to prominence in the art sphere.[26] |
| Lost Angeles | September 24, 1989 | Tom Seidman | "Lost Angeles", crafted by Tom Seidman with contributions from camp "residents," offers a compelling and close-up examination of the lives and challenges faced by a homeless community relocated to an "urban campground" in Los Angeles. The film provides a raw and unvarnished portrayal of the intricate and harsh realities of street life, devoid of sentimentality.[27] |
| Girltalk | November 15, 1989 | Kate Davis | In "Girltalk", Kate Davis masterfully captures the poignant yet optimistic essence of three runaway girls marked by abuse and neglect. Amidst music, humor, and personal dialogues, the film juxtaposes their unsettling backgrounds with glimpses of hope and resilience.[28] |
Season 3 (1990)
| Title | Premiere | Director | Synopsis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Through the Wire | June 26, 1990 | Nina Rosenblum | Three women, found guilty of nonviolent political acts in 1986, were confined to a secret underground prison in Lexington, KY. For almost two years, they endured perpetual light, constant surveillance, and frequent strip searches. This shocking ordeal wasn't in a distant country like Turkey or Iran, but on American soil.[29] |
| Police Chiefs | June 30, 1990 | Alan Raymond, Susan Raymond | Crime prevention strategies vary among three prominent city police chiefs. Daryl Gates, LAPD's SWAT pioneer; Anthony Bouza, who stirred Minneapolis; Lee P. Brown, Houston-NYC move, exhibit divergent philosophies on crime's roots and remedies.[30] |
| Metamorphosis: Man Into Woman | July 3, 1990 | Lisa Leeman | Gary, an accomplished 39-year-old animation artist and devout Christian, embarks on a candid and often light-hearted three-year journey to transition into a woman. Metamorphosis follows his emotional and physical preparations for sex reassignment surgery, prompting thought-provoking inquiries about the essence of gender identity.[31] |
| Larry Wright | July 10, 1990 | Ari Marcopoulos, Maja Zrnic | "At 14, self-taught drummer Larry Wright astounds on a subway platform with a plastic can as his instrument. Larry Wright celebrates Harlem's vibrant culture and this young talent's remarkable street performance.[32] |
| On Ice | July 10, 1990 | Grover Babcock and Andrew Takeuchi | Cryonics takes center stage in this unconventional film by two science enthusiasts turned filmmakers. Featuring insights from Timothy Leary, skeptical scientists, and a theologian, On Ice balances deadpan humor with solemn examination of freezing humans post-mortem for potential revival.[33] |
| Letter To The Next Generation | July 17, 1990 | Jim Klein | Do present-day college students exhibit apathy and self-centeredness? Filmmaker Jim Klein, a former 60's radical, reevaluates this notion two decades after the Kent State incident. Collaborating with various individuals, including ex-activists-turned-professors and an ROTC captain, Klein delves into campus dynamics and societal shifts of the 90's.[34] |
| Salesman | July 24, 1990 | Albert Maysles, David Maysles, Charlotte Zwerin | This poignant vintage piece by pioneering filmmakers, making its national broadcast debut, tracks four door-to-door Bible salesmen as they navigate the delicate balance between exuberance and desolation.[35] |
| Kamala And Raji | August 7, 1990 | Michael Camerini | Michael Camerini skillfully captures the intricacies of everyday life in India through the compelling narrative of two impoverished women striving to enhance their circumstances.[36] |
| Golub | August 14, 1990 | Jerry Blumenthal and Gordon Quinn | Golub delves beyond being a mere depiction of painter Leon Golub, renowned for thought-provoking canvases. It intertwines themes of media, society, responsibility, creativity, and the relationship between art and information.[37] |
| Days of Waiting | August 15, 1990 | Steven Okazaki | Veteran filmmaker Christian Blackwood delves into the hidden lives within three faded Southwest motels. Passion, loyalty, adventure, and destiny converge, revealing the essence of extraordinary individuals within a distinct American subculture.[38] |
| Going Up (TV episode) | August 21, 1990 | Gary Pollard | Veteran filmmaker Christian Blackwood delves into the hidden lives within three faded Southwest motels. Passion, loyalty, adventure, and destiny converge, revealing the essence of extraordinary individuals within a distinct American subculture.[39] |
| Green Streets | August 21, 1990 | Maria De Luca | Green Streets, directed by Maria De Luca, showcases the organic growth of community gardens in New York City. It explores how these gardens foster neighborhood pride, racial harmony, and newfound hope among passionate urban gardeners, akin to a flourishing tree in Brooklyn or an eggplant thriving in the Bronx.[40] |
| Motel | August 28, 1990 | Christian Blackwood | Veteran filmmaker Christian Blackwood delves into the hidden lives within three faded Southwest motels. Passion, loyalty, adventure, and destiny converge, revealing the essence of extraordinary individuals within a distinct American subculture.[41] |
| ¡Teatro! | September 4, 1990 | Ed Burke and Ruth Shapiro | Initiated by a St. Louis Jesuit priest, a grassroots theater troupe brings its performances to the rugged paths of Honduras, aiming to enlighten and uplift impoverished villagers in the rural regions. |
| Ossian: American Boy, Tibetan Monk | September 4, 1990 | Thomas R. Anderson | Ossian Maclise is far from a typical American teenager. Despite being born in Massachusetts, he has spent his life in a Tibetan Buddhist monastery since age four. Remarkably, at seven, his monastic community identified him as a tulku, signifying his status as the reincarnation of a revered Tibetan lama. |
| People Power | September 11, 1990 | Ilan Ziv | Having directly observed the horrors of guerrilla warfare, Israeli-born producer Ilan Ziv embarked on journeys to Chile, the Philippines, and the West Bank. His goal was to delve into the emergence of "People Power" movements and to reevaluate his longstanding belief in the essential role of violence to overthrow oppressive regimes. |
Season 4 (1991)
| Title | Premiere | Director | Synopsis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Absolutely Positive | June 18, 1991 | Peter Adair | Core of revolutionary video diary: a poignant narrative of love, dedication, mortality, and AIDS[45] |
| Marc and Ann | June 25, 1991 | Les Blank, Maureen Gosling, Chris Simon | Les Blank's captivating film showcases a musical Louisiana couple dedicated to preserving Cajun culture through their toe-tapping melodies.[46] |
| Plena Is Work, Plena Is Song | June 25, 1991 | Pedro Rivera, Susan Zeig | Like blues in the U.S., 'Plena' mirrors Puerto Rico's life, love, and news. Its infectious rhythm thrives as mainland Puerto Rican community expands.[47] |
| Twinsburg, OH: Some Kind of Weird Twin Thing | June 25, 1991 | Sue Marcoux | Every year inTwinsburg, Ohio, 2,500 pairs of twins gather, wearing matching outfits, and showcasing unique connections. Filmmaker sisters join to add depth and complexity.[48] |
| Honorable Nations | July 2, 1991 | Chana Gazit, David Steward | Century-long lease binds Salamanca, N.Y. homes to Seneca Indians at $1/year. As renewal nears, Gazit & Steward's film delves into complex negotiations.[49] |
| Sea of Oil | July 9, 1991 | M.R. Katzke | Exxon Valdez disaster's aftermath: beyond a tainted shore, it sowed grief, anger, and greed in once-pristine Valdez. A haunting film unveils the human toll[50] |
| Turn Here Sweet Corn | July 9, 1991 | Helen De Michiel | The aftermath of the Exxon Valdez spill extended beyond pollution, causing grief, anger, greed in Valdez. A poignant film exposes its human impact.[51] |
| Chemical Valley | July 9, 1991 | Mimi Pickering, Anne Lewis Johnson | A West Virginia town grapples with a divisive dilemma: the local chemical plant's role in the economy versus potential life and death consequences.[52] |
| Tongues Untied | July 16, 1991 | Marlon Riggs | Marlon Riggs's Tongues Untied transcends the "deeply personal", delving into the complex intersections of black identity and homosexuality.[53] |
| Berkeley in the Sixties | July 23, 1991 | Mark Kitchell | Berkeley, California, evolved into an emblem of an era's pursuit for societal, political, and cultural change — from Free Speech Movement to anti-war protests and People's Park.[54] |
| A Little Vicious | July 30, 1991 | Immy Humes | "A Little Vicious" portrays an unusual love triangle: a pit bull, his elderly owner, and a philosopher-like dog trainer.[55] |
| Where The Heart Roams | July 30, 1991 | George Csicsery | Romance novels, constituting almost 50% of U.S. paperback sales, are embraced by prolific writer Barbara Cartland. Filmmaker George Csicsery explores this captivating subculture where beauty, mystery, and blissful endings reign. |
| The Big Bang | August 6, 1991 | James Toback | In an unrelenting pursuit of life's essence, The Big Bang delves into sex, death, madness, and divinity, delivering a captivating and eccentric exploration. |
| Maria's Story | August 13, 1991 | Pamela Cohen, Monona Wali, and Catherine M. Ryan | Pamela Cohen, Catherine Ryan, and Monona Wali spotlight a female guerrilla commander within El Salvador's insurgent forces.[58] |
| Homes Apart: The Two Koreas | August 20, 1991 | Christine Choy, JT Takagi | After the 1953 Korean War, 10 million families faced separation between North and South Korea. Exploring this, filmmakers Christine Choy and JT Takagi chronicle a man's quest to reunite with his sister in the North, uncovering the intricate personal, social, and political aspects of the world's last divided nation. |
| Short Notice: A Series of Short Films | September 3, 1991 | Various | Highlighting a selection of compelling recent short films, this collection features works by filmmakers such as Jim Harden, Cathryn Garland, Carolyn Grifel, Chris Riback, Leigh Marcous-Devine, Pam Grant, Jan Krawitz, and Joe Murphy.[60] |
| Casting The First Stone | September 3, 1991 | Julie Gustafson | Abortion sparks heated debates. Julie Gustafson's pioneering film delves into the lives shaping opposing views in a Pennsylvania town, revealing multifaceted individuals amid the discourse. |
Season 5 (1992)
| Title | Premiere | Director | Synopsis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Color Adjustment | June 15, 1992 | Marlon Riggs | Marlon Riggs skillfully examines Black representation on TV, using clips, insights, and humor, tracing racial dynamics from old classics to The Cosby Show.[62] |
| Intimate Stranger | June 22, 1992 | Alan Berliner | Berliner's intimate portrayal places his grandfather in a family narrative, illuminating hidden aspects common to all families.[63] |
| Finding Christa | June 29, 1992 | Camille Billops, James Hatch | In 1961, Camille Billops faced a difficult choice: giving up her young daughter Christa for adoption. In Finding Christa, Billops becomes both filmmaker and subject, recounting their separation and eventual reunion.[64] |
| Last Images of War | July 6, 1992 | Stephen Olsson, Scott Andrews | A gripping tale follows four freelance photographers – American, Russian, British, and Japanese – as they courageously document the harrowing realities of the Soviet-Afghan war.[65] |
| The Longest Shadow | July 6, 1992 | Kalina Ivanov | A Bulgarian refugee recounts her family's fight against Communist rule and endeavors to reveal suppressed truths surrounding the incarcerations of her two grandfathers.[66] |
| A Season in Hell | July 20, 1992 | Walter Brock, Stephen Roszell | An evocative depiction of a young woman's journey into self-starvation in pursuit of an idealized body. The film tracks Regina Hatfield's four-year battle with bulimia, offering a poignant exploration of her struggles.[67] |
| Promise Not to Tell | July 27, 1992 | Rhea Gavry | Amid a middle-class community, a well-regarded individual faces allegations of sexual abuse from his children, which he refutes. Rhea Gavry uses a heart-wrenching case within a Salt Lake City suburb to prompt a contemporary reconsideration of our perceptions toward both the accused and the accuser when sexual elements are involved.[68] |
| Dream Deceivers: The Story Behind James Vance Vs. Judas Priest | August 3, 1992 | David Van Taylor | In 1995, a teenager attributed his suicide attempt to Judas Priest's heavy metal music. The subsequent trial's intensity serves as the backdrop for David Van Taylor's unsettling exploration of contemporary youth.[69] |
| Fast Food Women | August 10, 1992 | Anne Lewis Johnson | Anne Lewis Johnson captures the struggles of the 'working poor' in America's modern 'service economy', shedding light on their low-wage, benefit-lacking jobs through documentation.[70] |
| Takeover | August 10, 1992 | Pamela Yates and Peter Kinoy | In eight cities, homeless individuals collectively occupy vacant houses.[71] |
| Faith Even to the Fire | August 21, 1992 | Sylvia Morales, Jean Victor | Three American nuns, influenced by the Civil Rights Movement and Vatican II reforms, challenge the Catholic Church for its racism and sexism, offering insight into a historic institution grappling with tradition, change, authority, and conscience.[72] |
| Louisiana Boys -- Raised on Politics | August 31, 1992 | Louis Alvarez and Andrew Kolker, Paul Stekler | Louisiana sees Mardi Gras and elections vying for the top spot in pastimes. The unique cast includes Huey P. Long, the state's dictator; Uncle Earl K. Long, a governor institutionalized; and Jimmie Davis bidding adieu through song to the state legislature.[73] |
| Pets or Meat | September 28, 1992 | Michael Moore | Renowned filmmaker Michael Moore returns to his hometown in the latest documentary, Pets or Meat: The Return to Flint.[74] |
| Roger and Me | September 28, 1992 | Michael Moore | Michael Moore embarks on a cinematic journey to meet General Motors Chairman Roger Smith, aiming to persuade him to witness the dire impact of massive layoffs on Flint, Michigan's economy firsthand.[75] |
Season 6 (1993)
| Title | Premiere | Director | Synopsis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silverlake Life: The View From Here | June 15, 1993 | Tom Joslin, Peter Friedman | This video diary captures a powerful tale of love, commitment, mortality and AIDS.[76] |
| Who's Going To Pay For These Donuts, Anyway? | June 22, 1993 | Janice Tanaka | Janice Tanaka, a Japanese-American filmmaker, reaches out to locate her father, who was interned during World War II and separated from his family. Her findings impact and reshape her existence in a profound manner.[77] |
| When Your Head's Not A Head, It's A Nut | June 29, 1993 | Garth Stein | Using his Hi 8 camera, Garth Stein documents family drama and unexpected moments of humor while his quirly yet determined older sister prepares herself for brain surgery to cure her epilepsy.[78] |
| Compassion in Exile: The Life of the 14th Dalai Lama | July 6, 1993 | Mickey Lemle | The narrative of the Dalai Lama of Tibet, a spiritual leader and Nobel Laureate, skillfully blends an inspiring depiction of his life with the pressing challenges faced by his homeland, which remains under Chinese occupation.[79] |
| For Better or For Worse | July 13, 1993 | David Collier | Even after more than five decades together, these five couples continue to discover romance in the most unlikely of circumstances and engage in spirited debates over the smallest of matters. Their enduring love stories offer valuable insights to a generation that often leans toward divorce.[80] |
| Motel | July 20, 1993 | Christian Blackwood | In honor of the late Christian Blackwood, a special screening of one of his most unforgettable films. Through the weathered signs of three motels in the American Southwest, Blackwood's cinematic masterpiece unveils entire universes brimming with passion, devotion, adventure, and destiny.[81] |
| Money Man | August 3, 1993 | Philip Haas | J.S.G. Boggs employs an artistic method to create currency; he sketches it himself and uses it for transactions. Can it be classified as art, or does it raise concerns about counterfeiting? Curious individuals, including those at the Secret Service, are eager to explore.[82] |
| Building Bombs: The Legacy | August 10, 1993 | Mark Mori, Susan Robinson | Mark Mori and Susan Robinson offer a contemporary, perspective-driven inquiry into the environmental ramifications and societal consequences of South Carolina's Savannah River Plant. This facility held the distinction of being the nation's primary producer of materials used in hydrogen bombs during the Cold War.[83] |
| Miami-Havana | August 17, 1993 | Estela Bravo | Esteemed filmmaker Estela Bravo explores the lives of families divided between Miami and Havana, shedding light on the personal toll exacted by the three-decade-long conflict between the United States and Cuba.[84] |
| The Women Next Door | August 24, 1993 | Michal Aviad | Mark Mori and Susan Robinson offer a contemporary, perspective-driven inquiry into the environmental ramifications and societal consequences of South Carolina's Savannah River Plant. This facility held the distinction of being the nation's primary producer of materials used in hydrogen bombs during the Cold War.[85] |
| Cousin Bobby | August 24, 1993 | Jonathan Demme | Renowned Oscar-winning director Jonathan Demme, known for his work on films like "The Silence of the Lambs," reconnects with his long-lost cousin, Robert Castle, an impassioned white Episcopalian priest based in Harlem.[86] |
| Sa-I-Gu | September 10, 1993 | Dai Sil Kim-Gibson, Christine Choy and Elaine Kim | "Sa-I-Gu," which means April 29 in Korean, offers a glimpse into the lives of Korean American women living in Los Angeles. These women and their businesses were profoundly affected by the aftermath of the Rodney King Trial.[87] |
Season 7 (1994)
| Title | Premiere | Director | Synopsis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Time Indefinite | June 7, 1994 | Ross McElwee | In Ross McElwee's 1986 cult hit, Sherman's March, an idealist searches for love, happiness — and a wife. Now he's turning 40, getting married, and heading out on yet another quest.[88] |
| One Nation Under God | June 14, 1994 | Teodoro Maniaci and Francine Rzeznik | Fresh angle on Black Panther Party via Dhoruba Bin Wahad, a leader who served 19 yrs before exoneration.[89] |
| Passin' It On | June 19, 1994 | Peter Miller and John Valadez | Can machismo, infidelity, and violence be untangled? Sheldon Schiffer's family saga prompts reflection on manhood[90] |
| Memories of Tata | June 28, 1994 | Sheldon Schiffer | Exposé unveils Chicago police's history of suspect abuse[91] |
| The End of the Nightstick | July 5, 1994 | Peter Kuttner, Cyndi Moran and Eric Scholl | A compelling narrative of an HIV-positive African American woman sheds light on women's sexuality in the AIDS era.[92] |
| The Heart of the Matter | July 12, 1994 | Gini Reticker and Amber L. Hollibaugh | Chinese journalist retraces underground railroad aiding escaped Tiananmen Square leaders.[93] |
| Escape From China | July 21, 1994 | Iris F. Kung | Apocalypse Now's creation risked Coppola's wealth, sanity, and Martin Sheen's life. A spotlight on challenges, Michael Brando, hurricanes, and rebellion.[94] |
| Hearts of Darkness: A Filmmaker's Apocalypse | July 26, 1994 | Fax Bahr and George Hickenlooper | Filmmaker and six others share tales of manic depression, schizophrenia, recovery, and various mental states.[95] |
| Dialogues with Madwomen | August 2, 1994 | Allie Light | The filmmaker and six other women share tales of manic depression, schizophrenia, recovery, and various mental states.[96] |
| The Times of a Sign: A Folk History of the Iran-Contra Scandal | August 9, 1994 | David Goldsmith and Steven Day | Iran-contra affair seen uniquely via a jailed, eccentric Indiana minister amidst small-town politics gone big.[97] |
Season 8 (1995)
| Title | Premiere | Director | Synopsis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leona's Sister Gerri | June 1, 1995 | Jane Gillooly | The compelling narrative of Gerri Santoro, a mother of two, and the "actual individual" depicted in the iconic photograph of an unidentified woman lying lifeless on a motel floor after an illegal abortion.[98] |
| Complaints of a Dutiful Daughter | June 6, 1995 | Deborah Hoffmann | Deborah Hoffmann's touching and occasionally humorous portrayal of navigating her mother's Alzheimer's disease. A nominee for the 1994 Academy Award.[99] |
| No Place Like Home | June 13, 1995 | Kathryn Hunt | The tale of 10-year-old Barbara Wilson's quest for stability and safety, leading her through budget motels and shelters in search of a lasting home.[100] |
| Satya: A Prayer for the Enemy | June 14, 1995 | Ellen Bruno | The individual accounts of brave Buddhist nuns who have spearheaded the nonviolent protest against the Chinese presence in Tibet.[101] |
| Out of Sight | June 20, 1995 | David Sutherland | The unforeseen challenges faced by visually impaired equestrian Diane Starin, who questions whether America is prepared for a non-conformist blind woman.[102] |
| The Uprising of '34 | June 25, 1995 | George Stoney, Judith Helfand and Susanne Rostock | Textile laborers recollect their history with a sense of pride, resurrecting the once-muted narrative of the 1934 General Textile Strike, during which half a million Southern mill workers walkouted off their jobs.[103] |
| Lighting the 7th Fire | July 4, 1995 | Sandra Sunrising Osawa | The narrative of the Chippewa Indians of Northern Wisconsin as they strive to revive the age-old practice of spearfishing, and the intense resistance they've faced in the process.[104] |
| Twitch and Shout | July 11, 1995 | Laurel Chiten | A lighthearted and comical depiction of individuals living with the frequently misconstrued neurological condition, Tourette Syndrome.[105] |
| Home Economics: A Documentary of Suburbia | July 18, 1995 | Jenny Cool | Jenny Cool conducted interviews with women in a suburban housing development near Los Angeles, uncovering a delicate way of life influenced by societal expectations and daily commuting.[106] |
| Dealers Among Dealers | July 25, 1995 | Gaylen Ross | Through the lens of filmmaker Gaylen Ross, we are granted access to the seemingly impenetrable realm of diamond and precious stone trading.[107] |
| Carmen Miranda: Bananas is My Business | October 5, 1995 | Helena Solberg | Carmen Miranda simply yearned for a bowl of soup and the liberty to sing. Helena Solberg's melodic film illustrates how Hollywood shaped a gifted performer into a Latin sensation, alluded to as a "Lollapalooza."[108] |
Season 9 (1996)
| Title | Premiere | Director | Synopsis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taking on the Kennedys | May 28, 1996 | Joshua Seftel | Witness a political underdog's baptism by fire as they challenge the epitome of American royalty. Gain an insider's perspective on contemporary politics in the 1996 POV Classic.[109] |
| ¡Palante Siempre Palante!: The Young Lords | June 1, 1996 | Iris Morales | Once at the forefront of the Young Lords Party, the Puerto Rican civil rights group in New York, these individuals now stand as prominent mainstream journalists: Juan Gonzalez, Felipe Luciano, and Pablo Guzman. Iris Morales breathes life into history as movement veterans recollect their struggle for equality, employment, healthcare, and education.[110] |
| Personal Belongings | June 11, 1996 | Steven Bognar | Bela Bognar, an extraordinary American father, battled Soviet dominance in the Hungarian revolution. Transitioning to suburban life, his years have been defined by a yearning for past greatness. Steven Bognar masterfully paints a poignant picture of his father's four-decade journey in search of identity and belonging.[111] |
| A Litany For Survival: The Life and Work of Audre Lorde | June 18, 1996 | Ada Gay Griffin and Michelle Parkerson | Audre Lorde, a poet of many facets, wrote passionately about love, anger, civil rights, sexuality, family dynamics, and the beauty of nature. She embodied roles as a poet, lover, mother, and warrior in her profound writings.[112] |
| a.k.a. Don Bonus | June 25, 1996 | Spencer Nakasako and Sokly Don Bonus Ny | An unfiltered and candid video diary by a Cambodian-born teenager, now residing in San Francisco's inner city, offering an intimate glimpse into their life.[113] |
| No Loans Today | July 2, 1996 | Lisanne Skyler | The ABC Loan Co. in South Central Los Angeles, a thriving black-owned pawnshop, serves as a distinctive gateway to narratives of both financial and emotional resilience, offering inspiring tales of survival.[114] |
| The Transformation | July 9, 1996 | Carlos Aparicio and Susana Aiken | Ricardo, formerly Sara, endured life as a homeless, HIV-positive transvestite in the shadows of Manhattan. Today, he stands as a devout, married man who found salvation through a Dallas ministry.[115] |
| The Women Outside | July 16, 1996 | J.T.Orinne Takagi and Hye Jung Park | Embarking on a thought-provoking journey, this documentary delves into the experiences of women employed in brothels, bars, and nightclubs near U.S. military bases in South Korea.[116] |
| Just For The Ride | July 23, 1996 | Amanda Micheli | Exploring the realm of cowgirls and the rugged intensity of women's rodeo during the 1990s.[117] |
| Remembering Wei Yi-fang, Remembering Myself | July 30, 1996 | Yvonne Welbon | Yvonne Welbon delivers a clever and distinctive journey towards reconciling race, culture, and self. Her six-year sojourn in Taiwan reshapes her perception of African American identity and sheds light on her ties to her Honduran-born grandmother.[118] |
| Xich-lo (Cyclo) | July 30, 1996 | M. Trinh Nguyen | Embarking on a meditative jouney, a Vietnamese woman, now a U.S. citizen, ventures back to her birthplace, with the question of her true sense of belonging.[119] |
| Taken for a Ride | August 6, 1996 | Martha Olson and Jim Klein | Revealing General Motors' pivotal role in dismantling streetcar transportation during the 1930s, this exposé also unveils how the company propelled the automobile into a cornerstone of our national culture.[120] |
| Maya Lin: A Strong Clear Vision | November 27, 1996 | Freida Lee Mock | Amid intense controversy, the Vietnam War Memorial emerged as a deeply divisive monument. In the midst of this turmoil stood architect-sculptor Maya Lin, whose design was selected when she was a 21-year-old student. Faced with harsh criticism, she exhibited grace and poise, firmly defending her creation.[121] |
Season 10 (1997)
| Title | Premiere | Director | Synopsis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nobody's Business | June 3, 1997 | Alan Berliner | With persistence, Alan Berliner guides his hesitant father through recollections, revealing the mix of biterness and love that ties all families together.[122] |
| Battle for the Minds | June 10, 1997 | Steven Lipscomb | While chronicling his mother's recent struggle to become a Southern Baptist pastor, filmmaker Steven Lipscomb uncovered a whirlwind of change and a rising tide of opposition to women as senior church leaders.[123] |
| A Healthy Baby Girl | June 17, 1997 | Judith Helfand | Amid personal sorrow, corporate influence, and her mother's remorse, filmmaker Judith Helfand focuses the lens on her own life and family, capturing her fight against cancer linked to DES exposure.[124] |
| Jesse's Gone | June 24, 1997 | Michael Smith | A profoundly sensitive exploration of the shattered existence of Jesse Rahim Hall's family and friends. Hall, a talented young hip hop artist from East Oakland, California, met his tragic end in a drive-by shooting.[125] |
| Fear and Learning at Hoover Elementary | July 1, 1997 | Laura Simon | Educator and filmmaker Laura Simon invites us into her school's learning spaces and staff room, shedding light on the impact of a California law that will deprive the children of undocumented immigrants of public education.[126] |
| Who is Henry Jaglom? | July 8, 1997 | Alex Rubin and Jeremy Workman | Relentlessly blurring the distinction between existence and artistic expression, writer-director Henry Jaglom pushes the limits of filmmaking and tests the audience's endurance.[127] |
| In Whose Honor? | July 15, 1997 | Jay Rosenstein | Charlene Teters, a member of the Spokane Indian tribe, transforms from a mother and student into a prominent advocate, speaking out against the commercialization of Native American sacred symbols through their use as sports mascots.[128] |
| Girls Like Us | July 22, 1997 | Jane Wagner and Tina DiFeliciantonio | This classic POV film provides a unique and candid glimpse into the authentic lives of teenage girls in early 1990s South Philadelphia.[129] |
| Blacks and Jews | July 29, 1997 | Deborah Kaufman, Bari Scott and Alan Snitow | The connection between Blacks and Jews is fraught with intricate historical, cultural, and social dynamics, causing even their mention together to be deeply complex.[130] |
| A Perfect Candidate | August 5, 1997 | R.J. Cutler and David Van Taylor | In an era of skepticism, what qualities define an ideal contender? "A Perfect Candidate" presents a timely assessment of our election system, delving into the darker realms of American politics.[131] |
Season 11 (1998)
| Title | Premiere | Director | Synopsis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baby It's You | June 2, 1998 | Anne Makepeace | In her forties, filmmaker Anne Makepeace faces challenges in conceiving through conventional means, and directs her camera towards herself, her spouse, and their siblings. This sets them on an emotional and turbulent journey through the complex reality of modern fertility science.[132] |
| The Band | June 16, 1998 | David Zeiger | Filmmaker David Zeiger documents his son Danny's high school band over the course of a year, leading him on an unexpected journey about affection, existence, and coordinated marching. This heartfelt portrayal celebrates the blend of adolescence, chaos, and aspirations, ultimately enabling Zeiger to forge a stronger bond with one son, all while honoring the memory of another who has passed away.[133] |
| Tobacco Blues | June 19, 1998 | Eren McGinnis and Christine Fugate | Is it possible for a morally upright individual to cultivate tobacco? Amidst the ongoing battle over cigarettes, small American tobacco growers have frequently gone unnoticed. Collaborative filmmakers Eren McGinnis and Christine Fugate travel through Kentucky, connecting with families who have grown this crop for multiple generations. These families find themselves grappling with the consequences of a heated dispute in their own local communities.[134] |
| Licensed to Kill | June 23, 1998 | Arthur Dong | Arthur Dong ventures inside of prison to deeply examine the thoughts and innermost feelings of individuals whose perspectives on homosexuality have driven them to commit murder.[135] |
| Kelly Loves Tony | June 30, 1998 | Spencer Nakasako | She excels academically with straight-A grades, while he endeavors to distance himself from a life entrenched in gang culture. Through the lens of a camcorder, their stories unfold, capturing a unique yet surprisingly common narrative of teenagers navigating the challenges of prematurely maturing in the urban landscape of America.[136] |
| If I Can't Do It | July 7, 1998 | Walter Brock | Arthur Campbell, Jr. seeks a modest life: fair pay, social connections, joy, and mobility, without seeking pity.[137] |
| Barbie Nation: An Unauthorized Tour | July 14, 1998 | Susan Stern | "Everybody has a Barbie story...but the stories are really about us," states ex-journalist turned filmmaker Susan Stern, dismantling Barbie's "Dreamhouse" to delve into the heritage and imagination that behind this unexpected cultural symbol.[138] |
| The Vanishing Line | July 21, 1998 | Maren Monsen | At what point does existence surpass death's dread? Amid medical "wonders," more doctors, patients, and family confront this question.[139] |
| Sacrifice | July 28, 1998 | Ellen Bruno | Young women from Burma, enticed into the sex trade with dreams of a brighter future, share their stories in a poetic homage to their fight for survival.[140] |
| She Shorts | August 4, 1998 | Various | Captivating short films by and featuring women provide enchanting glimpses of happiness, resilience, and motivation.[141] |
| Family Name | September 15, 1998 | Macky Alston | This documentary follows filmmaker Macky Alston from New York to the South, on his journey to learn the history of his white slave-owning family and search for the black families that shared his name.[142] |
Season 12 (1999-2000)
| Title | Premiere | Director | Synopsis |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Legacy: Murder & Media, Politics & Prisons | June 1, 1999 | Michael J. Moore | Startling homicides, extensive manhunts, and cutthroat political campaigns drive the remarkable narrative behind the implementation of the country's most stringent mandatory sentencing statute.[143] |
| Golden Threads | June 8, 1999 | Lucy Winer and Karen Eaton | If anyone has embodied the saying "age is a state of mind," it's Christine Burton at 90. After a lifetime of struggles, she started anew at 80, creating Golden Threads for older gay women. Filmmakers Lucy Winer and Karen Eaton explore mid-life crises and the fear of aging, following Christine as a spirited, humorous guide. Despite physical hurdles, she remains an unstoppable force, inspiring others with her boundless enthusiasm for life.[144] |
| In My Corner | June 22, 1999 | Ricki Stern | In the South Bronx, two teenagers find solace and dignity within a boxing gym.[145] |
| The Green Monster | June 29, 1999 | David Finn, David Hess and A.C. Weary | Art Arfons, a quintessential American figure, defied convention. Lacking formal education or engineering resources, this Midwestern prodigy from a small town designed his practical mechanics automobile. Director David Finn crafts a senior coming-of-age narrative, offering an unfiltered depiction of Arfons: gritty, determined, endearing, and consumed by an obsession. |
| Rabbit in the Moon | July 6, 1999 | Emiko Omori | Half a century post-World War II, Japanese Americans revisit their WWII internment camp experiences. Emiko Omori's film captures a range of emotions – the vibrant memories of a teenage life, the smoldering resentment of oath-signing citizens – offering a poetic, enlightening glimpse into a profoundly unsettling segment of American past.[147] |
| Corpus: A Home Movie About Selena | July 13, 1999 | Lourdes Portillo | Selena, a Tejana singer, was set for blockbuster crossover fame when her tragic murder at 23 throws her into the mainstream spotlight. Filmmaker Lourdes Portillo delves into the cultural impact surrounding Selena's life and death, moving beyond tabloid narratives with a sensitive lens.[148] |
| School Prayer: A Community at War | July 20, 1999 | Slawomir Grünberg and Ben Crane | A conflict over prayer in a Mississippi public school and the rallying cry of "religious freedom" from both sides. As Pontotoc County unites to uphold their faith, Lisa Herdahl emerges advocating for the separation of church and state.[149] |
| The Double Life of Ernesto Gomez Gomez | July 27, 1999 | Catherine Ryan and Gary Weimberg | The son of Puerto Rican revolutionaries uncovers his parents' history, embarking on a tumultuous voyage of self-discovery. This poignant chronicle delves into the price of unwavering beliefs and the unbreakable power of a son's affection.[150] |
| Regret To Inform | January 4, 2000 | Barbara Sonneborn and Janet Cole | Delving into the essence of war and sorrow, this narrative follows Vietnamese and American widows, painting a vivid testament to the haunting aftermath of conflict.[151] |
| Well-Founded Fear | June 5, 2000 | Shari Robertson and Michael Camerini | Examining the complex realm of political asylum, filmmakers Michael Camerini and Shari Robertson provide access to the inner workings of the INS. Delving into the collision between human rights, American ideals, and the challenging pursuit of truth, they unveil a dramatic real-life stage.[152] |
Season 13 (2000)
| Title | Premiere | Director | Synopsis |
|---|---|---|---|
| La Boda | June 27, 2000 | Hannah Weyer | Audiences are invited to join in celebrating the wedding of Elizabeth and Artemio in Nuevo León, Mexico. This union brings together two young individuals from the U.S.-Mexican border region, whose lives have been shaped by the trials and triumphs of migrant life.[153] |
| Butterfly | June 30, 2000 | Doug Wolens | "In December of 1997, Julia Hill ascended a 1000- year old redwood tree, making a vow to not come down until the tree was safeguarded from the threat of clear-cutting.[154] |
| Stranger with a Camera | July 11, 2000 | Elizabeth Barret | In the core of Appalachia's coal-mining region, known as the ""poverty belt,"" where the locals have experienced a blend of support and intrusion from media attention, the echoes of the 1967 homicide of filmmaker Hugh O'Connor continue to evoke intense emotions within the community[155] |
| Blink | July 18, 2000 | Elizabeth Thompson | The testimony of Greg Withrow, once a prominent figure in the white supremacist movement, dealing with the legacy of hatred passed down to generations.[156] |
| Our House in Havana | July 25, 2000 | Stephen Olsson | After 4 decades, Silvia revisits her Cuban childhood home, grappling with pre-Castro nostalgia and modern reality. Amid an evolving Cuba, she experiences a transformative shift, growing "more human."[157] |
| Dreamland | August 22, 2000 | Lisanne Skyler | At 75, Lou takes a chance, gambling it all for a Vegas retirement. Yet beyond the glitz, he finds a reality far removed from his aspirations.[158] |
| American Gypsy: A Stranger in Everybody's Land | August 29, 2000 | Jasmine Dellal | With over a million Gypsies in the U.S., their existence remains unfamiliar to many. Filmmaker Jasmine Dellal delves into their concealed millennia-old culture, inspired by one man's quest for justice and respect.[159] |
| KPFA On the Air | September 19, 2000 | Veronica Selver and Sharon Wood | This captivating movie guides us through KPFA's fervent 50-year journey, from its inception by pacifists and poets, defying Cold War norms, to the modern-day trials that test this ongoing experiment in democratic media.[160] |
| Live Free or Die | September 26, 2000 | Marion Lipschutz and Rose Rosenblatt | The motto "Live Free or Die" takes on a modern edge as abortion politics unfold in a tranquil New England town.[161] |
| First Person Plural | December 18, 2000 | Deann Borshay Liem | Raised by an American family, a young Korean girl's past resurfaces when Deann Borshay Liem uncovers that her Korean mother is alive after many years.[162] |
Season 14 (2001)
| Title | Premiere | Director | Synopsis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scout's Honor | June 19, 2001 | Tom Shepard | The Boy Scout pledge is "To be physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight". Since 1910, millions joined, but today, openly gay people are excluded. 12-year-old Steven Cozza fights for change.[163] |
| The Sweetest Sound | June 26, 2001 | Alan Berliner | Delving into Names, A Berliner immerses deeply in the American naming tradition, uncovering the potent and mysterious essence within each name.[164] |
| My American Girls: A Dominican Story | July 3, 2001 | Aaron Matthews | In a vibrant vérité portrayal, My American Girls: A Dominican Story vividly depicts the Ortiz family's year-long journey as first-generation immigrants from the Dominican Republic. The film explores their joys, challenges, and the complex dynamics of pursuing the American dream, as documented by Matthews.[165] |
| Of Civil Wrongs and Rights: The Fred Korematsu Story | July 10, 2001 | Eric Paul Fournier | "Of Civil Wrongs and Rights" chronicles the overlooked saga of a four-decade legal battle to redeem Fred Korematsu's stand against the internment of Japanese Americans in WWII, ultimately transforming a civil wrong into a triumph for civil rights.[166] |
| True-Hearted Vixens | July 17, 2001 | Mylène Moreno | These women aspire to participate in professional football, embracing the full-contact, NFL-style, hard-hitting nature of the sport.[167] |
| Take It From Me | July 24, 2001 | Emily Abt | Illustrated through the stories of multiple women and their families, the recent controversial reforms in the welfare system might inadvertently encourage the avoidance of addressing the intricate challenges of poverty in a world of abundance.[168] |
| In the Light of Reverence | August 14, 2001 | Christopher McLeod | In the Light of Reverence presents a beautifully depicted narrative of the challenges faced by the Lakota in the Black Hills, the Hopi in Arizona, and the Wintu in California as they endeavor to safeguard their sacred sites.[169] |
| Life and Debt | August 21, 2001 | Stephanie Black | Life and Debt fearlessly examines the "new world order" through the perspectives of Jamaican workers, farmers, government officials, and policymakers, providing an unfiltered view of globalization's impact at the grassroots level.[170] |
| High School | August 28, 2001 | Frederick Wiseman | Recalling high school days? In Frederick Wiseman's renowned documentary High School, the quintessential American experience is vividly captured, leaving a permanent impression.[171] |
| 5 Girls | October 2, 2001 | Maria Finitzo | 5 Girls offers an authentic portrayal of contemporary female adolescence, as seen through the perceptive voices of Corrie, Toby, Amber, Aisha, and Haibinh. Embark on a journey through their teenage years in this documentary.[172] |
| Promises | December 13, 2001 | B. Z. Goldberg and Justine Shapiro | Curious about life in Jerusalem? Gain a touching perspective on the Middle East conflict through Promises, which intimately follows the lives of seven Palestinian and Israeli children.[173] |
Season 15 (2002-03)
| Title | Premiere | Director | Synopsis |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Smith Family | June 25, 2002 | Tasha Oldham | On her ninth wedding anniversary, Kim's seemingly perfect life is shattered when she discovers that her husband Steve has been having affairs with men. Three years later, she learns that she is HIV-positive.[174] |
| Boomtown | July 2, 2002 | Bryan Gunnar Cole | Boomtown provides an inside look at the Suquamish tribe in Washington State during fireworks season—a five-week chaotic sales period. The film delves into the politics of Indian sovereignty in America, as all 26 tribes in the state participate in the fireworks trade.[175] |
| Hybrid | July 9, 2002 | Monteith McCollum | Meet visionary farmer Milford Beeghly in the Midwest, explored through interviews, animation, and rare dry wit in the meditative film Hybrid.[176] |
| Refrigerator Mothers | July 16, 2002 | David E. Simpson, J.J. Hanley and Gordon Quinn | Explores the traumatic legacy of blame, guilt, and self-doubt among mothers who were told they caused their child's autism, shedding light on this increasingly prevalent disorder.[177] |
| Fenceline: A Company Town Divided | July 23, 2002 | Slawomir Grünberg and Jane Greenberg | In Norco, Louisiana, two communities, one black and one white, live just blocks apart but experience vastly different realities. Fenceline portrays a modern David and Goliath story, exploring the struggle of a small community against a large corporation, highlighting the efforts to find common ground and resolution.[178] |
| Sweet Old Song | July 30, 2002 | Leah Mahan | Howard 'Louie Bluie' Armstrong, at the age of ninety-one, has two profound passions: his music and artist Barbara Ward. These compelling stories are beautifully captured in Mahan's engaging film.[179] |
| Mai's America | August 6, 2002 | Marlo Poras | A spunky Vietnamese teenager Mai embarks on a life-changing journey to study in the United States. From cosmopolitan Hanoi to the heart of the Deep South, Mai's unforgettable experiences provide an outsider's perspective on America.[180] |
| Señorita Extraviada | August 20, 2002 | Lourdes Portillo | Señorita Extraviada is a haunting investigation into the unspeakable crime wave of over 270 young women being raped and murdered in Juárez, Mexico, since 1993. The documentary sheds light on the chaos and corruption in one of the world's largest border towns, where this horrifying tragedy unfolds.[181] |
| Escuela | August 27, 2002 | Hannah Weyer | La Boda introduced the Luis family's journey in 2000. Now, Liliana, a Mexican-American teenager, faces the challenges of puberty while striving to complete high school in this continued story of their pursuit of a better future.[182] |
| Afghanistan Year 1380 | September 9, 2002 | Fabrizio Lazzaretti and Alberto Vendemmiati and Giuseppe Petitto | After the World Trade Center and Pentagon attacks, the struggles of ordinary Afghans are depicted through the perspective of the independent medical relief group, Emergency.[183] |
| Two Towns of Jasper | January 22, 2003 | Whitney Dow and Marco Williams | On the Murder of James Byrd Jr in the town of Jasper. Two film crews, one black and one white, document the result of the murder by exploring the trials of the local men charged with the crime.[184] |
Season 16 (2003-04)
| Title | Premiere | Director | Synopsis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brother Outsider: The Life of Bayard Rustin | January 20, 2003 | Nancy Kates and Bennett Singer | Throughout his 60-year career as an activist, Bayard Rustin was instrumental in creating strategies that drove the civil rights movement forward. However, due to his sexuality, he had to stay in the background, despite his significant contributions.[185] |
| Flag Wars | June 17, 2003 | Linda Goode Bryant and Linda Poitras | "Flag Wars"is a poignant portrayal of the politics and struggles surrounding gentrification. In Columbus, Ohio, working-class black residents fight to preserve their homes, while realtors and white gay home-buyers view them as fixer-uppers. The clashes reveal prejudices and self-interest on both sides, but also highlight the shared dream of having a home to call their own.[186] |
| Georgie Girl | June 20, 2003 | Annie Goldson and Peter Wells | The chances of a former prostitute being elected as a Member of the Parliament of New Zealand by a conservative, rural district might seem rare. However, Georgina Beyer, who is also a transsexual, defied the odds and achieved this historic feat.[187] |
| Larry v. Lockney | July 1, 2003 | Mark Birnbaum and Jim Schermbeck | Meet Larry Tannahill, a father who challenges Lockney, TX school board's drug-testing policy to protect his son's rights.[188] |
| Discovering Dominga | July 8, 2003 | Patricia Flynn and Mary Jo McConahay | Haunted by memories of her Mayan childhood, Denese Becker in Iowa embarks on a quest to rediscover her lost identity in Guatemala. This journey of political awakening unveils a genocidal crime and the plea for justice from the survivors.[189] |
| The Flute Player | July 22, 2003 | Jocelyn Glatzer | At nine years old, Arn Chorn-Pond endured the horrors of Cambodia's Khmer Rouge regime, spending four years in the Killing Fields. Now, after two decades in the U.S., he returns to Cambodia to preserve the country's once outlawed traditional music from vanishing.[190] |
| 90 Miles | July 29, 2003 | Juan Carlos Zaldívar | In "90 Miles", Cuban American filmmaker Juan Carlos Zaldívar, once a 13-year-old supporter of the Cuban Revolution, recounts the strange twist of fate that led him to cross one of the world's most dangerous stretches of water.[191] |
| American Aloha: Hula Beyond Hawai'i | August 5, 2003 | Lisette Marie Flanary and Evann Siebens | The hula dance is an American icon associated with popular kitsch, seen in Hollywood movies and tourist entertainment. However, behind the hip-swaying girls in grass skirts and lei lies an ancient cultural tradition.[192] |
| West 47th Street | August 19, 2003 | Bill Lichtenstein and June Peoples | "West 47th Street" sheds light on the unforgiving struggle of life on the streets of New York City for the poor and homeless, particularly those battling mental illness. The documentary reveals the human face of mental illness, showcasing the courage and faith with which its victims fight to regain control of their lives amidst fear, isolation, and misunderstanding.[193] |
| Family Fundamentals | August 26, 2003 | Arthur Dong | "Family Fundamentals" dives into the ongoing debate over homosexuality within conservative Christian families. It showcases how personal struggles are profoundly intertwined with the political landscape surrounding this issue.[194] " |
| The Sixth Section | September 2, 2003 | Alex Rivera | "In The Sixth Section", the story of 'Grupo Union,' a group of Mexican immigrants in upstate New York, highlights the powerful form of cross-border organizing. Their dedicated efforts focus on raising funds to rebuild the town they left behind in Mexico.[195] |
| Soldados: Chicanos in Viet Nam | September 2, 2003 | Charley Trujillo and Sonya Rhee | Charley Trujillo, the author, leads us through the war and post-war journeys of a group of Mexican-American soldiers who served in Vietnam. The young soldiers from Corcoran, California, had no idea how profoundly their lives would be transformed by their experiences in Southeast Asia.[196] |
| State of Denial | September 16, 2003 | Elaine Epstein | State of Denial follows six individuals fighting to survive HIV amid stigma, limited access to treatments, and their president's controversial stance on HIV/AIDS.[197] |
| What I Want My Words To Do To You | December 16, 2003 | Madeleine Gavin, Judith Katz and Gary Sunshine | "What I Want My Words To Do To You" follows playwright and activist Eve Ensler's writing group at Bedford Hills Correctional Facility, empowering women inmates to share their stories.[198] |
| Love & Diane | April 21, 2004 | Jennifer Dworkin | "Love & Diane" is a gripping real-life drama of a mother and daughter seeking love and forgiveness amid the devastating impact of the 1980s crack cocaine epidemic. After reunification, they struggle to reconnect.[199] |
Season 17 (2004-05)
| Title | Premiere | Director | Synopsis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Farmingville | June 22, 2004 | Carlos Sandoval and Catherine Tambini | The attempted hate-based murders of two Mexican day laborers thrust a small Long Island town into the national spotlight, revealing a new front line in the border wars: suburbia.[200] |
| Bill's Run: A Political Journey in Rural Kansas | June 29, 2004 | Richard Kassebaum | Documentary filmmaker Richard Kassebaum left Los Angeles to join his younger brother, Bill, a rancher and country lawyer, on the campaign trail for his first run for the Kansas House of Representatives. Richard chronicled his brother's journey for seven weeks, capturing the essence of his foray into public office.[201] |
| War Feels Like War | July 6, 2004 | Esteban Uyarra | The film documents courageous reporters and photographers who defy military media control to show the reality of the Iraq War. Some journalists in Kuwait follow the invading armies at great risk, uncovering the true impact of war on civilians in Iraq.[202] |
| Thirst | July 13, 2004 | Alan Snitow and Deborah Kaufman | Rapid population growth, pollution, and scarcity are transforming water into the "blue gold" of the 21st century, comparable to oil in significance.[203] |
| Last Man Standing: Politics Texas Style | July 20, 2004 | Paul Stekler | Filmmaker Paul Stekler delves into the politics that propelled George W. Bush to national office. He takes his camera to Texas, providing a lively, behind-the-scenes perspective on the 2002 elections, including a race for state representative in a district that includes Lyndon Johnson's hometown and a polarizing race for governor.[204] |
| A Family Undertaking | August 3, 2004 | Elizabeth Westrate | In the past, Americans typically prepared their deceased loved ones for burial with the assistance of family and friends. However, in the 20th century, the funeral process has become part of a multimillion-dollar industry.[205] |
| Every Mother's Son | August 17, 2004 | Tami Gold and Kelly Anderson | "Every Mother's Son" recounts the stories of three victims of police brutality in the late 1990s: Amadou Diallo, Anthony Baez, and Gary (Gidone) Busch. The documentary sheds light on the mothers of these victims, who united to demand justice and accountability for the tragic loss of their sons.[206] |
| Speedo: A Demolition Derby Love Story | August 24, 2004 | Jesse Moss | Stuck in a failing marriage, Ed "Speedo" Jager, a demolition-derby driver, vents life's frustrations on the track, aiming to transform his skills into a career in "real" racing.[207] |
| Wattstax | September 7, 2004 | Mel Stuart | P.O.V. reintroduces the cult favorite Wattstax, a 1973 documentary directed by Mel Stuart. The film captures a legendary Stax recording label's benefit concert held in Los Angeles in August 1972, seven years after the Watts riots. With an audience of 90,000 people, the event later earned the nickname "Black Woodstock."[208] |
| Freedom Machines | September 14, 2004 | Jamie Stoble and Janet Cole | Freedom Machines provides a fresh perspective on disability by examining it through the lens of assistive technology.[209] |
| A Panther in Africa | September 21, 2004 | Aaron Matthews | On October 30, 1969, Pete O'Neal, a young Black Panther in Kansas City, Missouri, faced arrest for transporting a gun across state lines. A year later, O'Neal fled the charge, becoming one of the last American exiles living in Tanzania. For over 30 years, he has resided there, representing an era when activists viewed themselves as at war with the U.S. government.[210] |
| Lost Boys of Sudan | September 28, 2004 | Megan Mylan and Jon Shenk | The film follows Peter and Santino, two young refugees from the Dinka tribe, during their first year in America. They are among the nearly 4,000 'lost boys' who have emigrated to the United States.[211] |
Season 18 (2005)
| Title | Premiere | Director | Synopsis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chisholm '72: Unbought & Unbossed | February 7, 2005 | Shola Lynch | In 1972, Shirley Chisholm made history as the first black woman to run for president. Her charisma, wit, and spirit serve as a powerful reminder to all Americans of their citizenship power.[212] |
| The Education of Shelby Knox | June 21, 2005 | Marion Lipschutz and Rose Rosenblatt | Shelby Knox, a 15-year-old Texan and self-described "good Southern Baptist girl," defies expectations by becoming a passionate advocate for comprehensive sex education.[213] |
| Big Enough | June 28, 2005 | Jan Krawitz | In an intimate portrait, filmmaker Jan Krawitz revisits the subjects of her 1982 film Little People. Contrasting their youth with their lives 20 years later, she explores how individuals affected by dwarfism navigate everyday life, relationships, and emotional challenges with humor, grace, and occasional frustration.[214] |
| Street Fight | July 5, 2005 | Marshall Curry | The Academy Award-nominated film documents the tumultuous campaign of Cory Booker, a 32-year-old Rhodes Scholar, as he runs for mayor of Newark against a four-term incumbent.[215] |
| The Fire Next Time | July 12, 2005 | Patrice O'Neill | The Fire Next Time tracks the journey of a deeply divided group of citizens in Flathead Valley, Montana, over a tumultuous two-year period. As rapid growth and the influence of talk radio escalate conflicts, the film delves into the complex Tension among the community.[216] |
| The Brooklyn Connection | July 19, 2005 | Klaartje Quirijns | In The Brooklyn Connection reveals how a charismatic Brooklyn businessman raised $30 million during the Kosovo War. He then purchased weapons across the US and legally shipped them to Albania for smuggling into Kosovo.[217] |
| The Self-Made Man | July 26, 2005 | Susan Stern | The Self-Made Man presents a real-life family drama set on Independence Day at Stern Ranch in central California. Solar-energy pioneer Bob Stern, aged 77, discovers he is seriously ill and may be facing death. The film delves into the controversial question of whether we should have control over our own deaths.[218] |
| In the Realms of the Unreal | August 2, 2005 | Jessica Yu | Henry Darger, a reclusive janitor by day and a visionary artist by night, lived a largely unnoticed life. However, after his death, a remarkable discovery was made in his one-room Chicago apartment—a 15,000-page novel and numerous illustrations. This treasure trove continues to inspire artists worldwide, cementing Darger's legacy as an influential outsider artist.[219] |
| A Thousand Words | August 16, 2005 | Melba Williams | A Vietnam veteran, who endured a stroke, endeavors to revisit his war experiences for his children by using photography and moving images.[220] |
| Hardwood | August 16, 2005 | Hubert Davis | The Academy Award-nominated Hardwood is a personal film by director Hubert Davis, son of former Harlem Globetrotter Mel Davis. The documentary follows Mel, who now coaches young basketball players in Vancouver, and recounts his love-at-first-sight encounter with Hubert's mother, a white woman, during a time when racism made their union seem impossible.[221] |
| I Used to Be a Filmmaker | August 16, 2005 | Jay Rosenblatt | Filmmaker Jay Rosenblatt and his newborn daughter, Ella, take center stage as he chronicles the first 18 months of her life. The film captures her journey from a newborn to an infant, and then a toddler, as she grows and explores the world, even showing signs of becoming a budding filmmaker herself.[222] |
| A Song for Daniel | August 23, 2005 | Jason DaSilva | A Song for Daniel contrasts daily life of two 9-year-old boys—one in Baghdad, the other in NYC—exploring culture and place from their perspectives.[223] |
| Bright Leaves | August 23, 2005 | Ross McElwee | Filmmaker Ross McElwee explores the legacy of being a giant tobacco producer, tracing his great-grandfather's Bull Durham brand in North Carolina. His autobiographical journey delves into the state's social, economic, and psychological tobacco landscape, unveiling the impact passed down through generations.[224] |
| Hiding and Seeking | August 30, 2005 | Oren Rudavsky and Menachem Daum | Can generational wounds and bitterness be healed? An Orthodox Jewish father seeks to break barriers for his sons, taking them to Poland to find the family who protected their grandfather during World War II.[225] |
| The Hobart Shakespeareans | September 6, 2005 | Mel Stuart | The Hobart Shakespeareans showcases the extraordinary dedication and resourcefulness of a teacher who has transformed the lives of his "disadvantaged" students. Through his commitment, he has opened up vast opportunities and, in the process, provided a potential way forward for America's struggling public education system.[226] |
| Omar & Pete | September 13, 2005 | Tod Lending | This intimate film follows Omar and Pete, African-American friends with a history of prison stints spanning over 30 years. Determined to change their lives, the documentary captures their journey after what they hope will be their final release.[227] |
Season 19 (2006)
| Title | Premiere | Director | Synopsis |
|---|---|---|---|
| No More Tears Sister | June 27, 2006 | Helene Klodawsky | Amid Sri Lanka's ethnic war, 'No More Tears Sister' delves into the truth of the cost of conflict, honoring activist Dr. Rajani Thiranagama.[228] |
| Kokoyakyu: High School Baseball | July 4, 2006 | Kenneth Eng | In Japan, baseball is more than a pastime; it's a-consuming obsession, best exemplified by the renowned national high school tournament, "Koshien".[229] |
| Tintin and I | July 11, 2006 | Anders Østergaard | "The Adventures of Tintin" remains captivating over the years due to its timeless appeal and the depth within its narrative. ""Tintin and I"" sheds light on the comic strip's powerful social and political themes, adding layers to Tintin's world. By exploring the mind of Hergé, the devoted Belgian creator, the documentary reveals the fascinating journey of Tintin's creation and development.[230] |
| The Fall of Fujimori | July 18, 2006 | Ellen Perry | In 1990, Alberto Fujimori, an unexpected candidate, gained widespread backing and became Peru's president. He waged a fierce anti-terrorism campaign against the Shining Path guerrillas, achieving victory. However, a decade later, he faced allegations of kidnapping, murder, and corruption, prompting him to escape to Japan, his homeland, where he lived in exile for four years.[231] |
| The Tailenders | July 25, 2006 | Adele Horne | Global Recordings Network (GRN), established in 1939 in Los Angeles, is committed to producing audio adaptations of Bible stories in more than 5,500 languages. With a goal to reach every language on the planet, GRN distributes these recordings, along with simple hand-wind players, to isolated regions and displaced migrant workers. GRN affectionately refers to this target audience as "the tailenders" since they are the last to be reached by global evangelism efforts.[232] |
| Al Otro Lado (To the Other Side) | August 1, 2006 | Natalia Almada | The vibrant Mexican corrido music forms the soulful backdrop in this compelling exploration of songs, drugs, and aspirations along the U.S./Mexico border.[233] |
| Lomax the Songhunter | August 22, 2006 | Rogier Kappers | Alan Lomax, known as "the song hunter," dedicated his life to preserving the world's folk melodies before the modern music industry could make them vanish forever.[234] |
| Waging a Living | August 29, 2006 | Roger Weisberg | The term "working poor" should be an oxymoron. For 30 million Americans, it's reality. *Waging a Living* chronicles the day-to-day battles of four low-wage earners.[235] |
| The Boys of Baraka | September 12, 2006 | Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady | The Boys of Baraka tracks the transformative journey of four Baltimore boys to rural Kenya. With a teacher-student ratio of 1:5, strict discipline, and a comprehensive curriculum, the documentary captures their extraordinary path to becoming men.[236] |
| Twelve Disciples of Nelson Mandela | September 19, 2006 | Thomas Allen Harris | In 1960, Harris's stepfather, B. Pule Leinaeng, and eleven other comrades were part of the first wave of black South African exiles who departed from their home in Bloemfontein.[237] |
| No Bigger Than a Minute | October 3, 2006 | Steven Delano | No Bigger than a Minute is a captivating documentary by filmmaker Steve Delano, where he humorously delves into his identity as a dwarf. With vibrant colors, surreal reenactments, and a score composed from his own DNA sequence, the film celebrates the dignity of dwarfs, revealing the delightful, fulfilling, and sometimes surprising aspects of their unique lives.[238] |
| Maquilapolis | October 10, 2006 | Vicky Funari & Sergio De La Torre | Carmen and Lourdes toil at maquiladoras near the Tijuana, Mexico border, facing labor violations, environmental damage, and urban chaos daily.[239] |
| My Country, My Country | October 25, 2006 | Laura Poitras | Filmmaker Laura Poitras embarks on a powerful and unforgettable solo journey into war-torn Iraq, capturing the tumultuous months before the January 2005 elections.[240] |
Season 20 (2007-08)
| Title | Premiere | Director | Synopsis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rain in a Dry Land | June 19, 2007 | Anne Makepeace | Relief agencies bring Somali Bantu families from war-torn Somalia to resettle in Springfield, Massachusetts, and Atlanta, Georgia, seeking a new beginning.[241] |
| Massacre at Murambi | June 26, 2007 | Sam Kauffman | Amidst the 1994 Rwandan genocide, the newly constructed Murambi secondary school witnessed one of history's most horrific mass killings.[242] |
| Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars | June 27, 2007 | Banker White and Zach Niles | In the aftermath of Sierra Leone's civil war, traumatized refugees use music as their powerful weapon to fight back against their brutal losses and physical injuries.[243] |
| Standing Silent Nation | July 3, 2007 | Suree Towfighnia and Courtney Hermann | In April 2000, Alex White Plume and his Lakota family planted hemp on Pine Ridge Reservation after crop failures. Federal agents' raid sparked a complex battle over tribal sovereignty, economic rights, and common sense.[244] |
| Revolution '67 | July 10, 2007 | Marylou Tibaldo-Bongiorno | Revolution '67 sheds light on often overlooked events in U.S. history—the black urban rebellions of the 1960s—providing an illuminating account.[245] |
| Lawn | July 11, 2006 | Monteith McCollum | At the film's start, a woman claims, ""Your lawn reflects your character."" Lawn delves into our connection with nature and the urge to dominate it.[246] |
| The Chances of the World Changing | July 17, 2007 | Eric Daniel Metzgar & Nell Carden Grey | An extraordinary chronicle, following Richard Ogust's two years, ventures into the peculiar as he saves 1,200 turtles, turning his Manhattan loft into an unusual sanctuary.[247] |
| Prison Town, USA | July 24, 2007 | Katie Galloway and Po Kutchins | During the 1990s prison-building boom, a prison opened every 15 days in rural America. Prison Town, USA depicts Susanville, California, a small town attempting to revive its economy by constructing a prison, leading to unforeseen outcomes.[248] |
| No Angels in the Outfield | July 24, 2007 | Larry Warner | Inside the San Quentin Prison, a unique baseball team, the Giants, is explored in this documentary, where ""three strikes and you're in"" is the rule.[249] |
| Following Sean | July 31, 2007 | Ralph Arlyck | Ralph Arlyck revisits San Francisco to trace the fate of the precocious four-year-old he encountered during the vibrant '60s era.[250] |
| Alice Sees the Light | August 21, 2007 | Ariana Gerstein | Beyond our cities, lights we've forgotten to appreciate. Alice mourns the loss of her view of the universe, a reason she chose country living.[251] |
| Arctic Son | August 21, 2007 | Andrew Walton | "In the remote village of Old Crow, 80 miles above the Arctic Circle, a clash between tradition and modernity creates tension between a Native father and son.[252] |
| Libby, Montana | August 28, 2007 | Doug Hawes-Davis and Drury Gunn Carr | In Libby, a small town, hundreds suffer or have died from asbestos exposure, a toxic industrial substance many Americans believe is banned or controlled.[253] |
| Made in L.A. | September 4, 2007 | Almudena Carracedo and Robert Bahar | Witness the remarkable journey of three Latina immigrants in L.A.'s garment factories, as they fight a battle to compel a major clothing retailer to negotiate with them.[254] |
| Keeping House | September 4, 2007 | May Lin Au Yong | A poignant reflection on a mother's unwavering love, exploring the delicate promise of life as seen through her son's eyes.[255] |
| Bullet Proof Vest | September 4, 2007 | May Lin Au Yong | In Richmond, California, 9-year-old Jyeshria yearns for a bulletproof vest, seriously aware that children don't walk to school if they hope to live past 18.[256] |
| The Camden 28 | September 11, 2007 | Anthony Giacchino | The Camden 28 revisits a 1971 protest by activists against the Vietnam War and its impact on urban America, asking how far they'd go to halt the war.[257] |
| Lumo | September 18, 2007 | Bent-Jorgen Perlmutt and Nelson Walker III, Co-directed by Louis Abelman and Lynn True | Lumo Sinai endured rape by marauding soldiers in the Congo, resulting in a fistula—a medical condition causing incontinence and endangering her ability to have children.[258] |
| 49 Up | October 9, 2007 | Michael Apted | 49 Up is a remarkable documentary series profiling a group of English children every seven years since 1964—a unique and enduring project in cinema history.[259] |
| Wrestling With Angels: Playwright Tony Kushner | December 12, 2007 | Freida Lee Mock | Tony Kushner, renowned for his Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning play Angels in America, returns with a revival in New York. A prominent playwright and a formidable moral critic, he stands among the nation's finest.[260] |
| Scaredycat | December 12, 2007 | Andy Blubaugh | Scaredycat centers around the filmmaker's personal experience of being assaulted by a gang named ""The Portland Riders,"" serving as the film's starting point.[261] |
Season 21 (2008)
| Title | Premiere | Director | Synopsis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ars Magna | March 1, 2008 | Cory Kelley | "Ars Magna" in Latin means "great art". This Emmy-nominated documentary explores the passionate and intriguing world of anagrams.[262] |
| Traces of the Trade: A Story from the Deep North | June 24, 2008 | Katrina Browne | In her debut film, Katrina Browne discovers the truth about her ancestors, who were the largest slave-trading family in U.S. history.[263] |
| Election Day | July 1, 2008 | Katy Chevigny | What's voting like at ground level in the US today? Election Day weaves 11 stories from diverse citizens into an inspiring story of democracy.[264] |
| The Ballad of Esequiel Hernandez | July 8, 2008 | Kieran Fitzgerald | In 1997, Esequiel Hernández Jr. was killed by U.S. Marines on the Texas-Mexico border during War on Drugs.[265] |
| The Last Conquistador | July 15, 2008 | John J. Valadez and Cristina Ibarra | Sculptor John Houser dreams of creating El Paso's tallest bronze equestrian statue.[266] |
| 9 Star Hotel | July 22, 2008 | Ido Haar | Israeli construction laborers in Modi'in struggle under security laws and a perceived failing Palestinian Authority.[267] |
| Campaign | July 29, 2008 | Kazuhiro Soda | Japanese-style democracy unfolds as a man is chosen by the ruling party for a crucial city council candidacy.[268] |
| Johnny Cash! The Man, His World, His Music | August 5, 2008 | Robert Elfstrom | Following the Folsom Prison album, Cash showcased his intense darkness and raw talent, solidifying his status as a country music star and cultural icon.[269] |
| Belarusian Waltz | August 12, 2008 | Andrzej Fidyk | Alexander Pushkin's audacious and comical rebellion against totalitarianism brings him into conflict with the police and his family.[270] |
| The Judge and the General | August 19, 2008 | Elizabeth Farnsworth & Patricio Lanfranco | In this cautionary tale, Pinochet, Chile's former dictator, faces justice when one of his own holds him accountable for violating human rights in the name of "higher ideals."[271] |
| Calavera Highway | September 16, 2008 | Renee Tajima-Pena & Evangeline Griego | A sweeping collection of seven Mexican-American men, exploring masculinity, fatherhood, and the impact of their rootless beginnings.[272] |
| Critical Condition | September 30, 2008 | Roger Weisberg | This film examines the realities of the 47 million Americans without health insurance.[273] |
| In the Family | October 1, 2008 | Joanna Rudnick | Facing a positive "breast cancer gene" test at 27, Chicago filmmaker Joanna Rudnick grapples with the sacrifices she'd make to survive, uncertain about her next steps.[274] |
| Up the Yangtze | October 8, 2008 | Yung Chang | China's Three Gorges Dam transforms Yangtze River's landscape, submerging villages, displacing 2 million, and changing lives forever.[275] |
| Soldiers of Conscience | October 16, 2008 | Gary Weimberg and Catherine Ryan | Examining moral dilemmas, eight U.S. soldiers in war grapple with the rightness of killing and refusing to do so.[276] |
| City of Cranes | December 10, 2008 | Eva Weber | Chile's ex-dictator Pinochet faces justice when one of his own holds him accountable for human rights violations in the name of "higher ideals."[277] |
| Inheritance | December 10, 2008 | James Moll | Inheritance follows Monika Hertwig, daughter of mass murderer Amon Goeth, as she grapples with the legacy left by her father and strives for reconciliation.[278] |
Season 22 (2009-2010)
| Title | Premiere | Director | Synopsis |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Muslim Cool | June 23, 2009 | Jennifer Maytorena Taylor | Hamza Pérez, a Puerto Rican-American rapper, transformed his life and left behind the street life 12 years ago when he embraced Islam. Now he finds himself grappling with the challenges by the post-9/11 world and the complexities it brings to his identity and beliefs.[279] |
| Beyond Hatred | June 30, 2009 | Olivier Meyrou | A family's journey to seek justice for their murdered son, all the while grappling with the difficult task of forgiving.[280] |
| Life. Support. Music. | July 7, 2009 | Eric Daniel Metzgar | When a guitarist experiences a brain hemorrhage during a performance, medical professionals express doubt about his chances of recovering from a coma. This is a remarkable account of a family's extraordinary battle in the midst of tragedy.[281] |
| The Reckoning: The Battle for the International Criminal Court | July 14, 2009 | Paco de Onis, Peter Kinoy and Pamela Yates | The International Criminal Court, comprising over 120 countries, has joined forces to establish a legal institution tasked with prosecuting individuals responsible for crimes against humanity, war crimes, and acts of genocide. This united effort aims to ensure accountability and justice on a global scale.[282] |
| The Betrayal (Nerakhoon) | July 21, 2009 | Ellen Kuras & Thavisouk Phrasavath | This unflinching portrayal takes us inside a British school dedicated to caring for emotionally disturbed children. It captures the transformative power of a community of compassionate adults who choose love and support over force, showcasing the profound impact it has on the lives of these children.[283] |
| Hold Me Tight, Let Me Go | July 28, 2009 | Kim Longinotto | This unflinching portrayal takes us inside a British school dedicated to caring for emotionally disturbed children. It captures the transformative power of a community of compassionate adults who choose love and support over force, showcasing the profound impact it has on the lives of these children.[284] |
| Nutkin's Last Stand | August 18, 2009 | Nicholas Berger | The red squirrel, immortalized in Beatrix Potter's The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin, is the sole native squirrel species in the island nation. However, it is currently facing the threat of extinction due to the encroachment of the invasive grey squirrels.[285] |
| 34x25x36 | August 18, 2009 | Jesse Epstein | Take a backstage tour of the Patina V Mannequin Factory in City of Industry, California, where you'll witness the artistry, craftsmanship, and marketing efforts that contribute to the creation of ""the ideal woman of the moment"" using plastic mannequins. Discover the process that brings these iconic figures to life.[286] |
| Utopia, Part 3: The World's Largest Shopping Mall | August 18, 2009 | Sam Green and Carrie Lozano | Does anything American remain sacred? Surprisingly, the title of the world's largest mall does not belong to the renowned Mall of America, but instead, it goes to the South China Mall located near Guangzhou.[287] |
| This Way Up | August 25, 2009 | Georgi Lazarevski | The construction of the security wall by Israel on the West Bank has resulted in the isolation of a nursing home, leaving its elderly residents to navigate the challenges of old age amidst the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.[288] |
| Ella Es el Matador (She Is the Matador) | September 1, 2009 | Gemma Cubero and Celeste Carrasco | Entering the male-dominated arena of bullfighting, two women matadors in Spain follow their passion and pursue their dreams. Their journey offers a glimpse into the unique challenges and experiences faced by women as they strive to establish themselves in a traditionally male-dominated field.[289] |
| The English Surgeon | September 8, 2009 | Geoffrey Smith | This powerful portrayal captures the extraordinary dedication of a doctor who tirelessly works to alleviate suffering, delving into the emotional turmoil he experiences while bringing hope to a desperate community.[290] |
| The Principal Story | September 15, 2009 | Tod Lending and David Mrazek | Throughout the span of a school year, two public school principals, each with their distinctive approach and shared passion, create a positive impact on the lives of their students. This uplifting story showcases the transformative influence that dedicated educators can have on the young minds they guide.[291] |
| Jennifer | September 22, 2009 | Stewart Copeland | Filmmaker Stewart Copeland embarks on a personal journey to explore his connection with his late mother, diving into the complex interplay between memory and history, and the emotional spaces that exist in between.[292] |
| So the Wind Won't Blow It All Away | September 22, 2009 | Annie P. Waldman | Following the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, a resilient group of teenagers displays determination as they return to New Orleans two years later to complete their high school education. In the wake of the disaster, where one out of every five teenagers is left without parents.[293] |
| Bronx Princess | September 22, 2009 | Yoni Brook and Musa Syeed | Rocky Otoo, a spirited teenager, finds herself at odds with her strict Ghanaian mother's authority in the Bronx. As a result, she flees to her father, a chief in Ghana, seeking refuge and independence from the rules she rebels against.[294] |
| The Way We Get By | November 11, 2009 | Aron Gaudet and Gita Pullapilly | Seniors in Bangor, Maine, welcomed 900,000 troops over 5 years at a small airport, making history.[295] |
| Patti Smith: Dream of Life | December 30, 2009 | Steven Sebring | Fashion photographer Steven Sebring captures an intimate 11-year portrait of the iconic musician, poet, and artist Patti Smith in this compelling film.[296] |
Season 23 (2010)
| Title | Premiere | Director | Synopsis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Food, Inc. | April 21, 2010 | Robert Kenner | This Oscar-nominated film from 2010 unveils the hidden realities of our nation's food industry, shedding light on its highly mechanized and concealed aspects that have remained out of sight for the American consumer.[297] |
| Notes on Milk | April 21, 2010 | Ariana Gerstein and Monteith McCollum | This poetic exploration delves into lesser-known facets of America's beloved beverage: milk. The story highlights the spiritual foundations within the industry, the political dynamics, and the challenges faced by independent farmers.[298] |
| William Kunstler: Disturbing the Universe | June 22, 2010 | Emily Kunstler and Sarah Kunstler | In this personal biography, Kunstler's daughters embark on a journey to uncover the genuine narrative behind their late father, revealing the complexities that made him one of America's most simultaneously beloved and reviled lawyers.[299] |
| The Beaches of Agnès | June 29, 2010 | Agnès Varda | In this memoir, the acclaimed French filmmaker skillfully harnesses the magic of cinema to interweave reality and imagination, past and present, as well as moments of both sorrow and delight.[300] |
| A Different Color Blue | June 29, 2010 | Melanie Vi Levy | Despite losing most of his eyesight in a youthful accident, Charles Curtis Blackwell, a semi-blind artist, has triumphed over adversity and discovered that his artistic talents have flourished even further.[301] |
| Promised Land | July 6, 2010 | Yoruba Richen | While apartheid officially ended in South Africa in 1994, economic disparities between black and white populations persist, with the unresolved issue of land ownership being the most volatile and potentially explosive concern.[302] |
| Good Fortune | July 13, 2010 | Landon Van Soest and Jeremy Levine | "Good Fortune" is a thought-provoking investigation into how well-intentioned international efforts to alleviate poverty in Africa might unintentionally undermine the very communities they seek to assist.[303] |
| Bye | July 13, 2010 | Anthony Morrison | Bye chronicles the journey of Jayden, a two and a half-year-old child diagnosed with autism, as he navigates his initial months of schooling in the Bronx.[304] |
| El General | July 20, 2010 | Natalia Almada | The collision of past and present unfolds as the daughter of Plutarco Elías Calles, a revolutionary general who became the president of Mexico in 1924, reflects upon her father's enduring legacy.[305] |
| Presumed Guilty | July 27, 2010 | Roberto Hernández, Layda Negrete and Geoffrey Smith | Imagine being informed that you committed a murder you know nothing about and then finding yourself sentenced for 20 years in jail.[306] |
| A Healing Art | August 17, 2010 | Ellen Frick | Artificial eye craftsmen blend artistry, expertise, and empathy to create works of art that serve as prosthetic eyes, reigniting hope and confidence for their patients. [307] Artificial eye craftsmen blend artistry, expertise, and empathy to create works of art that serve as prosthetic eyes, reigniting hope and confidence for their patients. |
| The Archive | August 17, 2010 | Sean Dunne | This is the captivating tale of a man and his collection of records. Paul Mawhinney has amassed an extraordinary assortment, which has now grown into the world's largest record collection.[308] |
| Salt | August 17, 2010 | Michael Angus and Murray Fredericks | SALT is a film that expands upon Murray Fredericks' photography at the captivating yet desolate Lake Eyre, showcasing its beauty.[309] |
| Trash-Out | August 17, 2010 | Maria Fortiz-Morse | In this profound and straightforward short film, we witness workers clearing out a foreclosed house. It prompts us to contemplate the profound message that an empty house, once a cherished home, conveys. |
| Danny and Annie: Parts I & II | August 17, 2010 | Mike Rauch and Tim Rauch | Through an intimate and heart-wrenching perspective on a marriage, this animated short offers a poignant portrayal of true love as it confronts the inevitable reality of loss.[311] |
| Q&A | August 24, 2010 | Mike Rauch and Tim Rauch | Produced by StoryCorps, this four-minute animated short showcases an interview between Joshua Littman, a 12-year-old boy with Asperger's syndrome, and his mother, Sarah. It offers a touching and insightful glimpse into their relationship.[312] |
| Seltzer Works | August 24, 2010 | Jessica Edwards | As the last remaining bottler in Brooklyn, this story follows the determined efforts to resist the dominance of supermarket seltzer and uphold the historical significance of this humble beverage.[313] |
| The Edge of Dreaming | August 24, 2010 | Amy Hardie | In this captivating exploration, a filmmaker delves into the realms of dreams, neuroscience, and spirituality to investigate the intriguing question: Can dreams predict the future? Unveiling the mysteries of the human subconscious, this documentary offers a thought-provoking journey.[314] |
| Wo Ai Ni (I Love You) Mommy | August 31, 2010 | Stephanie Wang-Breal | Imagine the profound experience of being forcibly separated from your Chinese foster family, placed on an airplane surrounded by strangers, only to awaken in a new country, with a different family, and immersed in an entirely foreign culture.[315] |
| Germans in the Woods | August 31, 2010 | Mike Rauch and Tim Rauch | Joseph Robertson served as an infantryman in the U.S. Army during World War II, courageously participating in the historic Battle of the Bulge. |
| Off and Running | September 7, 2010 | Nicole Opper | Avery, a child from Brooklyn, is part of a non-conventional family with two Jewish lesbian mothers. Their family appears typical in many ways, until Avery decides to write a letter to her birth mother, sparking a unique journey of self-discovery and exploration of her roots.[317] |
| The Human Voice | September 7, 2010 | Mike Rauch and Tim Rauch | Studs Terkel reflects on the aspects of modern life that have been lost and shares his insights on where he finds hope for our future.[318] |
| The Icing on the Cake | September 7, 2010 | Mike Rauch and Tim Rauch | In this heartfelt account, the daughter of two Mexican immigrants opens up about the profound insights gained from witnessing her parents' lives during her childhood, and the profound inspiration she derived from their enduring struggles.[319] |
| In the Matter of Cha Jung Hee | September 14, 2010 | Deann Borshay Liem | With her passport identifying her as Cha Jung Hee, a Korean adoptee arrived in the United States in 1966. However, she knew deep down that this was not her true identity. Thus began a 40-year-long journey of deception and search for her real self.[320] |
| The Oath | September 21, 2010 | Laura Poitras | Set in Yemen and Guantánamo, The Oath intricately intertwines the narratives of Abu Jandal, who was once Osama Bin Laden's bodyguard, and Salim Hamdan, a man confronting charges of war crimes. The film sheds light on their contrasting experiences and the complexities of their intertwined lives.[321] |
| The Most Dangerous Man in America: Daniel Ellsberg and the Pentagon Papers | October 5, 2010 | Judith Ehrlich and Rick Goldsmith | Four decades ago, a courageous whistleblower's audacious act of conscience directly contributed to the Watergate scandal, resulting in President Nixon's resignation and ultimately leading to the conclusion of the Vietnam War.[322] |
Season 24 (2011-12)
| Title | Premiere | Director | Synopsis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kings of Pastry | June 21, 2011 | Chris Hegedus & D. A. Pennebaker | Pastry chefs craft awe-inspiring creations and dramatic moments while presenting gravity-defying desserts at the Meilleurs Ouvriers de France contest.[323] |
| My Perestroika | June 28, 2011 | Robin Hessman | My Perestroika provides a close examination of the final generation of Soviet children as they navigate their identities in contemporary Moscow.[324] |
| Sweetgrass | July 5, 2011 | Ilisa Barbash & Lucien Castaing-Taylor | Sweetgrass chronicles the journey of the remaining contemporary cowboys who guide their sheep herds into the perilous mountains for summer grazing.[325] |
| Enemies of the People | July 12, 2011 | Rob Lemkin and Thet Sambath | Despite the Khmer Rouge's brutal extermination of approximately two million individuals in the late 1970s, the Killing Fields of Cambodia have remained largely unexplored. However, that is about to change.[326] |
| Biblioburro: The Donkey Library | July 19, 2011 | Carlos Rendón Zipagauta | Luis Soriano, a dedicated grade-school teacher from Colombia, transports books to the impoverished and violence-affected areas of Magdalena Province's interior using two diligent donkeys.[327] |
| Mugabe and the White African | July 26, 2011 | Lucy Bailey and Andrew Thompson | In Zimbabwe, Robert Mugabe, the de facto dictator, has implemented a "land reform" initiative with the purpose of expelling whites from the country by employing violence and threat.[328] |
| Steam of Life | August 2, 2011 | Joonas Berghäll and Mika Hotakainen | In Finland, the sauna holds a special place as a national obsession. It is as a gathering spot where people come together to cleanse not only their bodies from the stresses of modern life but also to release grief, share hopes, and celebrate joys, and cherish memories.[329] |
| Flawed | August 23, 2011 | Andrea Dorfman | This is the story of a distant romance with a man whose occupation as a plastic surgeon provides the woman with ample material to contemplate and discuss.[330] |
| Miss Devine | August 23, 2011 | Mike Rauch and Tim Rauch | James Ransom and Cherie Johnson fondly remember their unique Sunday school instructor, Miss Lizzie Devine.[331] |
| Big Birding Day | August 23, 2011 | David Wilson | David Wilson provides an insight into the realm of competitive birdwatching, where three friends embark on a quest to observe the highest number of bird species within a 24-hour timeframe.[332] |
| Tiffany | August 23, 2011 | Alix Lambert | In this animated short, Beverly Morris recounts her enduring battle to retain ownership of the highly disputed item in her divorce: the Tiffany lamp.[333] |
| No More Questions! | August 23, 2011 | Mike Rauch and Tim Rauch | The son and granddaughter fondly remember a beloved grandmother who captivated them with her entertaining life stories, which were shared during a StoryCorps session.[334] |
| Six Weeks | August 23, 2011 | Marcin Janos Krawczyk | In Poland, parents of newborn babies have a six-week window to make the decision of giving up their child for adoption.[335] |
| Armadillo | August 30, 2011 | Janus Metz | At Armadillo, a combat operations base in southern Afghanistan and a platoon of Danish soldiers battles against the Taliban.[336] |
| Better This World | September 6, 2011 | Kelly Duane de la Vega and Katie Galloway | The tale of two men accused of plotting to firebomb the 2008 Republican National Convention is a gripping narrative of idealism, loyalty, crime, and betrayal.[337] |
| StoryCorps Shorts: September 11 Stories | September 6, 2011 | Mike Rauch and Tim Rauch | In this compilation of shorts from the esteemed StoryCorps, family members and loved ones commemorate the individuals they tragically lost in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.[338] |
| If a Tree Falls: A Story of the Earth Liberation Front | September 13, 2011 | Marshall Curry | This thought-provoking film unveils the secrets of a radical environmental organization labeled by the FBI as the biggest domestic terrorism hazard in America.[339] |
| The Learning | September 20, 2011 | Ramona Diaz | Four Filipino women embark on a journey, leaving behind their families and schools, to teach in the United States. Filled with idealistic aspirations for the teaching profession and the American way of life, they set out to make their dreams a reality.[340] |
| Last Train Home | September 27, 2011 | Lixin Fan | During the New Year season, China experiences an annual phenomenon where its cities descend into disorder as an astounding 130 million migrant workers undertake the world's largest human migration, returning to their home villages.[341] |
| Where Soldiers Come From | November 10, 2011 | Heather Courtney | Embark on a four-year journey alongside childhood friends who transition from a snowy town in northern Michigan to the mountains of Afghanistan as they join the National Guard.[342] |
| Racing Dreams | February 23, 2012 | Marshall Curry | Racing Dreams captures the aspirations of three ""tweens"" who dream of becoming NASCAR drivers. This film delves into the world of racing, young love, and the struggles faced by their families.[343] |
Season 25 (2012-13)
| Title | Premiere | Director | Synopsis |
|---|---|---|---|
| To R.P. Salazar, with Love | January 26, 2012 | Mike Rauch and Tim Rauch | Separated by 9,000 miles and unaware of each other's existence, Rachel P. Salazar and Ruben P. Salazar's lives changed when a stroke of luck brought them together, in an unexpected twist of fate.[344] |
| My Reincarnation | June 21, 2012 | Jennifer Fox | Rising Paths"" explores the dynamic relationship between Chögyal Namkhai Norbu, a prominent Buddhist teacher who gains recognition in the West, and his son Yeshi, who is identified as the reincarnation of a Buddhist master.[345] |
| Granito: How to Nail a Dictator | June 28, 2012 | Peter Kinoy, Pamela Yates and Paco de Onís | This is the remarkable tale of how a film, empowering a new wave of human rights activists, transformed into a "granito" — a tiny grain of sand — that played a crucial role in tipping the scales of justice.[346] |
| The City Dark | July 5, 2012 | Ian Cheney | "The City Dark" delves into the question of whether darkness is gradually disappearing. It explores both the physical and psychological impacts of light pollution, offering a compelling portrait of a world that becomes increasingly illuminated after dusk.[347] |
| Guilty Pleasures | July 12, 2012 | Julie Moggan | In a tale that spans four continents, five extraordinary individuals embark on a quest for true love, defying the boundaries of conventional romance stories.[348] |
| The Light in Her Eyes | July 19, 2012 | Julia Meltzer and Laura Nix | Houda al-Habash, a conservative female preacher in Damascus, Syria, challenges conservative norms by encouraging girls to embrace Islam and pursue their ambitions.[349] |
| Up Heartbreak Hill | July 26, 2012 | Erica Scharf | "Up Heartbreak Hill" is a documentary that chronicles the lives of two Native American teenagers who grapple with a profound dilemma of exploring the vast opportunities outside of their remote home and being tied to their community.[350] |
| The Barber of Birmingham | August 9, 2012 | Gail Dolgin and Robin Fryday | James Armstrong, a pillar of his community, has run a barbershop in Alabama for half a century, serving as a gathering place for haircuts and a center of civil rights activism.[351] |
| Sin País | August 9, 2012 | Theo Rigby | "Sin País" (Without Country) is a powerful and poignant documentary, that delves into the complex and emotional journey of a single family impacted by deportation.[352] |
| Eyes on the Stars | August 9, 2012 | Mike Rauch and Tim Rauch | Ronald McNair, an African-American kid growing up in the 1950s, had an extraordinary dream of reaching for the stars. His story of determination, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence is told by his brother, Carl McNair.[353] |
| Facundo the Great | August 9, 2012 | Mike Rauch and Tim Rauch | The new student becomes a hero as his teachers struggle to anglicize his name.[354] |
| A Family Man | August 9, 2012 | Mike Rauch and Tim Rauch | Sam Black engages in a conversation with his wife, reflecting on his father's enduring lesson and the profound impact of a single gaze.[355] |
| I'm Carolyn Parker: The Good, the Mad, and the Beautiful | September 20, 2012 | Jonathan Demme | Jonathan Demme's portrayal of post-Katrina New Orleans narrates Carolyn Parker's struggle as a lifelong resident of the Lower Ninth Ward, fighting for the restoration of her home and community.[356] |
| El Velador (The Night Watchman) | September 27, 2012 | Natalia Almada | Throughout the night, a vigilant guard stands watch over the opulent mausoleums belonging to Mexico's infamous drug lords.[357] |
| Give Up Tomorrow | October 4, 2012 | Michael Collins and Marty Syjuco | This gripping exposé unveils corruption and injustice in the Philippines, as it delves into a sensational murder case that brings an end to the nation's capital punishment, yet tragically fails to secure the freedom of an innocent man.[358] |
| Sun Kissed | October 18, 2012 | Maya Stark and Adi Lavy | The lives of a Navajo couple are forever altered when they discover a hidden connection between their children's rare genetic disorder and the historical conquest of their tribe by the American government.[359] |
| Nostalgia for the Light | October 25, 2012 | Patricio Guzmán | In the Atacama Desert, a convergence of earthly and celestial pursuits takes place. Archaeologists excavate the remnants of ancient civilizations, women embark on quests to find their missing loved ones, and astronomers explore the heavens, scanning the skies for new galaxies.[360] |
| Reportero | January 7, 2013 | Bernardo Ruiz | A veteran reporter and his colleagues at Zeta, a Tijuana-based independent newsweekly, ply their trade in one of the most dangeorus places in the world for members of the media.[361] |
| Girl Model | March 24, 2013 | A. Sabin and David Redmon | This story unveils the hidden realities of the modeling industry through the intertwined lives of two individuals. Ashley, an American model scout with inner conflicts, crosses paths with Nadya, a 13-year-old girl from a remote Siberian village who is offered the promise of a lucrative career in Japan. As Nadya embarks on her quest for glamour and an escape from poverty, she grapples with the harsh truths of a culture that idealizes youth and an industry that commodifies perpetual childhood, with consequences that span the globe.[362] |
Season 26 (2013-14)
| Title | Premiere | Director | Synopsis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homegoings | June 24, 2013 | Christine Turner | Homegoings" is a documentary film that offers a unique perspective on African-American funerals, as seen through the eyes of Isaiah Owens, a Harlem funeral director. The film beautifully captures the beauty, grace, and cultural significance of these funerals while portraying the emotions experienced by grieving families.[363] |
| Special Flight (French: Vol spécial) | July 1, 2013 | Fernand Melgar | Undocumented immigrants in Geneva highlight contradictions between compassion and immigration laws. |
| Herman's House | July 8, 2013 | Angad Singh Bhalla | Herman Wallace's 40+ years in a 6'x9' cell inspire artist Jackie Sumell to explore justice and punishment in America through his "dream home." |
| Only the Young | July 15, 2013 | Jason Tippett and Elizabeth Mims | In a Southern California town, three teens navigate the complexities of love, friendship, and financial uncertainty in the face of adult responsibilities. |
| High Tech, Low Life | July 22, 2013 | Stephen Maing | "High Tech, Low Life" chronicles the journey of China's pioneering citizen-reporters, bloggers who defy censorship to expose the hidden aspects of the country's rapid economic growth.[367] |
| Neurotypical | July 29, 2013 | Adam Larsen | Embracing Spectrum" follows the journeys of three individuals, all on the autism spectrum at different stages of their lives: a 4-year-old child, a teenager, and an adult.[368] |
| The Law in These Parts | August 19, 2013 | and Liran Atzmor | For the first time, Israeli military and legal professionals responsible for the legal framework behind the occupation are interviewed, shedding light on a system that reflects Israel's most challenging moral dilemmas.[369] |
| 5 Broken Cameras | August 26, 2013 | Emad Burnat and Guy Davidi | Oscar-nominated film, 5 Broken Cameras, captures the daily life in a West Bank village amidst the construction of a security fence. This powerful documentary was filmed by a Palestinian and co-directed by an Israeli.[370] |
| Ping Pong | September 9, 2013 | Hugh Hartford and Anson Hartford | In Ping Pong, seven players with a collective age of 620 years participate in the Over 80 World Table Tennis Championships. This inspiring documentary serves as a contemplation of mortality while celebrating the indomitable human spirit.[371] |
| The World Before Her | September 16, 2013 | Nisha Pahuja | In The World Before Her, two contrasting Indias emerge: a small-town girl's journey in the Miss India pageant versus a militant woman's leadership in a fundamentalist Hindu camp for girls.[372] |
| Best Kept Secret | September 23, 2013 | Samantha Buck | In a race against time, a dedicated Newark high school teacher strives to secure a future for her autistic students before they "age out" of a compassionate and understanding support system.[373] |
| Brooklyn Castle | October 7, 2013 | Katie Dellamaggiore | I.S. 318, a Brooklyn public school predominantly attended by minority students from working-class families, has an extraordinary achievement with over 30 national chess championships, making it the most successful school in the country in this regard.[374] |
| 56 Up | October 14, 2013 | Michael Apted | Seven Up featured interviews with a group of 7-year-old children in 1964. Filmmaker Michael Apted continued to document their lives every seven years since then. Now, as they reach the age of 56.[375] |
| Listening Is an Act of Love: A StoryCorps Special | November 28, 2013 | StoryCorps by Mike Rauch and Tim Rauch | Experience the transformative magic of listening through an animated special from StoryCorps, the oral history project that captures heartfelt conversations among ordinary individuals, celebrating the power of shared stories and human connections.[376] |
| American Promise | February 3, 2014 | Joe Brewster and Michèle Stephenson | "American Promise" follows the journey of African-American parents, Joe Brewster and Michèle Stephenson, as they document the experiences of their son and his friend who attend one of the nation's most prestigious private school.[377] |
Season 27 (2014)
| Title | Premiere | Director | Synopsis |
|---|---|---|---|
| When I Walk | June 23, 2014 | Jason DaSilva | At the age of 25, Jason DaSilva, a promising filmmaker, received a life-altering diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. This event served as a catalyst for him to create an honest, optimistic documentary. While his pursuit of a cure remains ongoing, an unexpected twist brings a different kind of miracle.[378] |
| American Revolutionary: The Evolution of Grace Lee Boggs | June 30, 2014 | Grace Lee | Grace Lee Boggs, a Chinese American philosopher in Detroit has been waging a revolution for 75 years. Her story portrays an evolving city and examines the power of ideas and imagination to create change.[379] |
| My Way to Olympia | July 7, 2014 | Niko von Glasow | Who could be more fitting to provide coverage for the Paralympics than a filmmaker with a disability who holds considers the games to be ""foolish""? However, when Niko von Glasow encounters the Rwandan sitting volleyball team and an American archer who lacks arms, his preconceived notions are shattered completely.[380] |
| Getting Back to Abnormal | July 14, 2014 | Louis Alvarez, Andrew Kolker, Peter Odabashian and Paul Stekler | New Orleans election: Corruption. Racism. Street revelry. Unapologetic politician aiming for re-election. Let the good times roll.[381] |
| Dance for Me | July 21, 2014 | Katrine Philp | At the age of 15, Egor, a Russian ballroom dancer, leaves behind his familiar world and ventures into the unknown to join forces with Mie, a talented 14-year-old performer from Denmark. As he embarks on this journey, Egor must confront the sacrifices he must make. |
| A Good Man | July 21, 2014 | by StoryCorps and Mike Rauch and Tim Rauch | Bryan Wilmoth and his seven younger siblings were raised in a strict, religious home. He talks to his brother Mike about reconnecting years after their dad kicked Bryan out for being gay.[383] |
| Fallen City | July 28, 2014 | Qi Zhao | Rising From the Rubble" explores the aftermath of a devastating earthquake in Beichuan, China. The story follows the resilient survivors as they witness the rapid construction of a modern replica of their city.[384] |
| 15 to Life: Kenneth's Story | August 4, 2014 | Nadine Pequeneza | Do life sentences without parole for teenagers benefit society? This thought-provoking film exposes a justice system that condemns young Americans to die in prison, through the story of a Florida man sentenced to four life terms at when he was only 15.[385] |
| A World Not Ours | August 18, 2014 | Mahdi Fleifel | In this passionate and bittersweet account, the film explores the multi-generational experiences of a family living as permanent refugees in the Ain el-Helweh refugee camp located in southern Lebanon.[386] |
| Big Men | August 25, 2014 | Rachel Boynton | Executive produced by Brad Pitt, Big Men" takes viewers to Ghana for an unprecedented exploration of the global world of oil development. The documentary delves into the intricate world of deal-making, exposing both the financial pursuits and the darker aspects of the industry.[387] |
| After Tiller | September 1, 2014 | Martha Shane and Lana Wilson | ""After Tiller"" is an eye-opening documentary about the lives of the four courageous doctors who openly provide late-term abortions in the United States. Following the assassination of Dr. George Tiller in 2009, these physicians find themselves at the center of a storm, facing immense challenges, scrutiny, and bravery.[388] |
| The Genius of Marian | September 8, 2014 | Banker White and Anna Fitch | Pam White receives a diagnosis of early-onset Alzheimer's at 61. As Pam's family joins her in grappling with the effects of the disease, her eldest son attempts to preserve her memories by documenting their conversations.[389] |
| Koch | September 22, 2014 | Neil Barsky | Ed Koch is the embodiment of a true New Yorker—feisty, humorous, and straightforward. Serving as mayor from 1978 to 1989 during a time of graffiti, financial struggles, and crime, he reflects on his life and impact before his passing in 2013.[390] |
| The Act of Killing | October 6, 2014 | Joshua Oppenheimer | This 2013 Oscar nominated documentary of 2013 invites Indonesian death-squad leaders to reenact their roles in genocide, blurring the lines as they portray both perpetrators and victims.[391] |
Season 28 (2015-16)
| Title | Premiere | Director | Synopsis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Out In The Night | June 22, 2015 | blair dorosh-walther | |
| The Overnighters | June 29, 2015 | Jesse Moss | In the expansive oil fields of North Dakota, men who are desperate and emotionally shattered pursue their aspirations while trying to escape their personal struggles. However, a courageous local pastor goes to great lengths to assist them, putting everything on the line.[392] |
| Tough Love | July 6, 2015 | Stephanie Wang-Breal | After their children were taken into custody by Child Protective Services, two parents find themselves in a challenging battle to regain the court's trust and reunite their fractured families. Faced with the immense task ahead, they are determined to overcome the obstacles and rebuild the bonds that were once torn apart.[393] |
| Web Junkie | July 13, 2015 | Shosh Shlam, Hilla Medalia | After their children were taken into custody by Child Protective Services, two parents find themselves in a challenging battle to regain the court's trust and reunite their fractured families. Faced with the immense task ahead, they are determined to overcome the obstacles and rebuild the bonds that were once torn apart.[394] |
| Return to Homs | July 20, 2015 | Talal Derki | A look into the barricaded confines of the besieged Syrian city of Homs where 19-year-old Basset and his friends' aspirations of revolution gradually collapse alongside the crumbling structures that surround them.[395] |
| Tea Time | July 27, 2015 | Maite Alberdi | Exploring the significance of a seemingly ordinary monthly ritual of tea and pastries, we witness how it serves as a powerful means for five Chilean women to celebrate life's triumphs and navigate through challenges such as infidelity, illness, and loss. |
| Beats of the Antonov | August 3, 2015 | Hajooj Kuka | Amid government bombings, Sudanese civilians embrace music to reclaim their heritage, fostering hope and unity.[397] |
| Neuland | August 17, 2015 | Anna Thommen | During the challenges of learning a new language and preparing for employment, a dedicated teacher helps his students transition to their new life in Switzerland. In the process, they share their innermost hopes and dreams, striving to create a better future.[398] |
| Point and Shoot | August 24, 2015 | Marshall Curry | Seeking a crash course in manhood, Matt VanDyke ventured away from his home in 2006, only to find himself thrust into the midst of a revolution in the Middle East. |
| The Storm Makers | August 31, 2015 | Guillaume Suon | "This film delves into the vicious cycle of poverty, despair, and greed that drives the reality of human trafficking in Cambodia. |
| Cutie and the Boxer | September 18, 2015 | Zachary Heinzerling | Nominated for an Academy Award, this film explores the themes of love, sacrifice, and the creative spirit. This unfiltered narrative unfolds in the backdrop of New York City, highlighting the tumultuous 40-year marriage of renowned ""boxing"" painter Ushio Shinohara and artist Noriko Shinohara.[401] |
| Don't Tell Anyone (No Le Digas a Nadie) | September 21, 2015 | Mikaela Shwer | "Within a community where silence is perceived as vital for survival, Angy Rivera, an immigrant activist, becomes part of a generation of Dreamers determined to advocate for transformative change in the United States, the only place she has ever called home. |
| Art and Craft | September 25, 2015 | Sam Cullman, Jennifer Grausman; co-directed by Mark Becker | "Art and Craft presents a cat-and-mouse chase filled with both humor and compassion, unveiling the universal aspects of a man's quest for connection and respect.[403] |
| Ai Weiwei: The Fake Case | October 2, 2015 | Andreas Johnsen | "As the government endeavors to stifle Ai Weiwei, his emergence as China's most influential artist has transformed him into an unwavering advocate for free speech and human rights, resonating with audiences worldwide.[404] |
Season 29 (2016)
| Title | Premiere | Director | Synopsis |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Return | May 23, 2016 | Kelly Duane de la Vega, Katie Galloway | California altered its Three-strikes law in 2012, resulting in reduced sentences for countless ""lifers."" Witness the profound consequences as prisoners are released, families are upended, and legal professionals grapple with uncharted territory.[405] |
| Of Men and War | May 30, 2016 | Laurent Bécue-Renard | Explore the journey of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans and their families at a PTSD treatment center in California, as they strive to find healing, reconcile with their past, loved ones, and inner selves. |
| The Look of Silence | June 27, 2016 | Joshua Oppenheimer | In this critically acclaimed film, nominated for an Oscar and winner of over 50 accolades, an optometrist seeks out the perpetrators of his brother's murder during the harrowing Indonesian genocide of 1965. He confronts them by examining their vision and demands they acknowledge their fault.[407] |
| Pervert Park | July 11, 2016 | Frida Barkfors, Lasse Barkfors | Within the Florida Justice Transitions trailer park, a community of 120 sex offenders resides, each grappling with personal struggles while striving to reintegrate into society. This thought-provoking film delves into the exploration of breaking the destructive cycle of sexual abuse, highlighting the significance of breaking the silence surrounding this issue. |
| Iris | August 1, 2016 | Albert Maysles | The film ""Iris"" brings together Albert Maysles, a renowned documentarian in his late 80s, and Iris Apfel, a 93-year-old style icon known for her vibrant, flamboyant vibrant fashion choices and sharp wit. Iris has long been a prominent figure in the New York fashion scene, and this documentary captures their unique pairing and showcases Iris's larger-than-life presence and impact.[409] |
| The Birth of Saké | September 5, 2016 | Erik Shirai | Step into the world of Yoshida Brewery in Japan, where a diverse brotherhood of artisans, spanning ages from 20 to 70, embark on a six-month journey of near-monastic seclusion. Through this process, they meticulously craft saké, the revered rice wine of the nation. Get an exclusive glimpse behind the scenes of their dedicated craftsmanship and the profound tradition they uphold.[410] |
| All the Difference | September 12, 2016 | Tod Lending | Experience the inspiring journey of two African-American teens from Chicago's South Side, defying the odds to pursue college dreams in ""All the Difference."[411] |
| Kingdom of Shadows | September 19, 2016 | Bernardo Ruiz | In ""Kingdom of Shadows,"" filmmaker Bernardo Ruiz explores the U.S.-Mexico drug war's choices and consequences. Through the intertwined stories of a border agent, an activist nun, and a former smuggler, the documentary reveals the human side of a misunderstood conflict. This thought-provoking film, hailed as ""unforgettable"" by The New York Times, uncovers dark corners of an ongoing human-rights crisis. |
| Marathon (short) | September 19, 2016 | Theo Rigby, Kate McLean | Marathon, a short film by Theo Rigby and Kate McLean, follows the journey of Julio Sauce, an undocumented immigrant who participates in the New York City Marathon. |
| From This Day Forward | October 10, 2016 | Sharon Shattuck | Director Sharon Shattuck's father came out as transgender during her middle school years. Now, as Sharon plans her wedding, the Shattuck family reunites, prompting her to explore the resilience of her parents' marriage and the strength that held their family together. |
| Pink Boy (short) | October 10, 2016 | Eric Rockey | This intimate documentary offers a portrayal of a gender-nonconforming boy's upbringing in a conservative rural area of Florida.[415] |
| Hooligan Sparrow | October 17, 2016 | Nanfu Wang | Filmmaker Nanfu Wang risks danger and follows maverick activist Ye Haiyan (aka Hooligan Sparrow) and her band of colleagues to southern China in pursuit ofjusticee for the case of six elementary school girls allegedly sexually abused by their principal.[416] |
| Thank You for Playing | October 24, 2016 | David Osit, Malika Zouhali-Worrall | After his son's cancer diagnosis, Ryan Green and his wife begin to document their journey with a poetic video game.[417] |
| What Tomorrow Brings | October 31, 2016 | Beth Murphy | Girls in Afghanistan's first girls' school discover the disparity between the lives they lead and the lives they dream of.[418] |
| Seven Songs for a Long Life | January 30, 2017 | Amy Hardie | At this remarkable Scottish hospice center, patients face pain, uncertainty and the possibility of life's end with song and humor. [419] |
Season 30 (2017-18)
| Title | Premiere | Director | Synopsis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dalya's Other Country | June 26, 2017 | Julia Meltzer | After being displaced by the Syrian conflict, a family reinvents themselves. Dalya enrolls at a Catholic school and Rudayana goes to college as they navigate Muslim values in a new world.[420] |
| 4.1 Miles (short) | June 26, 2017 | Daphne Matziaraki | Amidst the biggest refugee crisis since WWII, Greek Coast Guard Captain Kyriakos Papadopoulos and his crew bravely strive to rescue countless migrants from the perilous waters of the Aegean Sea, despite scarce resources.[421] |
| The War Show | July 3, 2017 | Obaidah Zytoon, Andreas Dalsgaard | The War Show follows friends and journalists in Syria, starting with the 2011 Arab Spring protests and depicting the country's descent into civil war. |
| Last Men in Aleppo | July 10, 2017 | Firas Fayyad, Steven Johannessen | In war-ravaged Aleppo, citizens brace for a siege. The film depicts daily life, death, and the struggle for sanity amidst normalized conflict.[423] |
| Presenting Princess Shaw | July 17, 2017 | Ido Haar | Down on luck, aspiring musician Samantha Montgomery inspires renowned artist Kutiman to collaborate, exposing her talent to a global audience.[424] |
| Shalom Italia | July 24, 2017 | Tamar Tal Anati | Three Italian Jewish brothers embark on a Tuscany journey, seeking their childhood hiding place from Nazis. History and myth entwine in memory exploration.[425] |
| Joe's Violin (short) | July 24, 2017 | Kahane Cooperman, Raphaela Neilhausen | Holocaust survivor Joe Feingold and Bronx schoolgirl Brianna Perez bond over a musical instrument, fostering a heartfelt friendship.[426] |
| Memories of a Penitent Heart | July 31, 2017 | Cecilia Aldarondo | Aldarondo's film delves into the death of her uncle Miguel, who confronted family disapproval in the era when AIDS equated to sin. Years later, the search for Miguel's partner continues.[427] |
| Tribal Justice | August 21, 2017 | Anne Makepeace | Native American judges draw on traditional justice concepts to tackle crime's underlying causes. Mainstream courts observe with interest.[428] |
| Raising Bertie | August 28, 2017 | Margaret Byrne | African American boys in rural Bertie County, NC, confront the challenges of coming of age amidst racism, violence, poverty, and educational inequity.[429] |
| The Grown-Ups | September 4, 2017 | Maite Alberdi | Four middle-aged friends from a school for people with Down Syndrome seek autonomy in a society that marginalizes them as disabled.[430] |
| My Love, Don't Cross That River | September 11, 2017 | Jin Mo-young | After 76 years of marriage and a love that still feels new, an aging couple confronts the realities of their advancing romance.[431] |
| Swim Team | October 2, 2017 | Lara Stolman | Parents of an autistic boy create a swim team, recruiting and training teens on the spectrum to train and compete with their peers with high expectations.[432] |
| The Islands and The Whales | October 9, 2017 | Mike Day | The Faroe Islands on the North Atlantic archipelago face the threat of their traditional hunting practices being endangered, serving as a cautionary tale to the global community.[433] |
| Motherland | October 16, 2017 | Ramona S. Diaz | Explore the world's busiest maternity hospital, situated in the Philippines—a populous, under-resourced nation.[434] |
| Cameraperson | October 23, 2017 | Kirsten Johnson | A documentary comprised from footage spanning twenty-five years from the career of cinematographer Kirsten Johnson.[435] |
| Almost Sunrise | November 13, 2017 | Michael Collins & Marty Syjuco | Two friends endeavor to overcome haunting combat experiences by embarking on a 2,700-mile trek across America on foot.[436] |
Season 31 (2018-19)
| Title | Premiere | Director | Synopsis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bill Nye: Science Guy | April 18, 2018 | David Alvarado and Jason Sussberg | The former star of the popular kids' show "Bill Nye the Science Guy" is now on a mission to educate the public on science, climate change, and another science-based worldview.[437] |
| Quest[438] | June 18, 2018 | Jonathan Olshefski | Portrait of a family from North Philadelphia. |
| Singing with Angry Bird[439] | June 25, 2018 | Hyewon Jee | Jae-Chang Kim runs a children's choir in Pune, India. |
| Brimstone & Glory | July 2, 2018 | Viktor Jakovleski | The National Pyrotechnic Festival in Tultepec, Mexico.[440] |
| The Workers Cup[441][439] | July 9, 2018 | Adam Sobel | Migrant workers in Qatar preparing for the 2020 FIFA World Cup. |
| Beatrice (short)[442] | July 23, 2018 | Lorena Alvarado | Beatrice Vio contracted meningitis and now is a Paralympic fencer. |
| Lindy Lou, Juror Number 2 | July 16, 2018 | Florent Vassault | For 20 years, Lindy, a conservative, religious woman from the South, carried immense guilt from serving on a jury that sentenced a Mississippi man to death. Driven by regret, she reaches out to her fellow jurors.[443] |
| The War to Be Her | July 23, 2018 | Erin Heidenreich | Maria Toorpakai challenges the Taliban by disguising as a boy for sports in Waziristan, "one of the most dangerous places on earth", but death threats force her to leave. Undaunted, she returns to pursue her passion.[444] |
| Whose Streets? | July 30, 2018 | Sabaah Folayan, Damon Davis | "Whose Streets?" captures the Ferguson uprising, sparked by the killing of Michael Brown, as residents fight for justice and the right to live. A powerful battle cry by a new generation. Official Selection, 2017 Sundance Film Festival.[445] |
| Still Tomorrow | August 6, 2018 | Jian Fan | "Still Tomorrow" depicts the remarkable journey of Yu Xiuhua, a village woman with cerebral palsy, who becomes China's renowned poet and best-selling author. The film intertwines her personal life with the changing landscape of urbanizing China.[446] |
| Nowhere to Hide[447] | August 27, 2018 | Zaradasht Ahmed | Journey of Nori Sharif, nurse in central Iraq. |
| Voices of the Sea | September 3, 2018 | Kim Hopkins | A portrayal of the harsh realities faced by impoverished rural Cubans, focusing on a mother longing for a better life. Tensions arise within the family who are torn between staying and leaving.[448] |
| 93Queen[449] | September 17, 2018 | Paula Eiselt | Hasidic women create the first all-female volunteer ambulance corps in New York. |
| Survivors[450] | September 24, 2018 | Anna Fitch, Lansana Mansaray, Arthur Pratt, Banker White | Two health care workers in Sierra Leone face the Ebola epidemic in their country. |
| Dark Money[451] | October 1, 2018 | Kimberly Reed | The influence of untraceable corporate money on our elections and elected officials. |
| The Apology[452] | October 22, 2018 | Tiffany Hsiung | Three former "comfort women" give their first-hand accounts. |
| Minding the Gap[453] | February 18, 2019 | Bing Liu | The lives and friendships of three young men who love skateboarding. |
| 306 Hollywood | March 18, 2019 | Elan Bogarín, Jonathan Bogarín | "306 Hollywood is a magical realist documentary where siblings excavate their late grandmother's house, blending past and present. In a quest for the essence of their material legacies, they go on a journey from New Jersey to Rome.[454] |
| Wendy's Shabbat (short) | March 18, 2019 | Rachel Myers | Some senior citizens gather weekly at a Wendy's to celebrate Shabbat.[455] |
| 116 Cameras (short) | March 18, 2019 | Davina Pardo | Told through an interactive hologram, this story depicts the life of Eva Schloss, a survivor of Auschwitz and stepsister of Anne Frank.[456] |
Season 32 (2019-2020)
| Title | Premiere | Director | Synopsis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roll Red Roll | June 17, 2019 | Nancy Schwartzman | The aftermath of sexual assault at a high school football party in Steubenville, OH analyzes a culture of complicitly denial, sports machismo, and social media that factored into the tragedy.[457] |
| The Gospel of Eureka | June 24, 2019 | Donal Mosher, Michael Palmieri | In a small town in Arkansas, religious and belief differences are addressed through drag shows, passion plays, political activism, and collaborative efforts.[458] |
| Call Her Ganda | July 1, 2019 | PJ Raval | When a transgender woman from the Philippines is killed by a United States Marine, three women seek justice.[459] |
| Bisbee '17 | July 15, 2019 | Robert Greene | The 100th anniversary of the Bisbee Deportation, where over a thousand immigrant miners were forcibly removed from their residences and abandoned to their death, is being commemorated by the residents of Bisbee, Arizona.[460] |
| On Her Shoulders | July 22, 2019 | Alexandria Bombach | Nadia Murad, a 23-year-old Yazidi, recounts her endurance of genocide and sexual enslavement perpetrated by the Islamic State group.[461] |
| Inventing Tomorrow | July 29, 2019 | Laura Nix | Teen innovators present solutions for environmental challenges at the Intel International and Engineering Fair.[462] |
| The Distant Barking of Dogs | August 5, 2019 | Simon Lereng Wilmont | Amidst the on-going war in Eastern Ukraine, a ten- year old boy and his grandmother struggle to navigate life.[463] |
| Happy Winter | August 12, 2019 | Giovanni Totaro | In anticipation of the Ferragosto holiday, more than 1,000 cabins are constructed each summer on Palermo's Mondello beach. The film depicts a group of beachgoers who are struggling to maintain their social status amidst the economic crisis.[464] |
| Farmsteaders[465] | September 2, 2019 | Shaena Mallett[466] | Farmsteaders provides an honest and personal account of Nick Nolan's endeavor to revive his grandfather's dairy farm at a time when large-scale farming is becoming more prevalent. |
| Grit | September 9, 2019 | Cynthia Wade, Sasha Friedlander | A teenager mobilizes her community members to oppose a multinational natural gas drilling company, which is accused of being responsible for displacing 60,000 people in an Indonesian village overflowed in mud.[467] |
| The Silence of Others | September 30, 2019 | Robert Bahar, Almudena Carracedo | 40 years after General Francisco Franco's dictatorship in Spain, victims and survivors are still pursuing justice.[468] |
| América | October 7, 2019 | Chase Whiteside,Erick Stoll | Diego's carefree life in a surf shop is disrupted when he and his brothers take on caregiving duties for their injured grandmother.[469] |
| The Feeling of Being Watched | October 14, 2019 | Assia Boundaoui | Assia Boundaoui investigates FBI surveillance of her Muslim neighborhood in Chicago suburb, uncovering documents on "Operation Vulgar Betrayal". |
| BLOWIN' UP | October 21, 2019 | Stephanie Wang-Breal | A collective of rebels attempt to change the criminal system and the way women arrested for prostitution are treated.[471] |
| Midnight Traveler | December 30, 2019 | Hassan Fazili | After Afghan dire ctor Hassan Fazili is threatened by the Taliban, he flees with his family to seek asylum.[472] |
| The Rescue List | March 23, 2020 | Alyssa Fedele, Zachary Fink | In a rehabilitation shelter in Ghana, two children are undergoing recovery after being held captive to ensalavement by fishermen. However, their narrative takes an unforeseen twist as their rescuer sets out on a mission and seeks the assistance of the children.[473] |
Season 33 (2020-21)
| Title | Premiere | Director | Synopsis |
|---|---|---|---|
| And She Could Be Next | June 29, 2020 | Grace Lee, Marjan Safinia | A women of color-led movement aims to revolutionize politics from the grassroots level. A two episode limited series.[474] |
| We Are the Radical Monarchs | July 20, 2020 | Linda Goldstein Knowlton | The Radical Monarchs are a group of girls of color who are leading a mission for social justice |
| Advocate[476] | July 27, 2020 | Rachel Leah Jones, Philippe Bellaïche | The life of Jewish-Israeli defense attorney Lea Tsemel. |
| Chez Jolie Coiffure[477] | August 3, 2020 | Rosine Mbakam | Sabine and her employees at the beauty shop in Brussels district of Matonge advocate for migrant's rights |
| About Love | August 10, 2020 | Archana Atul Phadke | The Phadke household prepares for the wedding of one of their sons.[478] |
| Portraits and Dreams | September 7, 2020 | Wendy Ewald, Elizabeth Barret | Former students revisit their photography from the 1970s and reflect on their lives[479] |
| Love Child | September 14, 2020 | Eva Mulvad | With adultery punishable by death, a secret couple flee Iran to secure a future for their son[480] |
| In My Blood It Runs | September 21, 2020 | Maya Newell | Dujuan, an Aboriginal boy has to balance Arrernte education alongside his western education in Alice Springs, Australia[481] |
| Our Time Machine | September 28, 2020 | Yang Sun, S. Leo Chiang | A conceptual artist from China creates a "Papa's Time Machine" upon discovering that his father has Alzheimer's[482] |
| The Infiltrators | October 5, 2020 | Cristina Ibarra, Alex Rivera | To prevent deportations, young immigrants intentionally get detained by the U.S. Border Patrol.[483] |
| Softie | October 12, 2020 | Sam Soko | Activist Boniface Mwangi "Softie" runs for political office in Kenya.[484] |
| The Mole Agent | January 25, 2021 | Maite Alberdi | 83-year-old Sergio is sent to spy on a Chilean retirement home suspected of elder abuse in this Academy Award nominated documentary[485] |
| Through the Night | May 10, 2021 | Loira Limbal | Parents, caregivers, and children form strong connections at the 24 hour daycare[486] |
Season 34 (2021-22)
| Title | Premiere | Director | Synopsis |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Neutral Ground | July 5, 2021 | CJ Hunt | CJ Hunt examines the relevance of an 1865 losing army's impact on America[487] |
| Landfall | July 12, 2021 | Cecilia Aldarondo | Glimpse of Puerto Rico's reality and collective resistance post-Hurricane Maria[488] |
| Stateless | July 19, 2021 | Michèle Stephenson | An attorney advocates for Haitian Dominicans' right to citizenship .[489] |
| Mayor | July 26, 2021 | David Osit | How will a mayor run a city if he doesn't have a country?[490] |
| Pier Kids | August 2, 2021 | Elegance Bratton | Christopher Street Pier is a mecca for New York City's queer and trans youth of color[491] |
| The Song Of The Butterflies | August 30, 2021 | Nuria Frigola Torrent | Rember, an Indigenours artist travels back to his Amazonian roots[492] |
| Fruits of Labor | October 4, 2021 | Emily Cohen Ibañez | A Mexican American teenager has to be the breadwinner when ICE threatens her family[493] |
| La Casa de Mama Icha | October 18, 2021 | Oscar Molina | At the end of her life, Mama Icha returns to Columbia after decades in the US[494] |
| Things We Dare Not Do | October 25, 2021 | Bruno Santamaría | 16-year-old Ñoño from seaside village in Mexico has a secret that goes against traditional gender norms[495] |
| North By Current | November 1, 2021 | Angelo Madsen Minax | Director Angelo Madsen Minax goes back to his hometown in rural Michigan after the passing of his niece.[496] |
| Unapologetic | December 27, 2021 | Ashley O'Shay | In the wake of two police killings, Black abolitionists hold Chicago officials responsible[497] |
| Not Going Quietly | January 24, 2022 | Nicholas Bruckman | A national healthcare movement is launched by Ady Barkan after he is diagnosed with ALS.[498] |
| On The Divide | Spring 2022 | Maya Cueva, Leah Galant | Three Latinx individuals' lives converge at the abortion clinic on the Texas-Mexico border.[499] |
Season 35 (2022-23)
| Title | Premiere | Director | Synopsis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wuhan Wuhan | July 11, 2022 | Yung Chang | In the city of Wuhan, citizens come together to deal with the outbreak of a mysterious virus called COVID-19.[500] |
| Manzanar, Diverted: When Water Becomes Dust | July 18, 2022 | Ann Kaneko | Native Americans, Japanese Americans, and environmentalists in Northern California are all connected to the water owned by Los Angeles.[501] |
| Winter's Yearning | July 25, 2022 | Sidse Torstholm Larsen, Sturla Pilskog | A US company challenges Greenland's colonial past and propitious future[502] |
| He's My Brother | August 1, 2022 | Cille Hannibal, Co-director: Christine Hanberg | How can a sister secure a life of dignity for her brother, who was born with multiple disabilities?[503] |
| President | August 8, 2022 | Camilla Nielsson | A new leader challenges the corrupt ruling party in the 2018 presidential election in Zimbabwe[504] |
| Faya Dayi | August 29, 2022 | Jessica Beshir (Director/Producer) | An enticing exploration of Harar, in Ethiopia, where the euphoria-inducing plant khat reigns supreme.[505] |
| Love & Stuff | September 5, 2022 | Judith Helfand; Co-director: David Cohen | A multigenerational story that explores "How do you live without your mother?"[506] |
| Delikado | September 26, 2022 | Karl Malakunas | Locals unite at a tropical paradise and endanger their safety to defend the last ecological frontier in the Philippines.[507] |
| The Last Out | October 3, 2022 | Director/Producer: Michael Gassert, Sami Khan | To pursue their dreams of playing in the US major leagues, three Cuban baseball players take the risk of exile.[508] |
| Accepted | October 10, 2022 | Director/Producer: Dan Chen | A Louisiana prep school that guaratees 100% of its grads to college is faced with a national scandal[509] |
| An Act of Worship | August 8, 2022 | Camilla Nielsson | A collective momory and an alternative viewpoint of the American Muslim life over the last 30 years[510] |
| Midwives | November 21, 2022 | Snow Hnin Ei Hlaing | Two women run a makeshift medical clinic despite violent ethnic conflict.[511] |
| Let the Little Light Shine | December 12, 2022 | Kevin Shaw | An academic hub for Black children resist against gentrification.[512] |
| I Didn't See You There | January 9, 2023 | Reid Davenport | A filmmaker with disabilities reflects on the harmful impact of the Freak Show legacy.[513] |
Season 36 (2023-24)
| Title | Premiere | Director | Synopsis |
|---|---|---|---|
| After Sherman | June 26, 2023 | Jon-Sesrie Goff | A poetic investigation in coastal South Carolina explores Black inheritance, trauma, and wisdom amidst a violent past. [514] |
| A Story of Bones | July 3, 2023 | Joseph Curran, Dominic Aubrey de Vere | A burial site of thousands of formerly enslaved Africans is discovered on St. Helena. [515] |
| Liquor Store Dreams | July 10, 2023 | So Yun Um | Immigrant dreams and generational divides clash against the complex legacies of LA's racial landscape. [516] |
| A House Made of Splinters | July 17, 2023 | Simon Lereng Wilmont | Near the frontlines of Eastern Ukraine, social workers create a safe haven for kids in limbo. [517] |
| Eat Your Catfish | July 24, 2023 | Adam Isenberg, Noah Amir Arjomand, Senem Tüzen | An intimate portrait of a woman with ALS and her family teetering on the brink. [518] |
| Children of the Mist | July 31, 2023 | Hà Lệ Diễm | In rural Northern Vietnam, a Hmong girl is caught between tradition and modernity.[519] |
| While We Watched | September 4, 2023 | Vinay Shukla | Journalist Ravish Kumar stands his ground in a world of fake news. [520] |
| Bulls & Saints | September 18, 2023 | Rodrigo Dorfman | An undocumented family decides to return home after two decades of living in the US. [521] |
| Uýra: The Rising Forest | September 25, 2023 | Juliana Curi | In the Amazon forest, Uýra is a trans-indigenous artist on a journey of self-discovery. [522] |
| Murders That Matter | October 2, 2023 | Marco Williams | A mother transforms from a victim of violent trauma into a fierce advocate against gun violence in Black communities. [523] |
| Aurora’s Sunrise | October 23, 2023 | Inna Sahakyan | After she survives a genocide, a teenage girl makes a meteoric rise to Hollywood stardom. [524] |
| Fire Through Dry Grass | October 30, 2023 | Andres "Jay" Molina | An unlikely group of nursing home residents document their lives on lockdown during Covid and kickstart a movement. [525] |
| Wisdom Gone Wild | November 20, 2023 | Rea Tajiri | In a vibrant tender cine-poem, a woman with dementia reinvents herself. [526] |
| How To Have An American Baby | December 11, 2023 | Leslie Tai | A kaleidoscopic voyage into the Chinese birth tourism industry in the US. [527] |
| Brief Tender Light | January 15, 2024 | Arthur Musah | A Ghanaian MIT alum follows four African students at his alma mater as they strive to become agents of change back home. [528] |
| unseen | March 18, 2024 | Set Hernandez | As a blind, undocumented immigrant, an aspiring social worker confronts the uncertainty of life. [529] |
Season 37 (2024-25)
| Title | Premiere | Director | Synopsis |
|---|---|---|---|
| King Coal | TBD | Elaine McMillion Sheldon | The filmmaker, a fourth generation coal miner’s daughter, meditates on the complex history and future of the coal industry, the communities it has shaped, and the myths it has created. [530] |
References
External links
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